Last month I bought a 2008 Ford Ranger. I submitted my financial information, was approved for a loan and drove off in my brand new pickup. One week later I received a call from the dealership informing me that "the bank" required an additional down payment.

Now it's true that I hadn't used credit in years, so my credit report was not rated, but I had the income, employment and rental history and a down payment which I explained was my absolute limit. All this was presented upfront.

Throughout this car-buying experience, I was asked for more money and each time I stood firm. I asked for the keys to my car back (which they took up front when they test-drove my vehicle). I explained that I wanted to buy, I didn't need to buy. I would come back another time when I had more money to put down. "No, we'll work something out..." was their reply.

Two hours turned into three. This was taking longer than closing on a home. I explained I needed to get on the road. I was heading out of town. Again, I was told: "we'll make a deal..." All the while I sat with the salesman, chatting amicably, while his sales manager worked with the credit manager.

Finally, I pushed for my keys and got them. Sensing I was ready to walk, I was ushered into the credit manager's office and the paper signing began. I called my insurance company and was relieved to be leaving the dealership at last. And I was very pleased to be driving out of town in my brand new truck.

The call from the dealership informed me the contract was null and void. Could I come up with more money down? I refused. After some emails and phone calls back and forth, I set up a time to bring the truck back and pick up my car.

Even though I had called ahead, they were not ready when I arrived. The same either stall tactics or incompetence existed. Ever-so-slowly the recission proceeded. Some office underling had me sign the contract recission. Yet another tried to locate my car. As 30 minutes approached an hour, the credit manager arrived. I asked if anyone was going to inspect the truck. He rushed by me, stopping, not looking me in the eyes and said: "I'm going to prepare your refund..." He did look me in the eyes when he handed me the check. We both mumbled something polite about sorry things didn't work out.

Still I waited for my car to be found. A little over an hour after my arrival my car was located and returned. The lot attendant apologized and said noone told him which lot to find the car. I inspected my vehicle, satisfied that it was in good condition, as far as I could see, I left the dealership.

A few weeks after my car-buying fiasco I mentioned it to a friend. He said the same thing happened to him once and he did come up with the extra money. I told him I considered this let-the-drive-the-new-car and take-it-back technique blackmail.

I was absolutely clear on what I would put down and I refused to put down one penny more.

Several more weeks later I was meeting with my cousin regarding some excavating. I mentioned my car-buying incident to him. I had forgotten he used to be a car salesman. He chuckled and said: ..."we used to do it all the time. Ninety - ninety-five percent of the people come up with the extra cash. It adds to the dealership's profits..."

Now, I'm glad it all happened, maybe not for the way it happened. But it was shortly after I returned the truck that my dream property dropped in my lap. I close next week. And I'm not sattled with a car note. My Toyota Camry and I are driving along just fine.