Can you return a car?

Some dealers provide an option for the buyer to return the car. If this is the case, these terms will be in your purchase contract.

Carmax is known to extend this offer. "5-Day Money-Back Guarantee - We know that not every car is perfect for every person, so all used CarMax cars can be returned for any reason within a 5-day period. See your Sales Consultant for written details."

Hyundai is also extending this offer in 2009 - but it only applies if you lose your job. Check out the details here.

There is no "cooling off" period unless you obtain a contract cancellation option. YOU MUST PURCHASE THIS OPTION WHEN BUYING THE CAR.

Consumers who purchase a used car for less than $40,000 must be given an opportunity to purchase a two-day Contract Cancellation Option Agreement. The contract cancellation option does not apply to used cars priced at $40,000 or more, new cars, private party sales, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, recreational vehicles, or vehicles sold for business or commercial use.

The following indicates how much you can expect to pay if you choose to purchase the contract cancellation option:

* $75 for a vehicle costing $5,000 or less;
* $150 for a vehicle costing more than $5,000, but not more than $10,000;
* $250 for a vehicle costing more than $10,000, but not more than $30,000; or
* One percent of the purchase price for a vehicle costing more than $30,000, but not more than $39,999.99

If you choose to return the vehicle, within the time specified, the dealer can charge a maximum restocking fee of:

* $175 for a vehicle costing $5,000 or less;
* $350 for a vehicle costing more than $5,000, but less than $10,000; or
* $500 for a vehicle costing $10,000 but less than $40,000.

The official government web site is http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr35.htm

Be certain to get everything in writing. For example, if you're told that you can turn the return the car within a certain number of days, don't take the salesman's word for it, get it in writing as part of the contract, not just on a blank piece of paper signed by the salesman. Usually, if it is not on the printed contract, it is not binding.

If the paint is peeling, the light switch came out when you pulled on it, the car makes "funny noises" but otherwise drives just fine, or you found 10 things you don't like about your new car but none of them prevent you from driving it, then No, you do not have a Lemon.

If the brakes don't work, the car won't go into reverse gear, the darn thing won't start on cold mornings or hot afternoons, the rear door opens all by itself, the driver's seat wobbles, or the car chugs along at 30 mph when it should be going 50 mph, then Yes, you may have a Lemon. Providing you've given the manufacturer an opportunity to repair the defect.

Generally, if a NEW car has been repaired 4 or more times for the same Defect within the Warranty Period and the Defect has not been fixed, the car qualifies as a Lemon. A vehicle that continues to have a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety could be classified as a lemon. All States differ so you should consult the Lemon Law for your particular State. Note that the warranty period may or may not coincide with the Manufacturer's Warranty. Generally lemon laws ONLY apply to the first owner, but they may continue to apply as long as the car is under the original new car warranty period.

You may have a Lemon, but if you do nothing to protect your Consumer Rights, such as documenting your Repairs and allowing the Manufacturer a chance to fix the problem(s), you lose all rights under the various State Warranty Acts.

• Don't sign any sales contracts, lease contracts or finance contracts unless you are 200% certain that you want to go through with the deal and buy the car.
  
  
• Don't give any car dealer or private party a deposit on a car deal unless you are absolutely sure you are going to see the deal through to it's final conclusion. A deposit is not a legal requirement. The seller wants the deposit so they can exert control. They want your money locked in before any "Buyer's Remorse" can occur.
  
  
• The time to mull over the purchase is BEFORE you make the purchase. Take a day or two and sleep on the deal before you make your decision.