Layaway plan might be cover for fraud

Dear Terry,
I went to a car dealership and I saw a beautiful 1999 Dodge Dakota with 75,000 miles for $2,995. This car dealership usually offers "buy here, pay here," but the dealer said that since this truck has such low miles, I have to buy it straight out.

So he offered me a deal to buy it over time and keep it there until it's paid for. I gave him $1,000 down and came back a few days later and started the truck up and heard a ticking noise from the front end. It ended up being the motor, so I asked for my money back. He refused. What can I do?
-- Ryan

Dear Ryan,
I've never heard of what department stores used to call a "layaway plan" being applied to a vehicle. I'd contact your state consumer fraud division and see if it can unravel this mess. Good luck.

Here are this week's reader questions:

• Small-car bargains disappearing fast • Do 'teaser rate' car loans exist? • Am I paying too much interest? • Can I get a refund if the motor fails?

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