Consumer groups urge Congress to regulate dealer financing

Anyone who has ever bought a car and had the purchase financed by a dealership knows what a sweaty-palm experience it can be.

Even the savviest of consumers are likely to blanch after the credit manager runs all the numbers and comes up with a payment that seems way higher than anticipated. And what about all those extra costs? Are they really legit?

It's these concerns and more that are the impetus behind several groups' opposition to an auto-dealer exemption from legislation being fashioned by Congress to create a new consumer watchdog agency. Members of the House Financial Services Committee are expected to vote on the legislation Thursday.