- The buyer must return the vehicle:
- To the dealer where purchased by close of business within two days, or within the time-frame allowed by the contract.
- Without exceeding the miles permitted by the contract.
- With all original receipts for the sale and contract cancellation option agreement.
- In the same condition as received, except for reasonable wear and tear and defects or mechanical problems which occurred after the buyer took possession of the vehicle.
- Free of all liens and encumbrances, other than those created by the sales contract.
Full Answer
Can you return a car you just bought?
In most cases, you will not be able to return a car you just bought — but there are a few exceptions to this rule to be aware of if you end up in a less than ideal situation with a new vehicle. If you’ve purchased a new or used car and you’re having second thoughts about it, in most cases, you won’t be able to return the car.
Can you return a financed car back to the dealer?
Similar to lemon laws, there may be a time limit on how long you have to return a financed car back to the dealer. In some instances, a dealer may accept the return of a financed vehicle if it's necessary to avoid repossession. What's important to keep in mind here is that a vehicle's value depreciates quickly.
Can I return the car I just financed?
If you’ve bought a car on finance and found that you can no longer afford the monthly repayments then it is sometimes possible to cancel the contract and hand the car back to the finance company. However, your ability to do so depends on the type of finance you have and how much money you have already paid off.
What is California's new car return policy?
- The buyer must return the vehicle:
- To the dealer where purchased by close of business within two days, or within the time-frame allowed by the contract.
- Without exceeding the miles permitted by the contract.
- With all original receipts for the sale and contract cancellation option agreement.
How many days do you have to return a car?
There is no set number of days for returning a car since it is not a common occurrence. For the most part, once the contract has been signed, you c...
What is the best way to return a car?
You'll want to start with the sales manager and plead your case. If that doesn't work, try the general manager. But since returning a vehicle isn't...
Can I return a car if I don't like it?
No. Buyer's remorse or "I changed my mind and I don't like this car" isn't a valid reason to return a vehicle. Make sure to do all your research an...
Is it bad to return a car to the dealer?
It isn't "bad" to return a car to the dealer, but it is bad to get your hopes up that this will actually work. In most cases, you can't return a ve...
Can I Return a Car I Just Bought?
No federal laws exist that outline a return period following a vehicle’s purchase. The one exception is lemon laws, which allow a customer to retur...
Can I Return a Car I Bought on Finance?
The option to return a car after purchase — including those financed — is at the dealer’s discretion. It’s not a state or federal law. And keep in...
Can I Return a Car I Bought Privately?
There is no guarantee you can return a car you purchased from a private individual. It’s up to the individual seller’s discretion as to whether or...
How long does it take to cancel a car purchase?
The Federal Trade Commission’s “cooling-off” rule — established in the 1970s — allows consumers 3 days to cancel a transaction. This rule often gets tossed around if a consumer wants to return a car just purchased.
What to do if you don't want a car?
Sell the car. If you absolutely don’t want the vehicle, you might be able to sell the car in a “like-new” condition. The IRS generally defines a new car as one that is not registered for personal use with a state Department of Motor Vehicles.
How long does a car have to be in lemon law?
The car buyer must discover the defect within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles of use. The lemon law covers all new, used, and leased cars still covered by the manufacturer’s vehicle warranty. . Suppose a vehicle gets deemed irreparable after good-faith attempts to fix its flaws.
What is the role of depreciation in car sales?
But the immediate car depreciation plays a vital role in consumer protection laws surrounding auto sales. The valuation of a car depends on whether it is considered new or used. The MSRP of a new vehicle at a dealership depends on manufacturer and dealer markups and other factors that influence a new car’s price.
How much does the sales tax rule apply to?
The rule applies to purchases of more than $25 and specific kinds of sales tactics like the ones made in your home by pushy door-to-door salesmen. It also applies to sales conducted at a place other than the retailers’ usual place of business or permanent retail location.
How many miles can you depreciate a car?
If your car has fewer than 200 miles , you might be able to recover some of the depreciated value. Upgrade your options. If you have no other options, try upgrading the model you purchased with optional aftermarket features, like an improved sound system or improved performance features to make it more enjoyable.
Can I refinance my car loan?
Refinance. When you purchase your car with a bank loan, you might have the option to refinance your loan to lower the rate. While you still need to keep the vehicle you may not want, you may be able to reduce the payments you are required to make or shorten or extend the term of the loan you are required to repay.
How to find out if a car dealer accepts returns?
The easiest way to find out whether a dealer accepts returns is to ask — ideally, before you make a purchase. If it’s too late for that, being able to return the car typically depends on the dealer’s policies.
How to return a car if you can't afford to pay?
Refinance your loan. If you want to return your car because you can’t afford to make the monthly payments, consider refinancing your car loan first. You may be able to reduce your monthly payment with a lower interest rate or longer term.
How long does repossession affect credit?
To make matters worse, your lender may still report the repossession to the credit bureaus, which could negatively affect your credit scores and credit reports for up to seven years. If you’re unable to make your car payments, a voluntary repossession should be your last resort.
How long can you take a car back?
If you buy a car from a dealer that explicitly allows returns, you’ll typically be able to take the car back as long as you follow the terms of the policy. Policies may restrict this to a certain time period (seven days, for example) with certain mileage limits.
What to do if you no longer want a car?
If you decide you no longer want the car, or you can’t afford it, you can sell your vehicle or trade it in for a less expensive vehicle. Websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA can help you determine the fair market value of the car.
Do car dealers have to return cars?
Car dealers are usually not obligated to let you return a car. In most cases, it’s up to dealer policies (unless otherwise required by law). Just don’t forget to do your homework before you start car shopping. This should help prevent you from being in a situation where you need to return the car.
Do I have to pay off my car loan before selling it?
If you financed your purchase, selling the car may be a bit trickier. You’ll need to pay off the remaining loan balance before selling, so that the title can be transferred to the new owner. And if you sell the car for less than what you owe on the loan, you’ll have to pay the difference.
What happens if you return a car?
Remember that if you do return the car, you’re liable for any damage you may have caused to it. If you spot damage before or on collection, confirm this with the seller immediately and have them declare in writing that it was already there.
What to do if you have any doubts about a car?
If you have any doubts about the vehicle, ask for confirmation about the age and condition of the car. Legally, cars must be roadworthy and safe to drive. If they aren’t, then the seller is legally obliged to tell you and you must both agree it’s being bought for scrap or to be repaired at a cost to the buyer.
What happens if a car doesn't match the description?
If the car doesn’t match the description, or the seller is no longer operating, you could contact your bank about a “chargeback application”. This is where the bank tries to reverse the transaction.
Do fair use policies apply to cars?
Fair use policies will also apply in the event of any damage to the vehicle happening while in your care. These Regulations only apply if the whole buying process is done online – collecting and signing for the car on premises, or test driving the car before you buy it, could mean they no longer apply.
Do Car Dealerships Accept Returns?
Most dealers won’t allow buyers to return cars they’ve recently purchased. Once you've signed a sales contract, the dealer usually isn’t obligated to take the car back or offer a refund or exchange. That said, there are some exceptions to this general rule.
Why Return a Car to the Dealer?
There are several reasons you might want to return your recently purchased vehicle.
If the Dealer Won't Take the Car Back..
If you are unable to return the car and cannot find relief through filing a complaint, you still have a few options, though none are ideal. You could...
Let's Summarize..
Although there are certain exceptions, you can’t generally return a car you just bought to the dealer. Some dealers have a return policy, but most don’t. If you want to return a vehicle, in most cases the dealer will be the one who decides whether they’ll allow it or not.
How long is the cooling off period for auto dealers?
Federal law allows for a three-day cooling off period on many transactions, but it only applies to businesses without permanent establishments that practice high-pressure, door-to-door sales tactics; it explicitly exempts auto dealers.
What does it mean when a car is a lemon?
Discovering your car is a lemon — meaning it suffers from consistent, unrepairable mechanical problems — is not typically something that would happen in the first few days of ownership. Every state has its own lemon laws and its own definition of what constitutes a lemon.
How many carmax dealerships are there?
Carmax has 190 dealerships around the U.S.
Can you cancel a car purchase if you have buyer's remorse?
There are no federal or state laws protecting car buyers who experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a new car. Some states give buyers of used cars the right to cancel a transaction, while others leave it up to the discretion of the dealer.
Can you return a used car if you bought a used car?
You’ll have the most luck returning a vehicle if you bought a used or certified pre-owned (CPO) car. If you bought a new car, it technically became a used car the moment you drove it off the lot. If a dealer agreed to take it back, they would have to re-sell that otherwise brand-new vehicle as a used vehicle.
Can a dealer take a car off the lot?
Well, once you’ve signed a contract and driven a vehicle off the lot, the cold, hard reality is that a dealer is under no legal obligation to take it back. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck, though; it all depends on your approach to the situation.
Does refinancing lower your monthly payment?
This can bring down your monthly payment but does typically extend the length of your loan (and the overall interest you end up paying). The upside is that you may also be able to get a lower interest rate by refinancing without hurting your credit score.
How long do you have to return a car after cooling off?
You have the right to cancel from the moment you place the order until 14 days from when you get your car. But you’ll have to return the car within 14 days.
What are my rights if I buy a used car on a credit card?
If you’ve bought a used car from a dealer and things go wrong, you’re protected under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the car you’ve bought is above £100 but below £30,000 then you should be covered.
How to avoid buying a car from a fraudulent seller?
To avoid buying the car from a fraudulent seller, always try to view the car at the owner’s property. You may be asked to meet at a mutually convenient location, but try to avoid that. When the viewing takes place, record the address. This is in case something goes wrong and you need to take legal action.
How to get rid of a dodgy car?
To get rid of dodgy cars quickly, dealers sometimes pose as private sellers. When viewing, keep an eye out for other cars for sale parked around the property. And be on guard if you contact the seller about a car and they don’t know which one you’re talking about.
What does it mean to buy a car through a dealership?
Buying through a dealership also means you have some rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. The car you’re buying must: Be fit for purpose. Be of satisfactory quality. Match its description. Before you part with your money, make sure you’re happy with the condition of the car for its age and price.
Can you buy a used car from a private seller?
Your rights when buying a used car from a private seller. You might get a cheaper price buying from a private seller, but it’s more of a risk - you have fewer rights if something goes wrong. The seller must be legally allowed to sell the vehicle. The car has to match its description.
Can I get a refund for a used car?
Your rights if you buy a used car on a debit card. It’s sometimes possible to get a refund through your bank – which is known as a chargeback application. It’s not a legal right and it’s only possible if there’s enough money in the company’s bank account to meet the cost. Your bank will try to reverse the transaction.