Just a qn:
When you book a car, you need to pay COE deposit and the Car
deposit.
Are they fully refundable?
Here's the answer to your question:
1. COE Deposit - Yes, you need to pay a small sum of money
(minimum usually about 1k - 2k for them to bid COE for you. So that
you wont say that you DON'T WANT the COE after they got it for
you.
They will refund you the deposit through cheque mailed to your
home at the end (4 or 6 biddings depending on agreement) if you
never secure COE.
2. Downpayment - Usually they only ask for your downpayment
after you got your COE (Usually 5K. In some cases, can even be
lower than that or no downpayment required - applies to $0
driveaway)
3. After that, they will secure a bank loan for you. Once
everything is done, they will register the car with LTA (get
vehicle no).
4. Meet with SE to pay road tax (usually first 6 months free),
car insurance (sometimes free insurance for first year) and
downpayment.
5. Go through few rounds of inspection (ADs do that, PI not
sure)
6. Receive call from SE to collect your beloved ride 
Took me close to 3 weeks to get my Carens. (considered fast, cos
i never opt for Sports Rim and Leather Seats, need to top up 2K..
failed to squeeze any freebies from the SE)
