6 shifts in car shopping

How can I reduce my car debt burden?

Dear Terry,
OK, I knew that I possibly would have to suffer consequences out of desperation for a used car, but little did I know it would get this out of control.

I signed an agreement to keep this car for at least 18 months until eligible for trade. I am now in regret because I am suffering so much trauma being "out of pocket" with this car. I am paying literally $170 every two weeks for this car.

I signed an arbitration agreement that states that I can dispute the agreement and go into court. But how (with the least amount of hassle) can I get this reduced, or even be eligible for trade earlier than anticipated?
-- Rugi

Dear Rugi,
I am going to make some assumptions here: You bought a used car from a "buy-here, pay-here'' used car lot, and it's the dealer who gets your biweekly payments rather than a traditional lender, such as a bank. That's why you have this bizarre agreement that you can't trade the vehicle -- presumably back to the dealer -- for at least 18 months.

I don't know what the lending laws are in your state, but it might be worth contacting your state's consumer affairs bureau to have them look over your contract. Something seems fishy here. When buying a vehicle, you should be free to trade it or sell it at any time provided the loan amount is covered.