After spending hours in the auto dealership negotiating the best price for your new car, all you want to do is sign the papers and go home! But wait! You don't sign the purchase agreement with your salesperson. That would be too easy. Instead, you will talk with someone in the finance department. Well, okay. How difficult can that be since you have a pre-approved loan with your credit union? As your salesperson ushers you through the door, you get an uneasy feeling as he or she leaves.

You're right. This isn't going to be quick or easy. Depending on the personality of the person in the finance department, you're in for another rounf of sales chatter and arm twisting. "Finance" people earn commissions on selling you after-market products ranging from undercoating (rustproofing) to multiple-year extended warranties. Trying to sell you any or all of these items can consume two hours of your time. And since they now have the magic papers for you to sign, you are trapped.

Here's an easy way for you to avoid all this potential aggravation (and by the way, we don't recommend buying any after-market items): Tell your salesperson, before agreeing to a sale price, tat you would appreciate his expediting your paperwork after the sale is agreed upon because you do not wish to buy any after-market items. If he says he can't do that or he doesn't know what you are talking about, politely thank him, get up and leave. He will most likely follow you and tell you he'll see what he can do. If not, find a nice dealership who will grant you your wish.