Bushing Scams

Bushing occurs when a dealer attempts to change the terms of a sale agreement more than four business days after the deal was signed. Also known as “spot delivery” or “yo-yo” sales, this switcheroo is strictly forbidden under Washington state law, RCW 46.70.180(4), and is a per se violation of the state Consumer Protection Act. 

Dealer Obligations

Under the law, car dealers are allowed four working days to find financing and finalize a sale after a buyer has signed a contingent contract.  If the financing falls through, the dealer must tell the buyer that the contract is voided and return any initial payment or security given by the buyer, including but not limited to money, check, promissory note, vehicle keys, trade-in or certificate of title.  This must occur before re-negotiating a new contract with different terms and before the end of the fourth working day If a dealer calls the buyer back more than four days after the contract was executed to change the deal (even if the new terms are favorable), bushing has occurred.

Dealers often sell a trade-in vehicle within 24 hours of receiving it. The buyer should be entitled to the cash value of the trade-in, if the trade-in has been sold.  If the dealer over-values the trade-in, the buyer is still entitled to the cash value of the trade-in as listed in the contract.

Calculating business days