i've done that..not with a car situation though.

i would try to write down a list of questions and take it there or even have two lists, one for them and one for yourself to write things down while there or they could write the answers down for you.

when i go to the bank, i often get them to write things down for me. if it's other situations without sensitive information like a bank, i will get people to email me back answers to questions after i provide them with a list.

i cannot retain information well, so that is something that helps me if i'm not 100% with it during things like that.