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I welcome your comments on this lens

From the lens Can you return a car?.

I am honored to say that this Squidoo lens has been awarded a Purple Star

  • updatesinlawland May 23, 2012 @ 6:37 pm | delete
    Awesome lens...very informative...thanks, good stuff.
  • Jimmie May 22, 2012 @ 11:15 pm | delete
    I had no idea about the laws related to returning a car. It sort of makes sense, but then again, it seems there should be a grace period.
  • oakstreet May 19, 2012 @ 7:30 am | delete
    Interesting information and useful len. A "like" from me.
  • biggking May 18, 2012 @ 8:33 pm | delete
    Just remember what you sign. They will shove numerous pieces of paper in your face. Always remember to read what you are signing. Oh and make sure you get the vehicle inspected by a private party.
  • WordChipper May 12, 2012 @ 7:01 am | delete
    Interesting lens. Thank you.
  • tslizzy May 8, 2012 @ 1:36 pm | delete
    thanks for sharing
  • JoyfulReviewer Apr 29, 2012 @ 12:09 pm | delete
    Thanks for providing all this helpful advice and discussion of the applicable laws. ~~Blessed~~
  • BiminiBahamas Apr 15, 2012 @ 11:11 am | delete
    How cool, love this lens!
  • squidoopets Apr 1, 2012 @ 6:48 pm | delete
    Nice tutorial on returning cars and applicable laws, I got 5/5 on the quiz :)
  • blazingzone Mar 29, 2012 @ 4:42 am | delete
    Didn't know that. But good thing I never did need to return a car. Great lens
  • georgeadri69 Mar 22, 2012 @ 5:29 pm | delete
    Very good lens!
  • aflcarleasing Mar 5, 2012 @ 5:25 am | delete
    What a great lens. Although Carcraft reputation is a bit suspect in the UK. I know a few guys who have worked there and can say they are not the cleanest company in the world. Thanks for the post. Regards.
    Car Leasing Info.
  • wahrsein Mar 3, 2012 @ 10:17 am | delete
    great
  • SquidooRocks55 Mar 1, 2012 @ 8:27 pm | delete
    Interesting! Never really thought about needing to return a car before. Great information.
  • Titia Feb 29, 2012 @ 7:02 pm | delete
    Congrats on the Purple Star, well deserved. Very informative lens. I wouldn't even know what the rules are in my country. Not that I'm in the habit of buying cars often.
  • kevingomes13 Feb 28, 2012 @ 2:55 pm | delete
    Good info. Im looking to buy a car soon and this is really valuable
  • johnmatthewcars Feb 24, 2012 @ 3:15 am | delete
    Thank you very much for this post!!!!
  • dixiebliss Feb 21, 2012 @ 5:48 am | delete
    Oh, AND! I almost forgot that I do know of another dealer group that offers money back return policies on pre-owned cars: http://herbchambers.com/5-day_money_back_guarantee
  • dixiebliss Feb 21, 2012 @ 5:43 am | delete
    Great lens! Love the information - it's great! Having worked in the car business for over 2 years here in Massachusetts, there IS in fact a law that supports buyers remorse... However there are stipulations: 1) The paperwork for the vehicle MUST be signed outside of the normal place of business for the dealer. So if the paperwork is signed anywhere buy any of the dealership offices, then you have 72 hours to return the vehicle. But you must also submit the request in writing to them: you can mail it or hand deliver it.
  • dagsmith Feb 26, 2012 @ 11:26 am | delete
    You are referring to the Federal Cooling Off Rule that I mention above. It is not just that the contract is singed outside the dealer's normal place of business, it has to be signed
    "at the buyer's home, workplace or dormitory or at facilities rented by the seller on a short-term basis." A rare event, but whenever the law is in your favor - take advantage of it!
  • edecas Feb 19, 2012 @ 6:59 pm | delete
    Really handy information to have. Thank you
  • Rosie Feb 7, 2012 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    i purchased a car yesterday and told it was the owners car and had never been in an accident - clean title etc..
    i pay for the car and get the paperwork to find out it has a salvaged title and the seller isn't the person on the "pink slip". is there anything i can do as I heard it is illegal not to say the vehicle is salvaged..
  • dagsmith Feb 7, 2012 @ 10:47 pm | delete
    If the seller had knowledge of the car being a salvage they are required to share that information. With regards to an accident it can be difficult to prove they had knowledge, but if the title is branded salvage that is a different story. I am not sure if this was purchased from a licensed dealer of from a private seller. The question is whether they will work with you to return car, refund money or force you to go to court (if you can justify the legal costs).
  • Belinda Feb 5, 2012 @ 9:09 am | delete
    I purchased a vehicle on 2/3/12 and drove off lot no down pymt was made have to take it back in next 3 days no Insurance was put on the car except for my current vehicle, did not test drive this vehicle to know it had problems until yesterday morning but I am returning it today
  • Rebeljohn Feb 5, 2012 @ 9:02 am | delete
    very nice thanks for posting this info.
  • Michelle Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:15 am | delete
    I just bought a car saturday 1/28/12 drove the car with no money down but do have to go back with a down payment by 2/10/12 now today 1/30/12. I was looking at my paperwork and it seems the amount the sales rep showed said I would pay for the car was 13,500.00 but notice once it went through the finance guy it says the car was 16,380.00 this is a $2,889.00 difference in price I would like to know if I can disbute this. or just cancel the sale since I didn't leave any money down? I feel like I was mislead and the swindled :( thank you.
  • webkangaroo Jan 22, 2012 @ 11:06 pm | delete
    wow -- tons of research and advice here. I'm trying to get my own lens to approach this level. How do you get those cool bordered text modules?
  • nelsonkana Jan 21, 2012 @ 6:34 am | delete
    Nice lens here. Am taking a tour of top lenses. This is one of them. I like it.
  • Jan 13, 2012 @ 4:10 pm | delete
    Nice Lens very useful
  • tiresautorepair Jan 13, 2012 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Great Lens!
  • milurally Jan 11, 2012 @ 10:29 am | delete
    I'm wonder how much time have you spent till you had collected all thes informations. Nice job.
  • GreenTowing Jan 10, 2012 @ 9:59 am | delete
    Great lens, indeed! Sometimes our Towing San Diego customers ask if it's possible to return a car (e.g., a lemon they just purchased that is having constant problems trying to start). This info is really helpful for them!
  • Al B Jan 21, 2012 @ 5:18 am | delete
    Do remind your customers that "lemon" applies to vehicles still under MANUFACTURER'S warranty and not just any old trap they spent $100 on from some hole-in-the-wall seller.
  • sarahrk Jan 8, 2012 @ 7:08 pm | delete
    I know someone who has returned a brand new car twice and gotten new ones.
  • dagsmith Jan 8, 2012 @ 11:56 pm | delete
    Anything is possible - the question is what were the details. New cars have very specific lemon laws.

    I also know folks who have done this - but they worked at or had relatives at the dealership.
  • jimmyworldstar Jan 1, 2012 @ 11:06 pm | delete
    It's important to be extra careful when buying a used car because like you said, a lot of cars will be sold as is so you're not entitled to any warranties as the previous owner might have been. When buying a car in general, you need to make sure it's what you want, you have the financing, etc.
  • dlcummings Dec 15, 2011 @ 10:19 am | delete
    love everything that has to do with cars espically the Honda. Nice lens!
  • ApplianceRepairsBirmingham Dec 13, 2011 @ 9:28 am | delete
    awesome advice, has opened my eyes a lot!
  • krakensquid Dec 6, 2011 @ 6:31 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens!
  • zap1994 Dec 5, 2011 @ 6:19 am | delete
    An excellent and informative lens
  • umarshehzad Nov 30, 2011 @ 6:14 am | delete
    Hmm, very useful info. One should keep these things in mind while buying a car..
  • sholly Jan 12, 2012 @ 9:02 pm | delete
    I wish i would have read this sooner i went in to a honda dealer looking to purchase a used car the salesman talked me in to being a crv i was completely brain washed i end up financing a car for the same price as if it would have been new with no intrest ahhh i tried to take it back after 3 days and they said absolutly not
  • ekkoautos Nov 29, 2011 @ 10:01 pm | delete
    we should make everything assured in the sales contract, especially the warranty
  • mistyblue75605 Nov 24, 2011 @ 7:30 pm | delete
    I had bought a truck at a dealership and had a trade in on it too. At 27 days the dealership called me and said I needed to come in and sign some paperwork. When I went in to sign they asked for the keys and said they were going to wash the truck for me. Needless to say they took the truck back and gave me the keys back to my own car and said that they could not find a bank to finance it so they had to take it back and could not do business with me. I was not happy because when I had left the car lot I was told they had found a bank to finance it and it was mine to make the payments on. Didn't know things like that happened till it happened to me.
  • dagsmith Nov 25, 2011 @ 11:20 am | delete
    Car purchases often get tied up in two things - quality of the car and quality of the financing. I have much more experience with quality of the car but have been amazed by how many people have trouble with the financing too.
  • APB Dec 19, 2011 @ 1:34 am | delete
    You bought more truck than every lender thought you could afford.

    Congrats...I guess?
  • AvonGirl Nov 23, 2011 @ 4:15 pm | delete
    thanks!
  • BookItOut Nov 22, 2011 @ 4:40 pm | delete
    I really appreciate all the helpful information you provide. Thanks for being a consumer advocate.
  • acekyle Nov 17, 2011 @ 8:29 am | delete
    Amazing lens! Very informative and I really enjoyed learning about this.
  • miaponzo Nov 15, 2011 @ 2:54 am | delete
    What a GREAT lens!!! I didn't know most of that stuff about returning cars! Thanks! and here's some Angel dust for you!!!
  • blanckj Nov 9, 2011 @ 3:07 pm | delete
    Thanks for all the great tips. I knew some of this information, but I obviously have many holes in my knowledge. Great lens!
  • BillyBarroo Nov 8, 2011 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    I matters where you took delivery in Oklahoma
  • dagsmith Nov 8, 2011 @ 9:31 pm | delete
    You might be thinking about the cooling off rule (see above) and that is if the sale took place at your home - the cooling off rule applies.
  • emonanam Nov 4, 2011 @ 10:42 pm | delete
    I love this lens for some great information.Thanks
  • SIALicenceUK Nov 3, 2011 @ 9:36 am | delete
    Very good info and great lens.
  • StoryBuilderToys Nov 2, 2011 @ 11:27 pm | delete
    Thanks for this lens, just had someone buy a car knowing it had transmission problems then want to return it when it broke down on them on the highway.
  • HuntAndFishGuides Oct 29, 2011 @ 10:09 am | delete
    I believe Kansas has a contract law that may allow this as well, I think it's called "right of rescission". I know it applies to real estate, but I'm not entirely sure it would apply to purchasing a vehicle. Very informative lens though. Will definitely make me think twice about my purchase the next time I go car shopping. :)
  • APB Dec 19, 2011 @ 1:36 am | delete
    Nope. Doesn't apply in Kansas for cars. Or anywhere else, for that matter.
  • biggking Oct 26, 2011 @ 11:12 pm | delete
    For a second there I thought you forgot about California. You can purchase this option as you have stated. Very well written, I am a used car dealer and even I learned something new.
  • 2KJ73 Oct 20, 2011 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    I traded in my 2003 Honda CR-V for $6500 and purchased a 2004 Nissan Maxima for $4000. After tags and licence fees were taken out, the Honda car dealership agreed to write me a check for the difference...about $2300. They told me that it would take about 3 or four days for me to get the check (they had to do a title check, lien check, accounting department approval etc) Within 20 minutes, the transmission started acting up. Since I haven't received a check from them, my wife thinks that the deal hasn't been completed and that I should be able to argue my way out of the deal. This isn't exactly a common problem that is going to fall under normal buyer's remorse laws. Any thoughts?
  • APB Dec 19, 2011 @ 1:37 am | delete
    Enjoy your car. How did that pre-purchase inspection go?
  • OctavioMelesio Oct 19, 2011 @ 6:32 pm | delete
    Hi... thanks for the excellent information ... I LIKE THIS LENS... success and blessings always
  • BillSimmons Oct 15, 2011 @ 8:01 pm | delete
    Awesome lens some great tips here!
  • RuthClaire Oct 14, 2011 @ 7:51 pm | delete
    Hello Dagsmith! I like your lens.... Hope you publish more lenses like this. Very informative! Have a nice day!
  • PartyBusRental Oct 10, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete
    Thanks for the great info. I recently had someone try to return a car they bought from me but had to turn them down. I felt kind of bad about it, but what can you do.
  • J Oct 17, 2011 @ 7:47 pm | delete
    I'm in the exact same scenario...feel awful, but she bought it "as is" without taking it to a mechanic's for an inspection. I wasn't misleading or deceptive...just hadn't had it up on a hoist in awhile, so I didn't know it wouldn't pass safety. She now legally owns the car, no refund for her buyer's remorse.
  • Danzuc Oct 10, 2011 @ 4:36 am | delete
    Really like your lens.
  • JodiFromFlorida Oct 6, 2011 @ 7:43 pm | delete
    Helpful lens.
  • Sue Smith Sep 27, 2011 @ 4:09 am | delete
    Bought an suv in CA. today, they said it was $25,999 got it for $23,000 when got home was looking something up noticed they had the exact suv (checked vin #) listed on their web site for $21,999. Nothing can be done?
  • dagsmith Sep 27, 2011 @ 8:48 am | delete
    Most folks are here looking to return cars due to mechanical issues. You have a claim on potential false advertising (that coming from a non-lawyer). These laws vary widely by state. I would quickly save/print/document the online advertisement. Contact the dealership and see what they say. You probably have a good claim of false advertising.
  • GjustG Sep 29, 2011 @ 11:49 pm | delete
    Sadly you have no claim. I did sales (Hyundai & Nissan) for years (in CA) and here's how it works. A dealership can sell you a care for any price they wish as long as you agree to pay on the contract you are legally obligated to pay said fee.

    To reply directly to the false advertisement claim it goes like this... A false advertisement would be a newspaper add for a SPECIFIC inventory# car sold for $20,000 that the dealership WONT sell you (IE: bait and switch). However if you come in not knowing about the ad and the salesman sells it to you for $25,000 even though the car was AVAILABLE for $20,000 you AGREED (by signing the contract) to pay $25,000.

    Hope that helps
  • APB Dec 19, 2011 @ 1:38 am | delete
    Correct. Nothing. You had every opportunity to deal down to that lower price or less if you had bothered to do so.
  • legaleze Sep 26, 2011 @ 7:52 am | delete
    Knowing this information will be helpful next time I buy a car.
  • Lija_Rasa Sep 25, 2011 @ 1:22 pm | delete
    Very helpful!
  • Samsonite Sep 25, 2011 @ 11:07 am | delete
    I bought a used truck on thursday from a major brand dealership. The contract included a 3 month or 3000 mile warranty. On the first day owning the truck while driving it home the engine started sputtering and the check engine light started flashing. I checked the code with my scanner and it showed a mis-fire. I took the truck to the dealer in the morning. They told me it was because the engine was wet from when they detailed it and cleared the code. On the way home it happened again. Returned it again they gave a similar excuse and returned it. Again it happened again. Yesterday it happened again. I have not had the truck 4 days and it constantly runs poorly with CEL on. Now they want to take it to another dealership service center, but I want to return the truck and get something else. Are they obligated to give my money back or exchange for another vehicle?
  • dagsmith Sep 25, 2011 @ 3:36 pm | delete
    As this site talks about there is no requirement that they take the car back. However, since you have a "3 month or 3000 mile warranty" the key is to look at the terms of the warranty. It should have a section that talks about what happens if repairs don't meet your expectations or a section on disputes - the title/wording may differ. That is the text to read to see exactly that your options are.
  • GjustG Sep 29, 2011 @ 11:53 pm | delete
    This is spot on - the dealership is only required to do what is offered in the 3month/3k miler warranty. Most respectable dealerships would consider either taking the truck back or replacing the engine depending on cost. However, if the dealership wont take it back you most likely can force the issue through legal arbitration (You most likely have a clause about binding legal arbitration). If the car really does have a CEL with a mis-fire as badly as you say you'll most likely win in an arbitration battle.

    Warning: Do not WAIT! The longer you wait the better the chance the dealership can come after you with "abusive" driving claims.
  • Gossted Sep 24, 2011 @ 9:49 am | delete
    I bought a car in nj this past Wednesday night. Today is the third day and I'm not happy with the car. It has a major alignment issue, the tire pressure light is on, and there is a bubble in the tire (I bought the car at night). I went back to the dealership and they can't fix it until Tuesday. The salesman drove to my house to get all of my wife's signatures so the sale was finalized at my house. Can I return it?
  • dagsmith Sep 24, 2011 @ 10:33 am | delete
    You are in a grey area as some of the signing was at your house - but not all. The cooling off rule MIGHT apply since this is day three - you would need a lawyer familiar with FTC rulings to get a definitive answer. As, I often say, I can't give legal advice but if I were you I would try and work with the dealer today. Your best best is to see the dealer today and act as if the cooling off rule does apply and ask/pressure for the return. If you have a leg to stand on (without the high cost of a lawyer) today is the day.
  • annie Sep 21, 2011 @ 12:46 am | delete
    I drove out the lot with a new truck & feel that it's not the vehicle for me. With today's gas prices and the fact I have no practical use for a truck, I really wish I could take it back. The papers haven't been signed yet. The truck is supposed to be under my fiancee's name, so the dealership Fedex Overnight him the paperwork. If he doesn't sign it, could I technically take the truck back to the dealer? (Also, the owner of the car we traded in hasn't come in to sign the papers for those either).
  • dagsmith Sep 21, 2011 @ 5:45 am | delete
    If you have truly signed no papers you should still be able to return the car. That said, I wonder if you had to sign some paper in order to drive the car home and, if so, what did that paper say? Sounds like you have room to negotiate here - good luck!
  • LinkCollection Sep 18, 2011 @ 10:21 pm | delete
    wow thank you for this good information...
  • laguild Sep 17, 2011 @ 8:26 pm | delete
    Congrats on earning a Purple Star on the AWESOME lens! Very informative!!!!
  • lefty78 Sep 11, 2011 @ 6:52 pm | delete
    Very informative lens
  • NidhiRajat Sep 10, 2011 @ 8:24 am | delete
    interesting lens...
  • Best-Cars Sep 7, 2011 @ 3:33 am | delete
    Excellent lens, and great information there. However, I would certainly try avoid getting into this sticky situation where I have to return the car. I think it's critical that we do our own due diligence before committing our purchase.

    Cars 101
  • anilsaini Sep 5, 2011 @ 1:59 am | delete
    nice lens
  • ekkoautos Aug 31, 2011 @ 8:27 pm | delete
    it is really a good policy to return the car
  • Mendel Aug 31, 2011 @ 8:31 am | delete
    Sadly I fall into the category of buyers remorse right now, even though its not as bad as a car (motorcycle). But I get a call from the dealer this morning (just purchased the bike Monday) saying that they had the wrong VIN number and that I would have to re-sign the paper work. Does this leave me any sort of a loop hole that I could get out of it? Maybe just give them the bike back and call it a wash. What do your think? Thanks.
  • dagsmith Aug 31, 2011 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    This starts to get into legal advice - and I am certainly no lawyer but I think you may have options.

    When you buy a house, one of the myriad of forms you sign is a form that literally says "In case anybody made a silly mistake on one of these 50 pages you sign you agree that you will resign so long as it does not change the terms of the agreement." Essentially if on two pages they use you full name, including your middle name and then on one page they drop your middle name - you agree that you will resign.

    So I would look at your contract - is there any such clause that would require you to resign. Even if there is, a lawyer might say that the wrong VIN is a major mistake that has material impact on the sale. For example, you might have based your purchase based on a vehicle history report - and you would have been looking at the wrong report.

    My suggestion (not a lawyer) is that if you don't want the bike, then don't sign anything else unless they prove that you are legally required to do so.
  • Princessjorja Sep 7, 2011 @ 8:09 pm | delete
    I just purchased a car on Sept 3rd. I do not like the car and went to another dealer to "trade" in the new car for another vehicle. When the new dealer looked at all the paperwork I signed from the previous dealer there is no VIN # on several of the paper work including the purchase agreement, the title application, the odometer disclosure etc. Is this legal grounds to get them to cancel/void the sale?
  • dagsmith Sep 7, 2011 @ 8:48 pm | delete
    This starts to get into legal advice - and I am certainly no lawyer but I think you may have options.

    When you buy a house, one of the myriad of forms you sign is a form that literally says "In case anybody made a silly mistake on one of these 50 pages you sign you agree that you will resign so long as it does not change the terms of the agreement." Essentially if on two pages they use you full name, including your middle name and then on one page they drop your middle name - you agree that you will resign.

    That said, no VIN number on that many key forms is suspect. Your best options are to contact a lawyer ($$$) or contact the DMV in your state (every state has a DMV web site). The DMV may be slower - but probably a cheaper route to at least help you figure out options.
  • familystorykeeper Aug 30, 2011 @ 12:56 pm | delete
    Thank you for the information. I learned a lot that I didn't know already. Some times we think we know the laws and then we find out sometimes the hard way that we don't. Thanks so much for sharing what you know.
  • clickityclack Aug 30, 2011 @ 8:50 am | delete
    In Alabama, you can "revoke your acceptance" of an automobile if certain conditions are met after the purchase.
  • dagsmith Aug 30, 2011 @ 9:30 am | delete
    This applies to new car purchases only. In Alabama: See Article 8, Chapter 20A of the Alabama Code of 1975. Requires three failed repair attempts by the dealer or 30 calendar days out of service t be considered a lemon vehicle.
  • chinasinoyobd Aug 29, 2011 @ 10:24 pm | delete
    This is good...
  • davidcam Aug 28, 2011 @ 10:06 pm | delete
    very good lens..
  • NickYocca Aug 28, 2011 @ 8:33 am | delete
    Thank you so much. I really enjoy this lens.
  • uherzthea Aug 27, 2011 @ 1:09 pm | delete
    this is the great info for us, i like it and very important for me.thank
  • dexter-yarbrough Aug 27, 2011 @ 10:11 am | delete
    Very good information. Thanks so much!
  • Poor Sucker Aug 25, 2011 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    I just bought a Suburban with a CNG system that they said worked a week ago. Turns out the mechanic says it will need to be entirely replaced. $5000.
  • dagsmith Aug 30, 2011 @ 9:43 am | delete
    The best thing to do when buying a used car is to have a mechanic inspect it - but so few of us have a regular mechanic that we know/trust to have that done. There are several inspection services - but none that are national or easily affordable.
  • dier1 Aug 25, 2011 @ 4:26 pm | delete
    Congratulations! Thanks for the car info.
  • MoneySavingEnthusiast Aug 21, 2011 @ 2:53 pm | delete
    Very interesting! I'll have to brush up on my car return knowledge.
  • MamaBelle Aug 19, 2011 @ 9:53 am | delete
    I didn't know any of this. Thanks for sharing!
  • shivnagsudhakar Aug 19, 2011 @ 3:14 am | delete
    good lens
  • shivnagsudhakar Aug 18, 2011 @ 2:10 pm | delete
    good lens
  • badalternator88 Aug 17, 2011 @ 2:32 pm | delete
    I am kind of thinking on getting a car this year and this information really is helpful. thank you
  • cheryllhere Aug 17, 2011 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    I am planning to buy a car next year..i will be my first car and this is really a great information..
  • enginvester Aug 11, 2011 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    Great info. I just won a free car in a contest and want to sell it but I guess that's a different story :p
  • briangilman74 Aug 11, 2011 @ 5:21 am | delete
    nice lens! :)
  • Heather_Todd Aug 7, 2011 @ 12:12 am | delete
    Nice post on car return..Thanks
  • HowtoStopJOINTPAIN Jul 25, 2011 @ 11:44 am | delete
    Wow very interesting and informative, no wonder such a good high rank. I am envious of your skill...Although I hope to never be in a position to need to return a car, I will at least know what to do.Thanks!
  • PaulLeg Jul 27, 2011 @ 6:16 am | delete
    I agree completely :)
  • Tracey Jul 20, 2011 @ 7:45 pm | delete
    @Echo1 - It's been 48 hours since I put down my money. Today the dealer let me take the car to an independent mechanic (I took it to a performance specialist as it's got an aftermarket turbo on it) and had them check it out. They said it's a rock solid car that needs nothing more than an alignment from what they can tell. Good news for me to hear. Unfortunately, the O2 sensor is giving issues because the car is not heating up enough to reset the code to allow them to pass it on the inspection. The dealership has thankfully been understanding with the whole deal and it sounds like they would refund the money if that's what I wanted. But I really want this car lol so I'm holding out as long as I can before I throw in the towel. It's a great dealership and my salesman (actually a woman haha) has been excellent and I would refer anyone to her even after the issues I've experienced so far. My opinion may change in a day or two of course, depending on how things go, but as of now I have faith in them lol.
  • Echo1 Jul 20, 2011 @ 1:08 pm | delete
    Tracey, IMO, if you have signed the papers the car is yours. It does not matter if the car is still in their lot.
    I never wished to return a car although I had by doubts once. In my experience, there are a few things that you should do before buying the car:
    - check the vin number, see if the car has been/reported in an accident
    - take a very good look inside and outside
    - have a mechanic with if you do not know to much about cars
    - check for hail damage, fresh paint
    - test drive it for at least about an hour
    - check every single headlight, stoplight, radio, wipers, horn, window...etc.
    - check the tires, spare wheel
    - make sure all door are perfectly aligned; if you stand behind the stoplight and look along the line where the door meets the roof, you should see a straight line all the way to the front of the car.
    I just bought a 2010 Chevy Suburban LT, it is part of our Chicago limousine service and I had my doubts. I'm not a car guru or a mechanic but having done all the above, I'm pretty confident that i purchased a great car. I took it to another shop just before i bought it and let me tell you something else, if the dealer does not want you to have the car inspected by a independent auto shop, something is wrong with that car.
    Dagsmith, very useful lense indeed, I hope we can see some inside tips and tricks coming from dealers and mechanics alike, a spreadsheet or at least a list of things to check before you buy a used car.
  • Amy D Jul 20, 2011 @ 9:26 am | delete
    My boyfriend and I "purchased" a car. I use the word purchased loosely because the dealer doesn't have the signed paper. When my boyfriend and I test drove the car, there was a strong odor of gas. The dealer said that he would fix that. When my boyfriend went to pick up the car, the odor was gone; however, the strong smell returned that night. At this point, the dealer does not have the signed paperwork because I wasn't there in person to sign it. My boyfriend brought it home with him that night for me to sign and then bring back in the morning. Since the odor was not properly fixed, he decided that he didn't want the car. He brought it back to the dealer this morning, and obviously the salesperson was not happy. Are we in any way responsible for the car since the dealer does not have the signed paperwork or the deposit?
  • Tracey Jul 19, 2011 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    Great article. Question for you that I can't seem to find anywhere. I bought a car last night and put about 40% cash down with remaining cash due on delivery. They haven't finished the state inspection requirements so I haven't been able to take delivery. I did all the paperwork though. I'm getting a little concerned now though. Seeing as how I haven't taken delivery, I can still return it correct? Would it be considered "delivered" if I took it off the lot to my mechanic to have it checked? Or should I just cancel this deal tell them I don't want it, then take it to my mechanic and start it over again? Sounds silly I'm sure.
  • dagsmith Jul 19, 2011 @ 10:26 pm | delete
    You are in the realm of contract law here and the differences vary widely by state and country. The key advice I always give is read the contract or any paperwork that you signed. The best bet is to read it first before signing - but we all know how much paperwork is thrown around during car and home buying processes. Most likely you have options - but your contract could specifiy that the 40% you put down is a nonreturnable deposit. Good Luck!
  • TIRMassageStone Jul 15, 2011 @ 11:32 am | delete
    Good to know, thanks!
  • Jessica Merchant Jul 14, 2011 @ 9:00 pm | delete
    Sooo heres the situation as honestly as I can tell it. I bought the car from a very small buy here pay here type place in my town. I was looking at cars Alll day long and honestly out of frustration and Ill work it out attitude I settled for something I KNEW I DIDNT WANT TO KEEP however figured it would last me a few months and Id just basically rent it for a while...CRAZY RIGHT??? Anyhoo after being chewed up one side and spit out on the other by my moma, I finally realize I CANNOT afford the car If I take in tomorrow and im honest with the guy Is there anything he can do..??? Or is there a law at all in Georgia for some sort of Grace Period...Sherrifs Dept. said they thought there was....???
  • dagsmith Jul 14, 2011 @ 9:26 pm | delete
    As is described throughout this page - there are few states with laws for return and Georgia is not one of them. All you have is the grace of the dealership if they decide they want to work with you.
  • illuminatingenigma Jul 13, 2011 @ 5:12 pm | delete
    Good article. Very informative. Now just to get enough money to buy a car.
  • Tamara t Jul 11, 2011 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    Purchased a used car a month ago and the dealership is telling my lender has changed and I need to come in and sign new papers. Does this get me out my contract?
  • dagsmith Jul 11, 2011 @ 6:40 pm | delete
    To further complicate car sales - the financing agreement is usually a separate agreement from the car purchase. The information I have provided here talks about the car purchase - and what if the car has problems.

    You are referring to the just as complicated car financing agreement. These will vary even more widely - but the bottom line is that the financing agreement you signed (And all too often folks don't read cause it is so complicated and the people try and get you through this without reading it) will identify if you have any options.
  • Obscure_Treasures Jul 11, 2011 @ 7:17 am | delete
    1 of the most unique lens i have seen....nice1
  • David Jul 10, 2011 @ 9:30 pm | delete
    I just purchased a vehicle Saturday and within 27 miles the engine light came on, the trans started shifting hard, I noticed they said an oil change was done but there is still an old filter on the car, and you can feel the car shake after it has been idle for a couple minutes. I bought the car in Wisconsin. Is there anything I can do? I'm going intot he dealer Monday and want to have some type of advise.
  • dagsmith Jul 10, 2011 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    First thing is to check the contract you signed. Does it, as most do, say the car was
    sold "as is?" If that is the case you need to realize that the dealer does not legally have
    to do anything. So before threatening the dealership (the common reaction which typically
    has no basis in law or reality) see if the dealership is willing to work with you. If they
    won't then you still have the option to yell and scream.

    The key is to realize, if the car was sold "as is" then the dealer does not have to do
    anything - you are trying to convince them to do something!
  • soyanz Jul 8, 2011 @ 10:39 am | delete
    congrats for the purple star...
  • mhosong72 Jul 3, 2011 @ 9:11 pm | delete
    Congratulation for your lens awarded a Purple Star. Thanks for your sharing.
  • polmtree Jun 26, 2011 @ 4:01 pm | delete
    I need to buy a used car so this was an incredibly helpful lens. Thanks dagsmith and keep up the good work!
  • Serj Jun 18, 2011 @ 4:48 pm | delete
    Nice lens... I'm not surprised the laws protect the corporation more than the consumer... as with all things... it's all about the money...
  • running4theroses Jun 15, 2011 @ 5:59 pm | delete
    hey- thanks for that- just got a new car and it's nice to know where I stand.
  • abbs002 Jun 14, 2011 @ 12:58 am | delete
    good
  • elitegamer2555 Jun 11, 2011 @ 9:35 pm | delete
    Awesome
  • tracysmith159 Jun 11, 2011 @ 6:13 pm | delete
    Never thought of returning a car, but I have heard people claim you can. Glad I never listened to them.
  • ukgreetingcards Jun 5, 2011 @ 10:19 am | delete
    Really good lens I am from the UK so these laws do not really count anyway I liked your lens well done
  • dagsmith Jun 5, 2011 @ 2:21 pm | delete
    England was a leader in the Vehicle History space and makes much better use of that data - maybe that is one of the factors that has made this less of a legal issue in the UK. Thanks for your note!
  • mappcb Jun 1, 2011 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    This info was very helpful Thanks
  • Jack-in-the-Box May 20, 2011 @ 5:10 pm | delete
    I always wondered about this. Thanks!
  • sivavetukuri May 19, 2011 @ 7:34 am | delete
    Excellent lens. Very Informative.
  • g8kepr May 16, 2011 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    Nice job on the lens. Very informative!
  • dogfedcat May 14, 2011 @ 7:14 pm | delete
    I believe in some states if the dealer brings the car to your home and you sign the paperwork there you have a 3 day right of rescission. I was in the car business for several years and it is the shadiest business out there. The only business you get screwed more in is the Prostitution business. I'm not talking only about the customers either, sales people get screwed over just as bad. Phantom bills applied to their commission checks, dealership mystery charges that nobody can explain, it's a racket all around. Great lens!!
  • dagsmith May 15, 2011 @ 9:55 am | delete
    If the dealer brings the car to your house and does all the paperwork at your house then "The Federal Trade Commission's three-day right to cancel - called the Cooling-off Rule - gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more made at the buyer's home, workplace or dormitory or at facilities rented by the seller on a short-term basis The cooling off rule applies only to purchases you make at home.

    So this applies in all US states - sp long as you convinced the dealership to come to your house and you completed the sale at your house - then the cooling off rule applies.
  • lexi luther May 14, 2011 @ 11:10 am | delete
    ok quick scenario here i had requested a loan from x bank... i go to the dealership and they say x bank is one of their preferred lenders and they can check my application status and rates that that bank was gonna give me. Dealership says oh their apr was too high but our bank is 5.2 the lowest you can get... so i buy the vehicle...next day bank X calls back and says hey your apr is 4.0 do you want it....is there anything i can do since it hasnt been 24hrs? they lied and said they checked that status of bank x..... any suggestions?
  • dagsmith May 15, 2011 @ 9:58 am | delete
    To further complicate car sales - the financing agreement is usually a separate agreement from the car purchase. The information I have provided here talks about the car purchase - and what if the car has problems.

    You are referring to the just as complicated car financing agreement. These will vary even more widely - but the bottom line is that the financing agreement you signed (And all too often folks don't read cause it is so complicated and the people try and get you through this without reading it) will identify if you have any options.
  • dfrye1 May 10, 2011 @ 8:06 am | delete
    This is really great information. You did your homework and many car shoppers are grateful, I'm sure. I've learned much of what you had written here over the years and would have loved to have this information when I was 20. This is a extremely valuable lens.
  • MonkWalker May 8, 2011 @ 5:01 am | delete
    We bought a brand new car once that we certainly considered a lemon, though it doesn't meet the above definition.thesis writing says If something could go wrong with that car, it did.
  • momsfunny May 2, 2011 @ 8:11 pm | delete
    Very informative. Nice lens
  • rajkumarrr Apr 20, 2011 @ 10:34 am | delete
    Yes, used cars have no warranty and you have to but it as it is.
  • SandraKS Apr 20, 2011 @ 9:12 am | delete
    Thanks for these wonderful tips. Incase I buy a car this will come in handy. Thanks for sharing this lens.
  • Apr 18, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
    great lens, i didn't know any of this, i will keep it in mind for when i have to buy a car.
  • jessica Khork Apr 16, 2011 @ 11:32 am | delete
    I bought my new car on 4/13/2011. And on 4/15/2011 it had to be towed to the dealership, it wouldn't stay running. Only 200 miles and 48hours. Can I demand to receive a new vehicle. It's still in their service dept.
  • dagsmith Apr 16, 2011 @ 12:38 pm | delete
    If your contract says "As is" which most used car contracts do - you have no legal right to demand anything. You can certainly go in and demand - but unless there was an added warranty or an added clause about repairs/buyback - you have no specific rights. In almost all cases when you drive off the lot - that used car is yours - for good or bad.
  • gabriel32 Apr 15, 2011 @ 3:13 am | delete
    Cool Lens. Thank you for sharing good stuffs.
  • AdnanMasood Apr 7, 2011 @ 7:40 pm | delete
    Great lens! You share A LOT of valuable information. We typically deal with private sellers and not dealers, but that is one reason why we carefully weigh the pros and cons of each car and don't rush to make a decision.
  • Roberto Apr 5, 2011 @ 7:53 pm | delete
    Grrreat Article!!
  • ajilcliaen Apr 5, 2011 @ 1:44 pm | delete
    Wow, great page. I thought I knew it all, but I learned a lot!
  • beardedman Apr 3, 2011 @ 12:17 pm | delete
    Very good information! I've always wondered about that.
  • garyr_h Mar 27, 2011 @ 12:58 am | delete
    Nice article. I had never thought about getting a clause put into the contract. How common is that? Will many dealers do this?
  • dagsmith Apr 16, 2011 @ 12:39 pm | delete
    Very few dealers will add a clause just for you. Some of the bigger dealerships and Carmax may have this clause. I have never seen a dealer add it just for a specific customer.
  • Mar 25, 2011 @ 7:54 am | delete
    great article.
  • cjah09 Mar 22, 2011 @ 10:49 am | delete
    Very informative. Thanks.
  • charliefern Mar 19, 2011 @ 1:18 pm | delete
    wow this page really helped me and increased my knowledge about cars
  • kevinw1 Mar 17, 2011 @ 4:47 pm | delete
    Interesting - I recently sold a used car and something the buyer said in passing leads me to think that he believes he has 30 days to return it. I didn't think so. Especially since I suggested that he sleep on it, and gave him the option to get it inspected, and he declined both.
  • StephenC Mar 13, 2011 @ 4:39 pm | delete
    Have visited a lot of your lenses and just cruised into this one. Nice job!
  • oktalBlizzard Feb 28, 2011 @ 1:04 pm | delete
    VERY helpful lens. Nice info.
  • Party Bus DC Feb 19, 2011 @ 12:07 am | delete
    Here is Similar Story

    It's a bad feeling to drive your new car off the dealer's lot and realize you've made a mistake once you get it home. That bad feeling will quickly be compounded when you discover there is no easy way to return a new car to the dealer. You may be able to do it under certain circumstances, but it can be almost impossible if there is no problem with the car.
  • javrsmith Feb 14, 2011 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    This lens is likely to be very helpful for a lot of people. Hopefully they read the lens before they buy the car. Blessed by a Squid Angel.
  • DogToys Feb 12, 2011 @ 1:05 pm | delete
    Cars should be covered the same way as other stuff.
  • fashionality Feb 6, 2011 @ 11:37 pm | delete
    great article!
  • Melanie Feb 1, 2011 @ 10:01 am | delete
    Well, wish me luck! I will be presenting a Bill the State of Utah Legislature today, requiring a 'Contract Cancellation Option on Purchase of Used Vehicles.' (HB 47 if you are interested). There is much support, however much opposition from the Car Dealerships! If passed would allow three business days to cancel the contract, and if so, would receive any down payment and/or trade-in vehicle! I will keep you updated!
  • dagsmith Feb 6, 2011 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    I'll be watching this one and adding information to this site. Thanks for the update!
  • Lucy Mar 15, 2011 @ 9:31 am | delete
    Good Luck!! We need this law in Idaho, as well. I just recently purchased a used car from a private small car lot (dad and son business). When I was purchasing the car, I asked if the car had ever been involved in a car accident and the car salesman (son) stated, "no, here is a copy of the Auto Check... clean title, etc.". I took it for a test drive and purchased it on Jan. 31st. Once at home, I noticed quite a bit of water in the car trunk and I called the car lot and they told me to bring it to them the following day and they would look into it further and dry it out. I picked up the car on Feb. 2nd and I was told that the car was fine and what had happened was that the car detailers had accidently left water in the trunk. I immediately took the car to a car wash and I noticed water and suds in the car trunk and I immediately took the vehicle to a body shop. I was told that the car had been involved in a car accident and this car would need some major body work done for the leaking to stop in the trunk. I immediately went back to the car lot and requested a refund based on the fact that they had sold me car with a clean title and no accidents reported. To this date, I have filed a complaint with the BBB, DMV, Attorney General's Office and the owner has agreed to fix the leakage on the car trunk. I just picked up the car yesterday (March 14th) and took it to the same car wash and it is still leaking, not as much but it is still has a leak. I have purchased used cars for many years and I had never had an incident like this happen to me.
  • susan300 Jan 19, 2011 @ 2:18 am | delete
    Good info. I learned a lot. :)
  • livingfrontiers Jan 15, 2011 @ 6:06 pm | delete
    Makes me want to ride my bike even more!
  • SquidooMBA Jan 13, 2011 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    Used cars are the way to go, especially cars two years old as they have already taken the big depreciation lick. Thanks for this lens!
  • glenanail Jan 8, 2011 @ 4:12 pm | delete
    great info i loved your lens. if it's for sale please do contact me
  • sig2k30 Jan 5, 2011 @ 7:40 pm | delete
    Cool! It is nice to see a dealership deliver service like this in my country
  • VickiDansing Dec 30, 2010 @ 9:52 pm | delete
    Thank you dogsmith for your response. Update on my daughter's purchase of the Honda van and bad transmission. My daughter went to the dealership to discuss the situation and right away the dealership said they will pay to have the transmission fixed at no cost to my daughter. We are not sure why they went from saying my daughter had to pay for the transmission to them paying to fixing the transmission, but was told to make sure they give my daughter paper work showing that the work was actually done.
    Since this incident arised, my daughter had found out that Honda van's from 2002 to 2006 have history for bad transmissions. So she will probably have to repair the transmission a few years down the road, but for now the transmission should last awhile (hopefully)!.
    Thank you again for responding to my question.
  • dagsmith Dec 31, 2010 @ 12:53 am | delete
    Awesome! It is nice to see a dealership deliver service like this - there are so many great dealers out there and I am glad this worked out!
  • VickiDansing Dec 29, 2010 @ 6:14 pm | delete
    My daughter just signed a contract with a dealership for a used Honda van. It had just been advertised and the dealership said she was the first to see it. After signing all the papers, they were going to put it through finance and detail it for her before she picked it up. They said about two days. Well, they called two days later saying they found out that the the tranmission needs work and she can pay them to do the work or they can find another mechanic who might be cheaper, but any case she will have to pay for the transmission. Is this legal? If they didn't check the vehicle out thoroughly before advertising it and not mentioning in the advertisment that it needed a rebuilt transmission, can they go ahead and sell the vehicle and then tell the new owner, "Guess what we didn't know about the transmission before we signed the contract with you, but now you have to pay to have the work done before we give it to you." Is this a legal action on behalf of the car dealership?
  • dagsmith Dec 29, 2010 @ 7:32 pm | delete
    Legal will depend on your state and the terms of your contract - but this is clearly bad business practice and sounds misleading. Did the dealership claim they did an inspection before selling the car - in that case they would have had prior knowledge and should have disclosed that at sale time. I would try to get out of this deal - call the local Better Business Bureau; cancel the check - do whatever you can. There is always "see a lawyer" but that is rarely free.
  • nmonline Dec 29, 2010 @ 8:45 am | delete
    Hi, great, informative lens. The rules are similar in the UK, and you would be amazed how many consumers believe they have the right to return a vehicle just because they have changed their mind. Good to see somebody trying to educate people to avoid these problems and the inevitable bad press that the motor trade inevitably gets!
  • troyr4321 Dec 15, 2010 @ 6:38 am | delete
    If you pay a deposit to buy a car, under what circumstances can you get your money back?
  • dagsmith Dec 15, 2010 @ 7:30 am | delete
    The options for getting a deposit returned should be outlined in whatever paperwork/contract you signed when you left the deposit. There are no specific laws that apply here - other than standard contract law.
  • Kevin Dec 14, 2010 @ 6:08 pm | delete
    I had my new car for 2 weeks and the financing never went through and my insurance lied and doubled my rate, I called the finance, only finance company and signed for to buy the car and cancelled it before I was approved for the loan. They told me to return the car to the dealer which i did. However the dealer says I can't, but the car was never financed to me, and the finance company said the car should of never left the lot without being financed to me and approved, so the dealer is in the wrong. My lawyer said it sounds like the dealers problem and I should be Free. I live in PA. What do you guys think?
  • dagsmith Dec 14, 2010 @ 7:54 pm | delete
    seems like your issue is about ownership - no issues with buyer's remorse or concerns with the quality of the car. The issue is about who owns the car since the financing did not go through. I would trust a lawyer in your state who is familiar with the contract laws in PA. My to my mother's dismay - I am not a lawyer!
  • hotbrain Dec 13, 2010 @ 8:40 pm | delete
    Awesome lens! Angel blessed :)
  • dagsmith Dec 15, 2010 @ 7:32 am | delete
    Always a pleasure to be recognized! Thank you!
  • refrige23 Dec 11, 2010 @ 2:25 pm | delete
    Nice lens.
  • SyntheticsPlus Dec 9, 2010 @ 2:09 pm | delete
    Luckily never had to experience trying to return one for any reason but good to know info.

    Amsoil
  • ohcaroline Dec 8, 2010 @ 7:53 am | delete
    This is good to know, especially if you are new at car buying.
  • pumpnut Dec 4, 2010 @ 9:03 am | delete
    I've never seen all this information in one place. Very helpful and nicely done.
  • agalova Dec 3, 2010 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    Nice lens. I work at the Secretary of State office in Michigan and customers are frequently asking this same question. Even some of the dealerships have asked about it. Thank You for getting the information out.
  • dagsmith Dec 15, 2010 @ 7:33 am | delete
    In most states when you buy a house (your other major purchase) there are title agencies and an incredible amount of process to explain your purchase. The process is much less organized for car purchases - even though they are the 2nd largest purchase that most people make.
  • artgoodman Nov 25, 2010 @ 7:02 am | delete
    I almost always have buyers remorse when purchasing vehicles. It seems no matter how much I research. I always end up with it. It's usually me being a cheap skate and not wanting to spend large chunks of money. Great lens though, very informative
  • trucksforsales Nov 23, 2010 @ 11:00 pm | delete
    This is one of the great lens i ever read anywhere else.. Now i know how to deal with the dealers or buyers, and now i got an idea how to return a car....
  • bt55 Nov 14, 2010 @ 11:48 pm | delete
    I am a car dealer/ broker for more than 20 years. This is great information for people to know. The modern dealers do not want half- way decisions or unhappy customers. Happy customers are good for business and almost everybody really understands it by now. Our Motto might be something like " If you don't like it better than your money(or you cannot afford it)....do not buy it!!" Also "unwind" sales as they are known, cause costs to be greater, potentially raising the price of cars. By the way, one of the biggest mistakes is driving a car without maintaining it and then expect it to last and be reliable. All cars break Thanks for the Great Public Service!
  • puzzlemaker Nov 9, 2010 @ 8:09 am | delete
    It's good to see all this info all in one place and so easy to understand. I see I had some misconceptions of my own after reading this.
  • AdultAcneSystem Nov 8, 2010 @ 3:22 pm | delete
    Very grateful! this is a very well done lens, with so much valuable knowledge, I feel so much knowledgeable, right after reading through the lens.

    Thank you again for all your hard work and energy that went into creating this informative lens.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Nov 6, 2010 @ 11:00 pm | delete
    Great lens, congratulations on your wings and on this lens receiving LOTD, which I missed. Thanks for your blessing on my lens.
  • Nov 6, 2010 @ 5:54 am | delete
    this is great, I had never heard about the idea of returning a car
  • sammy9212 Nov 1, 2010 @ 10:22 am | delete
    brought my car (pug 306) a couple of months ago, bored of it now, want a new one.
  • AmbrosiaPopsicle Oct 31, 2010 @ 4:04 pm | delete
    Great information for those who are ready to buy (or now think twice) :) Thanks for the info!
  • Vernon Taylor Oct 21, 2010 @ 5:47 am | delete
    It seems like the consumer doesn't have much protection over there in the States.
    Here in the UK we have a whole raft of laws to save us from unscrupulous dealers and faulty goods. This legislation was began way back in the 19th century and is added to every year. Our local councils and government agencies help watch out for us and we even have a special Small Claims Court that can give a low cost remedy in disputes.
    We still get ripped off sometimes though...

    Cars are a particular problem as the industry has been very resistive to the principles laid down in our laws. One consumer champion, Esther Ranzden, campaigned to have the description "faulty car" accepted into law, ending the special case that cars were and they are now treated as any other consumer goods and it is possible under some circumstances to return a faulty car.
    Over here the consumer is king, in theory that is!
  • Blurasis Oct 18, 2010 @ 5:15 pm | delete
    Very informative. Thanks!
  • dryder Oct 18, 2010 @ 4:20 am | delete
    Great lens, excellent information!
  • JeffreyTymczak Oct 7, 2010 @ 8:52 pm | delete
    Thank You for the very informative lens! I loved it! I rated it up and joined your fan club, hope to see you in my fan club too! Great Job!!!

    Jeff
  • lawyerscout Oct 7, 2010 @ 1:58 pm | delete
    So if a car is returned in 5 days is that car now considered used? does that degrade the value of the vehicle?
  • dagsmith Oct 7, 2010 @ 4:13 pm | delete
    Very few cars are ever sold 100% new. For example, the new car you buy might have been test driven for 50 miles. But it probably still be considered new.

    I once bought a car that had been returned (got a great deal). It had 70 miles on it, which is less than many new cars. The dealer sold it as new, it qualified as new in the state where I bought it and the lender considered it used and tried to raise the rate on my loan.

    Returned cars, Cars that have been driven by the dealership staff - all may be considered new or used and the laws vary by state and in practice each insurance company and lendor has their own opinion too.
  • alejandra rangel Oct 5, 2010 @ 6:18 am | delete
    my husband bought a used truck .... and then when he purchased it they said that it ran real good & it was a dependable truck ,,,, so he just drove off thinking everything was going good ,,, so about a month later we took the truck to a certified mechanic and he advised us that we needed to see if it could be returned because there was some major damage in the motor ,,,, he said that the motor had water in it and that soon it would cause the heads in the motor to break down ,,,,,and this was something they neglected to advice him about when they were interested in him purchasing the truck ,,,, we need to know if theres any way to return the truck since it does have such major damage ,,, and don't feel it's fair that consumers ,,,, always have to find out last about .... what there really purchasing ....
  • louiswery Oct 4, 2010 @ 10:48 am | delete
    Good information. We gave up on buying used cars.
  • Julie Watson Oct 2, 2010 @ 3:03 am | delete
    Nice information,
    I was really searching as i have automotive site http://www.truckbuyguide.com i sold one truck in texas before 2 months and he want to return it saying that truck was not proper i was very confused what should i do but now you article has cleared my doubt.
    Thanx for such a useful information.
  • mcochs Sep 24, 2010 @ 1:20 pm | delete
    Informative lens, I liked it very much.
  • thrivingmom Sep 15, 2010 @ 7:41 am | delete
    My first car was a lemon. It was a super sweet sports car and everyone thought it was so cool, and for the most part it was. Then randomly it would either fail to start or stop completely while I was driving (once in the middle of a busy intersection). When the mechanics hooked it up to the analysis computer, the car thought it was a Ford F150 truck. No one seemed to know how to fix it. I ended up trading it in for a new car. I never bought a used car again.
  • Irenemaria Sep 13, 2010 @ 9:14 am | delete
    Useful to know if I ever move to US
  • Irenemaria Sep 13, 2010 @ 9:06 am | delete
    I did not do so well in the quiz. I guess I would if it was about Swedish cars and deals....=)
  • Brookelorren Sep 10, 2010 @ 6:09 pm | delete
    Question: you only mentioned returning the car in cases where the car is broken or the buyer doesn't like the car. What does the law say in cases where the dealer changes the terms of your contract? We had that happen to us once. We bought the car, and the next day the dealer said they were going to make us pay more. We told them that we refused to sign the new contract and that we wanted to cancel the deal. They backed down, but they didn't say that we couldn't return it... after all, if they cancelled the contract, we didn't have a valid contract any more.
  • dagsmith Sep 11, 2010 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    I get many questions like this which veer more to general contract law versus specifics on lemon law or returning a car. Since I am not a lawyer (much to my mother's dismay) I can't add much on these general contract questions.
  • Dickiescarsales Sep 10, 2010 @ 3:46 pm | delete
    I have worked with dealerships where there is a 30 day exchange policy. Also I have seen them allow people to returns cars, this is very very rare though, but it does happen. Thanks for the great lens.
  • buildcreditfast44 Sep 9, 2010 @ 9:20 am | delete
    great lens, that definition of a "lemon" is certainly new to me..
  • nukemdomis Sep 9, 2010 @ 12:28 am | delete
    I have experienced buyers remorse and it doesn't feel too good.
  • eclecticeducation Sep 8, 2010 @ 2:08 pm | delete
    This is great information to know! Thanks. Blessed by an Angel.
  • 9sec93lx Sep 8, 2010 @ 10:43 am | delete
    Back in the day when cars only had a 1yr. or 12,000 mile warranty. My dads 1978 Ford Fairmont THREW A ROD, right through the side of the motor block @ 12,003 miles. 3 miles out of warranty! Originally the dealer wasn't going to fix it, said it was out of warranty. SORRY But my dad threw a FIT, and they fixed it GRATIS! Sometimes the squeaky wheel really does get the grease.
  • bbBoy Sep 8, 2010 @ 2:53 am | delete
    I kinda feel that your missing a bit, most places offer some sort of lemon law and other car related statutes to protect buyers. You don't seem to mention that anywhere on your lens :(
  • dagsmith Sep 8, 2010 @ 7:23 am | delete
    Lemon laws are very misunderstood laws as they are not as BROAD as people think. First lemon laws apply to new cars only - not to used cars. Then they are clearly defined - because you think your car is a lemon is very different than the legal definitions. The number of cars actually handled as lemons is a tiny percentage of the millions of cars sold each year.
  • CCGAL Sep 1, 2010 @ 9:54 pm | delete
    Very useful lens - I can see why it's at the top of cars & trucks - and why it earned LOTD. Kudos! You also did a beautiful job with the html - the boxes are easy on the eyes and break up the page perfectly. Good job!
  • jballidis Aug 26, 2010 @ 2:01 pm | delete
    Thank you for this informative page! I was not aware of the "California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights." I'm an Orange County injury attorney. Recently, I met a man who had bought a used car--unaware that it had a faulty part--and lost control of the vehicle while the on the freeway. If a buyer is able to find problems with the used car and return it, an accidents could be prevented.

    Thank you again for this great lens! I've just created one on pedestrian rights. Feel free to check it out or visit my homepage for informative articles on personal injury law: http://www.thecaliforniainjurylawyer.com/
  • ejasoft Aug 23, 2010 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    Great information thank you
  • netmech Aug 18, 2010 @ 11:29 am | delete
    Great information about a touchy subject. That definition of a "lemon" is certainly new to me, Thanks
  • RosegardenAdvice Aug 17, 2010 @ 7:43 am | delete
    Wish somebody would do some similar research on this subject for Australia ... I liked your lens although it is not of much use to me. Especially liked the description of when I know I got myself a Lemon ... very well-written. Thanks.
  • Jake Jul 31, 2010 @ 6:36 am | delete
    I signed a used vehicle bill of sale and put down a deposit. My current car will be used as a trade in and I signed my registration.

    The car has to go thru an inspection and I pay the remaining amount, deliver my trade-in when I pick up this the car next week.
  • Jake Jul 31, 2010 @ 6:35 am | delete
    I signed a used vehicle bill of sale and put down a deposit. My current car will be used as a trade in and I signed my registration.

    The car has to go thru an inspection and I pay the remaining amount, deliver my trade-in when I pick up this the car next week.

    Can I back out of the this agreement with my deposit? I live in Ontario.
  • muldare Sep 5, 2010 @ 11:36 am | delete
    Hello. I am sorry I do not know the answer, but I have the same questions, except about a new car. I signed an agreemnt and put down $1000 deposit on a new car, but have decided it is just more then I should be spending on a car. Do I legally have 24 hours to change my mind about signing the agreement?

    Does a deposit on an agreement mean the same thing as full payment and taking possession of the car when it comes to the no takeback situation?.
  • dagsmith Sep 5, 2010 @ 5:30 pm | delete
    A new car purchase in this aspect is similar to a used car - there is no countrywide law on returning a new car unless you meet the definition of a lemon. Whether you can return a new car is unlikely, but dependent on the specific wording in the contract you signed.
  • shannon Jul 27, 2010 @ 7:50 pm | delete
    i just bought a car 2 wks ago used. and the car fax was clean, but when i checked autocheck it came back with unibody/frame damage and one accident. it is still under warranty. Do i have the right to return the car, under the massachusetts lemon law, because it a safely problem.
  • Dagsmith Jul 27, 2010 @ 8:50 pm | delete
    As the saying goes "I am not a lawyer, nor do I even play one on TV." That said, I do not believe that you have a claim on the MASS lemon law as the law applies to new cars. Your purchase of a used car was most likely an "As-Is" sale. The only time you might have a claim is if you can prove the dealer knew about the damage and hid that information from you. However - proving that a dealer knew can be quite difficult.
  • martialartstraining Jul 21, 2010 @ 1:58 pm | delete
    Excellant lens, I did not know a lot of the stuff in here; thank you.
  • GuyB Jun 27, 2010 @ 2:07 am | delete
    sweet lens with great info
  • Kimberly May 13, 2010 @ 9:32 pm | delete
    I leased a 2010 VW Jetta 3 days ago in Massachusetts. When I was driving home from the dealership the check engine light came on, and I also had a leaky drivers side window. I took it back to the dealership the next day. They still have it, and said they need to do more diagnostic tests. Today I received the lease contract in the mail, but it is missing the dealers signature. Does anyone know if this is considered a legal contract without their signature? I really do not want to keep this vehicle, and would rather renegotiate the deal for a different vehicle.
  • poe267 May 12, 2010 @ 10:12 am | delete
    Really good lens you have some useful information here. You may want out this used carswebsite it has also some good information on motoring advice
  • Mickie_G May 4, 2010 @ 10:54 am | delete
    Thank you for this article. My son-in-law is in the car business. I am proud to say that he is as honest as they come. Honest! So if you are ever in Bessemer or Pell City Alabama, stop by Town and Country Ford.

    Oh yes, you are being blessed by this SquidAngel. It is hard to find a blessings worthy lens in this category, so when I find one I give it my best blessing!
  • karemarie May 2, 2010 @ 9:24 pm | delete
    I purchased a car on Friday night, when I went to test drive the vehicle earlier in the week I asked the sales associate what the carfax report looked like, he said 1 owner, no accident.s I took his word for it, signed purchase agreement. Then got it home and notice a bump on the front bumper and decided to double check the carfax and saw that the vehicle had been in 2 accidents? Can I return the vehicle to the dealership and get out of the deal? ( I put no money down and financed vehicle through my credit union)
  • dagsmith May 2, 2010 @ 10:08 pm | delete
    The classic case of "trust nobody" in a transaction - get everything in writing. When you buy a house the paperwork is HUGE cause everything is documented, you have to sign dozens of forms confirming what was or was not said. In this case, all you have is your word against the salesperson's word on the vehicle history report.
  • sooooo frustrated Apr 24, 2010 @ 11:06 pm | delete
    I purchased a car less than 30 days ago in TN, now 1st rain has come n my car is swimming in water, it literally floods in my car, can i trade in my car to another dealership for something else, or can i return it to the same place, it one of those tote the note places..
  • dagsmith Apr 24, 2010 @ 11:32 pm | delete
    Well, you can certainly trade your car in to another dealership - but you will need to be sure you find a dealership that does not check too carefully or they will see the water damage/leaking and that will reduce the price they will pay you. If your contract says "As is" then you can't force the dealership to take it back - but some dealers are willing to discuss options. Good Luck
  • heath Apr 22, 2010 @ 3:22 pm | delete
    ok so I bought a car on saturday and financed through a bank now I have had remorse of buying the car but the catch is I never gave them a down payment but they put it in the contract does that make that contract an invalid contract. What are my rights on this if i take the car back tomorrow and say look i just cant come up with the downpayment here are the keys and the car and walk out there is nothing they can do right by take the car and take there loss correct?
  • WeddingZazzle Apr 13, 2010 @ 5:54 am | delete
    Nicely done with lots of helpful information. Congrats on your LOTD too! Blessed by a Squid Angel :)
  • njb Apr 3, 2010 @ 1:11 pm | delete
    can i return a car that was purchased (state of ca) through a conditional loan (going to drop off the money on weds)? there hasn't been any exchange of monies, i haven't seen the car yet either, the car is in the dealer's possesion, and i still have to provide proof of insurance. however, in a rush i did sign the contracts and later on noticed price discripencies. can i still return the car, and is there a time frame for the return?
  • dagsmith Apr 3, 2010 @ 3:59 pm | delete
    See the CALIFORNIA Car Buyer's Bill of Rights above. You probably do not have the right to return the car, but since no money has changed hands and you don't have the car - the dealer will have to decide the value of going after you. Remember - I have not read the contract - the real answers are there and in the description of the CALIFORNIA Car Buyer's Bill of Rights.
  • DKR Mar 18, 2010 @ 4:05 am | delete
    Is it possible to cancel the purchase of a new car (NY state) if: (1) I made a partial payment (about 1/4 of the purchase price); (2) I have signed a contract to purchase the car BUT (3) I haven't taken title or registered the car in my name; AND (4) (obviously) I haven't taken possession of the car AND (5) all of the above occurred less than 12 hours ago.
  • dagsmith Mar 20, 2010 @ 12:14 pm | delete
    The dealer has part of your money - and they probably won't return it (unless the contract has an out clause). Depends whether it is worth it to them to sue for the remainder of the payment.
  • lasertek Feb 21, 2010 @ 7:37 pm | delete
    Great! I learned a lot from this lens. The next time I'll purchase a car, I would be doubly careful to ensure that I get the best car available and the best deals. 5*
  • InsuranceQuotes4You Jan 25, 2010 @ 9:44 am | delete
    Awsome lens. 5 stars. The no return sucks, cause I had VW a while back and 7th day, the whole displey went bad, I was mad as it was brand new, but no return. UH. Now I am trying to find some auto insurance tips so I can lower the cost.. Recession and all :=)
  • cabinet-knob-pulls Jan 30, 2010 @ 11:17 am | delete
    Well comment on return car scenario. I wonder beside california where else you could return
  • al b Feb 17, 2010 @ 9:32 pm | delete
    Do you read the post? No returns allowed anywhere and you have to obviously buy that right in Cali...
  • dobber3 Jan 23, 2010 @ 7:47 pm | delete
    can a dealer in New Mexico charge me higher interest rates or downpayment because I live on an Indian reservation and don't have an adress but a P.O. box? I have a stable employer.
  • al b Feb 17, 2010 @ 9:33 pm | delete
    Sure. Your credit isn't all that good and you agreed to the terms by siogning a contract.
  • David Feb 26, 2010 @ 8:43 am | delete
    Look atmy site about limousine: http://www.seattle-towncar.com/
  • David Feb 26, 2010 @ 8:43 am | delete
    Look atmy site about limousine: http://www.seattle-towncar.com/
  • mitchking Jan 22, 2010 @ 10:45 am | delete
    A contract is a contract and people need to realize that. Never buy a car the first time you look at it. Take the time to think about at least over night before you sign the papers.
  • data Jan 29, 2010 @ 12:38 pm | delete
    Yeah? What if you buy a Toyota, and then find out it could kill you?
  • AlinaWarner Jan 21, 2010 @ 7:00 pm | delete
    Favorited and 5 *****
    Excellent lens.:)
  • bengriston Jan 20, 2010 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    A car is a huge expense and you do really need to make sure it is what you really want & that you can afford it.
  • DianeNassy Jan 20, 2010 @ 10:11 am | delete
    Excellent information.
  • happynutritionist Jan 20, 2010 @ 10:05 am | delete
    Very relevant and interesting...I live in NJ, appreciated the info about leasing. Have always heard about a "Lemon Law" and wondered whether it was true or not. Congrats on LOTD ~claudia
  • enslavedbyfaeries Jan 20, 2010 @ 9:35 am | delete
    Great information! Congratulations on LOTD!
  • Fayeess Jan 20, 2010 @ 7:13 am | delete
    Well done this is a fantastic lense! Informative, well laid out and interesting.
  • Sylvestermouse Jan 19, 2010 @ 8:27 pm | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day! There were no surprises in this article for me, but I think there are a lot of people who are shocked and unhappy with a car once they have purchased it and it has problems.
  • al b Feb 17, 2010 @ 9:34 pm | delete
    Very true
  • thesuccess Jan 19, 2010 @ 7:53 pm | delete
    This is very useful info with excellent presentation
  • tarodoug Jan 19, 2010 @ 4:15 pm | delete
    Great info, easy to read. thanks for sharing. I am sure this has taught many people some important facts.
  • partybuzz Jan 19, 2010 @ 3:56 pm | delete
    Very useful info here, thanks for sharing. I did return a car once, but only because it was a small dealership where I'd known the owner for years. The car had a leak that he paid to fix, but it still leaked. There was another car there I liked, so he let me trade it. That was my good fortune, since he didn't have to do that. Congrats on LotD!!
  • casamonika Jan 19, 2010 @ 2:49 pm | delete
    Important information - easy to read - comes right to the point. Well done!
  • Tipi Jan 19, 2010 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    Great information for everyone to see and well done, once again.
    LOTD, and deserving of it. ~ Best wishes!
    Susie
  • Income4life Jan 19, 2010 @ 1:59 pm | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day! geat information too
  • steamtown Jan 19, 2010 @ 12:17 pm | delete
    Great lens
    .I got 4 out of 5 right on your quiz and I used to be a car salesman! Oh Well!!
    You deserve a "5" for this lens!
  • Joan4 Jan 19, 2010 @ 12:16 pm | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day -- and thank you for all this great information about our car purchases!
  • newbizmau Jan 19, 2010 @ 11:55 am | delete
    I never knew that about the law. Great informative lens. Fav5*
  • Susan52 Jan 19, 2010 @ 11:46 am | delete
    Interesting information. We bought a brand new car once that we certainly considered a lemon, though it doesn't meet the above definition. If something could go wrong with that car, it did. My husband got no satisfaction from the dealer, so he wrote a letter to the manufacturer. When he drove through at the post office to mail it, he rolled down the window to put the letter in the box and the car window fell out. Needless to say, we never bought another car from that manufacturer again. (Congratulations on Lens of the Day!)
  • OhMe Jan 19, 2010 @ 11:25 am | delete
    This is really some great information and I appreciate your creating this lens. Congrats on LOTD.
  • Heather426 Jan 19, 2010 @ 11:13 am | delete
    congrats on LOTD!
  • jgelien Jan 19, 2010 @ 9:58 am | delete
    Thank you for this important information. My best friend's mom was sold a car that she realized almost immediately that on her income she could not afford. She mistakenly thought she had three days to return it. Not so. Wonderful lens. 5*
  • stacy_mcdaniel Jan 19, 2010 @ 9:16 am | delete
    Congratulations! Nice Lens!
  • d-artist Jan 19, 2010 @ 9:10 am | delete
    oops forgot to congratulate you on LOTD!!!!
  • d-artist Jan 19, 2010 @ 9:09 am | delete
    great lens...5*...READ YOUR CONTRACT!!!! that is the secret of keeping yourself out of trouble.
  • _Joan_ Jan 19, 2010 @ 8:23 am | delete
    Well researched and very useful. Congratulations on LOTD.
  • rms Jan 19, 2010 @ 7:57 am | delete
    Congrats on LotD!
  • jptanabe Jan 19, 2010 @ 7:56 am | delete
    Great lens, definitely worthy of LotD! I hope I never have "Buyer's Remorse" and want to return a car. Right now I'm hoping my car lasts a few more years so I don't even have to buy a car!
  • steveffeo Jan 19, 2010 @ 7:40 am | delete
    Congrats on LOTD I think the best thing you can do with a car is have it checked out by a mechanic YOU trust, I only buy used cars now due to resale values
  • TheGreenerMe Jan 19, 2010 @ 7:17 am | delete
    These are great tips on a huge decision. I know a couple of people that have been burned by dealerships. Congratulations on LOTD!
  • prosperity66 Jan 19, 2010 @ 7:10 am | delete
    In all honesty I know nothing about American laws regarding car buying and/or returning but I found this lens highly informative and very well laid out! Congratulations on your LOTD!
    SquidAngel blessings for Can you return a Car? --> Well, my uncle did return his new car but this happened in Belgium :D
  • arncyn Jan 19, 2010 @ 6:21 am | delete
    I think this is the best advice ever - "Avoid Buyer's Remorse! You can't return a car - so avoid needing to return a car". Fantastic, well-informed lens on what to do in case of buyer's remorse. I personally wouldn't buy one unless I'm 200% sure but then again, who's to know I wont make that mistake in the future? (knocks on wood). Great lens! *blessed*
  • LubosLabik Jan 19, 2010 @ 1:53 am | delete
    Good to know abot this when I will buy car in USA.
  • kimark421 Jan 11, 2010 @ 7:27 pm | delete
    Great lens. Take it from one who has run a car dealership in the past, if you have problems and can't get relief from the dealer, see an attorney. A vast majority of the time, the courts side with the consumer. In most cities, there are attorneys who's practice is solely devoted to shady car dealers. BTW- There are many excellent dealers out there! Do your research before you purchase. 5*s for this lens!
  • Stazjia Dec 26, 2009 @ 8:57 am | delete
    Very informative lens about car buyers' rights of return. Blessed by an Angel.
  • Pamela Nov 8, 2009 @ 12:03 pm | delete
    Every state has laws that protect used car buyers. For instance, we are protected under the Consumer Protection Act in WA. Also, if you buy the "Service Contract", which is what my dealer called a "3 year warrantee" on a used car in WA, they are NOT ALLOWED to waive the Implied Warrantee http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=48.110.075, (even if you sign off on it) which implies that the car is in good working order and comparable to other similar vehicles in the price range. I assume other states have similar laws. I've been a paralegal for 10 years, and unfortunately got duped into buying a car with obvious electrical problems yesterday. I can't open the gas cap cover, the convertible top (although it worked during test drive), the trunk, ect. The alarm goes off for no reason. I will likely get the dealer to fix the problems for free, but if not I will get an attorney on board. Definately seek the advice of an attorney.
  • www.usedlemon.com Nov 2, 2009 @ 3:19 pm | delete
    yea if you ever need help check us out at http://www.usedlemon.com
  • cypruscar Oct 22, 2009 @ 8:38 am | delete
    Another great lens! cyprus car
  • Al Jul 27, 2009 @ 12:27 pm | in reply to Sid | delete
    I'll try to get the dealer to adjust to price advertised on the net tomorrow, but outlook is not great. Wish me luck!

    ==============

    Didn't work out too well, signed you agreed to the terms and signed the paperwork, did it?
  • Sid Jul 13, 2009 @ 3:17 am | delete
    I have buyer's remorse big time. My wife and I original was going to look a used car from the internet. The sticker price at the dealer was more than the internet, but they were going to sell it for the internet price. However, my wife didn't like the car for the purpose; she was buying a commuter car for work. We were going to leave but then they brought a honda civic hybrid with the "HOV" sticker that allows you to ride the carpool lane by yourself. I wasn't too big on the car as she was, but I did like the carpool lane perk. So I overlooked the price, big mistake. Now that I'm home and back on the net, I overpaid about $3K and the "HOV" sticker will expire Jan.2011. I wished we took that "Buyer's remorse option" now even though at the time I thought it's a was of money. One of those expensive life lesson. I'll try to get the dealer to adjust to price advertised on the net tomorrow, but outlook is not great. Wish me luck! Please learn from me, thanks.
  • melinda Jul 10, 2009 @ 8:22 am | delete
    i really wish i read this before too.. i bought the car two weeks ago and it wont start.. now i have to pay the towing company to get it back to the dealer ugh
  • Jul 5, 2009 @ 1:13 pm | delete
    wow I didnt know that... very important knowledge to have when making such a large purchase

    jp
    Free Annual Credit Report
  • AbbasAbedi Jun 9, 2009 @ 5:29 am | delete
    Important info. Thanks.
  • Alfred B May 19, 2009 @ 8:36 pm | in reply to mistyblue75605 | delete
    If there was not a signature of a lending officer on that contract, you were never approved.

    Of course, you did not get rejected because a lender though you were a good lending risk for the vehicle you tried to buy.

    It is your responsibility to know how much vehicle you can buy with your credit rating, income and income to debt ratio beforehand.
  • Alfred B May 19, 2009 @ 8:34 pm | in reply to Rose | delete
    EPA fuel mileage estimates are just that...estimates.

    A lawyer will just laugh at you for wasting his time with such a "case".
  • BillyBarroo Nov 8, 2011 @ 8:35 pm | delete
    Really
  • Rose Apr 25, 2009 @ 9:17 pm | delete
    Wish I read this last week.
    We were told mpg was much better than it really is. We are good drivers and always get better mpg than have been told! Not with our 2007 PT Cruiser. We feel betrayed and stupid.
    Buyers remorse is our name.
    We did not cool off, we did everything wrong. We are so sorry.
    We will contact our lawyer but think we are stuck.
    If we are stuck, we will just eat crow and enjoy it. It is fun to drive though.
  • mistyblue75605 Mar 14, 2009 @ 10:34 pm | delete
    This is soooo true! It is your property. But I once bought a truck in Las Vegas and they called 30 days later and said they needed to do something more with the truck to bring to the dealership. Well, they ended up taking it back and giving me my car back because they said they couldn't get anyone to approve the loan!! funny when I left that day I was supposed to already be approved and the truck was mine to make payments on,

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dagsmith

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