You must return the car under these conditions:
- With no miles in excess of what the contract allows. (The contract must allow for 250 miles.)
- With all original paperwork.
- In the same condition it was received.
- Free of tickets or liens.
Full Answer
Can you return a car after purchasing it?
Remember, the option to return a car after purchase is at the dealer’s discretion. It’s not a state or federal law. However, returns do happen. So keep in mind that a dealer’s return policy generally applies to used or pre-owned cars. Some dealers offer a return policy if you bring back the car within a certain number of days or miles.
Is it cheaper to have all cars on one policy?
This is because if there are two or more cars under the same policy this costs the insurer less because it only has to issue one policy document. However, despite a number of insurers, such as Direct Line and Admiral Insurance, claiming these policies will save you money, this doesn’t apply to everyone.
Could I change my car or cancel my policy?
Yes. Many insurers let you transfer your current policy to another car, although this may vary between insurers, and insurers are free to decline to cover your new car at their discretion. Generally, insurers want to keep customers, so transferring your policy to another car can be done easily. Simply contact your insurer and ask.
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.
What is the return policy for buying a car?
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. The dealer who sold you the car is usually not legally obligated to take the car back and issue you a refund or exchange after you've signed the sales contract.
Can you return a car if you don't like it?
In general, car dealerships don't take returns or offer return policies. But there are a few exceptions, including some that are part of your rights as a consumer. These rights protect you if you have been scammed or cheated in your car purchase.
Is there a cooling off period when buying a car?
Buying a car in person from a dealership A vehicle order signed on the dealer's premises has no cooling-off period. Once you sign it, you are legally committed to everything shown on the form. In other words, you've bought a car.
Can I return a car on finance within 14 days?
Yes, if you change your mind and no longer want to continue with your car finance agreement, you have 14 days to reject it. This time is also known as the cooling off period. Your 14 days start on either the day that you sign your agreement or the day that you received a signed copy it, whichever happened later.
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 to do if you have buyer's remorse on a car?
Other Options to Consider: Selling Your Vehicle. An alternative to returning a car that you now have buyer's remorse on is to sell it . You can also trade it in for a different vehicle. The most challenging part of this is that a new car depreciates almost immediately when you drive it off the dealership lot.
How to make sure you're getting the car you want?
There are some precautions you can take to make sure that you're getting the car you want and, more importantly, a vehicle that you can afford. Know the Car's Value. Before you start going to dealerships, you must know what the fair market value is for your prospective vehicle.
What happens if you can't make car payments?
If you can't make your car payments and you can't sell your car or get refinancing, then you might be able to get in touch with your lender and opt for a voluntary repossession. If you do this, you might be off the hook for repossession costs, which the lender would otherwise stick you with an involuntary repossession.
How long can you drive a car home?
Usually, this is something like two to three days where you can drive the car home and, if you're not fully satisfied, you can bring it back. The dealership will likely impose mileage restrictions on top of the time limit, and they will also likely charge a restocking fee if you return it.
How to know how much car you can afford?
It's also crucial to know how much car you can afford. Start by getting a preapproval so that you have some idea what your interest rate and loan amount might be . It's also a good idea to take a look at your monthly expenses and find out what kind of car payment amount will fit in comfortably. Take a Good Test-Drive.
What happens if you end up with a car?
If you end up with a vehicle like this, the car dealer usually has some time to rectify the problem so that the vehicle is safe and usable again. If they can't do it after a certain number of attempts, then the buyer is generally eligible for a refund or replacement vehicle with a similar value.
What to do if you don't like a car?
Take note of anything that you don't like during that process. Even small annoyances can later turn out to be big problems and leave you with buyer's remorse. If you don't love the vehicle, then it's probably a good idea to take some extra time to make a decision. Don't Rush.
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.