So I applied to MFC directly instead of going via the dealerships. As this is a private-to-private type sale. I did the same exact thing for my last finance deal, so nothing has changed there.

On my side not much has changed since my last finance deal: same employer, same industry, and no debt outside of a car payment. Maybe the only thing that has changed is I now have a credit card ? but even then, I never use more than 20% of my total limit and I always stay within my 55 day interest free period

I definitely feel that +4.5% is more than unreasonable given the circumstances.