Tips on Buying Cars: New Car Purchase, new car purchase, cash receipt

Question
QUESTION: I negotiated the purchase of a new vehicle for $17000 drive out (Price included all TTL).  I then decided to have the dealer add power windows and door locks for an additional $800 to make the drive out price $17800. I made a $600 cash deposit and received a cash receipt for a $600 deposit on the vehicle VINxxxxxxxxx drive out $17800.

My wife went to the dealership with a cashiers check for $17200 (personal funds) and met with the finance officer to complete the transaction. When she reviewed the purchase documents she was told that the numbers didn't match because they had to adjust everything to account for a mfg rebate and get the total including TTL to total the agreed $17800 out the door price. The amount 17799.99 was shown to her on the document as the due on delivery amount because the taxes didn't work out exactly. Due to the distraction she didn't notice the credit for the $600 deposit had been already been credited and the finance officer added to the charade by telling her he needed funds in the amount of $17199.99.  Hidden in her stack of document was a conditional delivery agreement which she unwittingly signed. We took the car for 2 days and returned it to have the accessories installed.  Prior to returning the vehicle to us we received a call from a different finance manager telling us we owe a additionl $600.

I live in Round Rock, Texas, the contract was signed May 8, 2009, the vehicle was returned to the dealer for the accessories installation on May 11, 2009 and is still in the dealers  possesion.  At this point I would prefer to void the sale and get all my money back.  Second choice would be for the dealership to honor the agreement specified on the receipt for deposit. I know this is a well orchestrated scam but I need to know what options I have and how to deal with the dealer.....

ANSWER: Al,

Thanks for your question.  Your options are somewhat limited.  You can not bring the car back, because you took delivery of the vehicle.  Since the documents were signed by you, unless the buyers order says paid in full on it, then you are somewhat in a pickle.  You can take it to court, and you might win, but might not.  I know you know this, but your wife should have never signed those documents, but because she did you are kind of bound do it.  If I were you I would call and speak to the GENERAL MANAGER of the dealership and explain the situation, and let him/her resolve it.  

Hope this helps a little.

Thanks - JB

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Assume I have to pay the additional money..... How should I complete the transaction to be sure I don't get another call?
Should I insist that the title and a signed document stating that no additional charges are pending be delivered along with the vehicle?

Thanks - AP

With the mess at Chrysler, I'm concerned that the dealership might be closed while the vehicle and my payments are in the dealers possession.....

Answer
Al,

That is a good question.  When you complete the transaction and pay the additional money, have the finance manager or general manager, or some dealership authority write the words "paid in full" on your buyers order, and theirs, and sign and date it.  Also, make sure that you get their business card and attach it to your documentation for future reference.  Everything should be completed when you finish the transaction.  Now the title on the other hand, will come from the state, they won't be able to give that to you, but your documentation should be sufficient in court should you have any other issues.

Thanks - JB