This month's USAA member newsletter has twelve Car-Buying Secrets from a former car salesman who got out after 6 months in the biz. One of the things he advocated was when shopping for a used car......take your potential purchase to your mechanic for an independent inspection. A good tech will spot hidden problems. Independent inspections usually run $75to$100. It's the best 100 bucks you'll ever spend on a car.That shiny apple may contain a lemon inside. Have an expert peel back the skin so you're not stuck with unexpected and costly repairs down the line.

(Photo: Andriy writes:It seems as I'm falling a victim to a Yo-Yo Car Financing | Spot Delivery Scam from a car dealer...

I purchased a new Toyota (scion) vehicle at a dealership exactly 2 weeks ago. I drove away. The total price was $20600 - I left a $500 down-payment. 13% APR in my contract. $470 payments for 60 months. Finance manager pressured me into purchasing GAP and extended warranty (around $2100 total) saying that banks would likely grant me a loan if I show them I'm serious about investment. Well, my credit is sub-prime (620 FICO) with few accts that are almost falling off and 2 recent ones for a few hundred bucks. But I still smelled something fishy though...

To make a long story short - last Friday, finance manager called me and told me he wasn't able to obtain financing through 5 banks. I told him I had a blank check from Capital One, that I'd be willing to use after verification process - so I'm working on that now. He said that's fine. But he also asked if I could put more money down, to which I said "NO", explaining that my rent and other monthly expenses need to be covered. I'm in the process of repaying debts to my friends, so I'm not able to put more money right now.

My question is - what happens if Capital One doesn't finance? Am I correct believing that I'd have to return the car back to the dealer? Will they refund my $500 down payment? What about car not being new anymore and having 1300 miles. I heard about dealers asking to bring car back before - but not sure how the process goes. I have that long contract on my hands with APR and payments, etc. - and it says Toyota Motor Finance. I actually don't mind bringing car back to punish them *they knew what my credit was like*, I'm just worried about down-payment. I think they'll try to pressure me into higher APR / payment situation. Do you know what the proper course of action is?That sucks and they're totally tying to scam you. Check out ForbesAutos has ten things you should never say to a car dealer, unless you feel like beefing up his kid's college fund. Hit the link to find out their rationale. The basic premise is hide your assets and weaknesses until the right moment, to not say stupid crap, and watch out for the little maneuvers that hand over control to the salesman.

10. "I think you can do a lot better than that."
9. "Sure, I'll look at the numbers with you."
8. "What's the lowest price you can give me?"
7. "I'll take whatever the popular options are."
6. "Oh, I've wanted one of these all my life."
5. "I'm not sure...which model do you think I need?"
4. "I'm only buying the car with cash."
3. "Yes, I have a trade-in."
2. "I can afford this much per month."
1. "I'm ready to buy now."

Things to Never Say to a Dealer [ForbesAutos]

Local Columnist Gets Consumerist Reader's Complaint Fixed [Success Stories]

One of our readers, Colin Madine, was able to get his consumer complaint resolved after contacting the Chicago Sun-Times "The Fixer" consumer advocacy columnist.

The issue was that he had bought a $300 service coupon book in 2006 with his Honda Odyssey minivan. These coupons were for free oil changes, discounted repairs, etc. The new owners of the dealership had decided not to honor the coupons. The were immovable. When The Fixer got involved, she tracked down the original dealership owner who ended up refunding Colin for the coupon book.

Takeaway: we're not the only shame game in town. Especially if your complaint is with a local business, try seeing if your local newspaper or news channel has a "Fixer" or "Trouble Shooter Team" you can get involved.

[Chicago Sun-Times]

Brecht BMW Tells Customer "Go Back To Volkswagon, You Don't Deserve To