Philip Reed

Yo-Yo Financing: Don't Fall for This Car-Buying Speed Trap

When car buyers take possession of a vehicle before their financing arrangements are complete, they're risking a big money mess if the loan falls through. And some less scrupulous dealers will take advantage. Here's what you need to know to avoid the yo-yo financing trap.

Buyer Beware: Flooded Vehicles Are Coming

Hurricanes Irene and Lee flooded thousands of cars across the Northeast, totaling them. Such heavily damaged vehicles get "salvage" titles to warn potential buyers, but thanks to greedy scammers and lax interstate oversight, many of those "total losses" are about to resurface on America's used car lots -- with clean titles.