- General “Lemon Laws”. Every state has its own particular laws concerning the sale of automobiles. ...
- General Return Policy. Contrary to popular perception, dealers are not required by law to grant used car buyers a three-day right to cancel the purchase (sometimes expressed as a “buyer’s ...
- FTC Used Car Rule. In an effort to both protect the consumer and encourage fair commerce, the FTC requires dealers (those who sell more than six cars a year) to ...
- “As Is”. A common custom for used car dealers is to offer the vehicle “as is.” This means that the car has no warranty.
Full Answer
Can you return used car if it has problems?
Yes, if your used car breaks down or needs expensive repairs soon after you bought it from a dealer. *You cannot return a used car and cancel the sale simply because you have changed your mind. The law has no "cooling off" period after you buy a car. Once you sign the contract, the car is yours. Read Tips for Buying a Used Car.
Can I return an used car purchased from a dealer?
When you buy a used car from a dealer and sign a cancellation clause, you can return it as long as you return it within the conditions of the cancellation agreement. In California, licensed dealers must offer consumers who purchase a used car the option to buy a 2-day cancellation before they sign the contract.
Can you return an used car back to the dealership?
Yes, you can return a car to a dealership, even if the dealer’s policy says no returns. You will need proof that the dealer lied about the condition of the vehicle, or the price, or the finance terms. How do I return a car to the dealership?
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 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 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...
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.
Where to file a complaint against a car dealership?
Your state attorney general's office is another place to look for information on how to file a complaint against a car dealership. The National Association of Attorneys General lists the state attorneys general and their offices' websites. From there you can find information on laws and the complaint process.
What to do if you don't like a car?
You can say that you have discovered you don't like the car or that it will stretch your budget and put you in dire financial straits. If you have buyer's remorse, you can call the salesperson first as a courtesy, but be prepared to contact someone higher up in dealership management, such as the sales manager, general manager or owner.
Does the cooling off rule apply to cars?
It explicitly doesn't apply to automobiles. If you signed the sales contract, you own the car. And the law is on the side of the seller.
Is a car a lemon?
It takes time and repeated visits to the service bay to legally establish that a car is a lemon in order to have a vehicle considered under the Lemon Law. Make sure you brush up on the lemon laws in your state to help determine if this is the proper course of action. But sometimes a buyer quickly decides the car is defective and wants to exchange it for a different one or cancel the deal.
