Can You Return a Car You Just Purchased to the Dealership?
Car dealerships rarely accept returns once you sign the purchase contract. However, you have options through lemon laws if the car is defective, consumer protection agencies if you were cheated, and alternatives like refinancing or selling if you simply can't afford the payments.
Get Payment ReliefYou bought a car and now you want to return it. Can you do that?
Most dealerships won’t take returns. Once you sign the sales contract, the car is yours. No federal law requires dealers to accept returns or exchanges.
Struggling With Unaffordable Car Payments?
You can't always return a car, but you can get help managing the payments. Create a debt management plan that reduces your monthly obligations and fits your budget.
Lower Your PaymentsBut you have options. Some situations give you the right to return a vehicle.
Do Car Dealerships Accept Returns?
Car dealerships rarely accept returns after you sign the paperwork. The sales contract binds you to the purchase.
Some dealers offer return policies, but they’re uncommon. When they exist, strict conditions and time limits apply.
Online car retailers like CarMax and Carvana typically offer return policies. Check the terms before you purchase anything.
Do Lemon Laws Protect You?
Lemon laws protect you from defective vehicles. Federal and state lemon laws cover new cars nationwide.
You can return a vehicle when defects affect safety, use, or value. The manufacturer must replace or repurchase unrepairable vehicles.
Only nine states extend lemon law protection to used cars:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Rhode Island
Check your state’s specific lemon law requirements and coverage.
Not Every Car Dealership Has a Return Policy
Most dealerships skip return policies entirely. The process costs money and takes time.
Some dealers offer limited exchange windows or return options. Read the fine print before you buy.
Online car purchasing platforms usually provide better return options. You’ll find more flexible policies with digital retailers.
Can You Return a Car if It Has Serious Mechanical Issues?
Document every mechanical problem immediately. Visit the dealer’s service department repeatedly if needed.
Make sure repair orders detail every issue. You need written proof of ongoing problems.
Check your state’s lemon laws for eligibility requirements. A successful claim gets you a refund or replacement vehicle.
You might recover attorney fees if you hire legal help. Many lemon law cases include fee reimbursement.
Can You Return a Car if You Think the Dealership Cheated You?
Dealers sometimes use deceptive practices. They might misstate prices, alter documents, or add unauthorized charges.
Meet with the dealership first. Bring all documentation that supports your fraud claim.
Dealers must disclose prior accidents and known mechanical issues. Failure to disclose is illegal.
What Other Options Do You Have if You Believe the Dealer Cheated You?
You have multiple paths forward when a dealership refuses your claim.
Contact Your State’s Attorney General Office
Your state attorney general’s office explains your legal protections. They may investigate your complaint against the dealer.
File a Complaint With the Federal Trade Commission
The FTC handles false advertising complaints. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau addresses contract problems.
File a Complaint With the Better Business Bureau
The BBB mediates disputes between businesses and consumers. They work toward fair resolutions.
File your BBB complaint online or by mail. The dealer must respond within 14 days.
You can also write a company review on the BBB website. Your experience helps future buyers make informed decisions.
File a Complaint With Your Local DMV
Your DMV’s business regulation section handles dealer complaints. They assist with title issues, liens, and incorrect paperwork.
Find an Attorney
Consider legal action when other methods fail. An attorney can sue the dealership for undisclosed defects.
The National Association of Consumer Advocates connects you with consumer protection attorneys. Use their online directory to find representation.
Can You Return a Car if You Have Buyer’s Remorse?
Buyer’s remorse hits hard after major purchases. The reality of monthly payments creates financial stress.
Most dealerships don’t accept returns for changed minds. You signed a binding contract and payments continue.
You still have several alternatives to explore:
- Check the return policy: Larger chains and online retailers sometimes offer return windows
- Trade the car in: Accept some loss to switch to an affordable vehicle
- Sell privately: Recover more money than trade-in value by selling yourself
- Refinance the loan: Lower monthly payments by extending terms or reducing interest rates
Act quickly before depreciation reduces your car’s value. Early action limits your financial loss.
If you’re struggling with car payments and need help managing your debt, our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling can help you create a plan that fits your budget.
The Best Cure Is Prevention
Research prevents buyer’s remorse. Know your budget before you shop.
Study the dealership’s policies thoroughly. Understand return rules and exchange options.
Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Carfax for pricing. Compare similar vehicles by condition, year, make, and model.
Armed with market value data, you avoid overpaying.
Are Car Sales Subject to the Federal Cooling-Off Rule?
No. The FTC’s cooling-off rule doesn’t cover car purchases.
The three-day cooling-off period applies to purchases over $25 at temporary locations. Door-to-door sales qualify, but dealerships don’t.
Are There Any State Laws That Protect You?
Some states provide grace periods beyond federal law. California offers a contract cancellation option for used cars under $40,000.
The California Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights outlines these protections.
Check your state DMV website for similar consumer protections.
What Are Your Options if the Dealer Won’t Take the Car Back?
You have alternatives when returns fail and complaints don’t work. None are perfect, but they provide relief.
Sell Your Car
You won’t recover your full purchase price. But selling recovers some of your investment.
Private sales typically yield more than trade-ins.
Refinance Your Car Loan
Two refinancing strategies can reduce payment stress:
- Extend the loan period: Lower monthly payments but pay more total interest
- Get a lower interest rate: Reduce payments modestly but possibly pay loan fees
Refinancing opens a new loan with associated costs. Calculate whether savings outweigh fees.
Consider Voluntary Repossession
Voluntary repossession is a last resort option. You return the vehicle to your lender voluntarily.
The lender sells the car and applies proceeds to your loan. You still owe any deficiency balance after the sale.
Repossession damages your credit score significantly. Missed payments appear on your credit report for years.
Consider exploring debt management options before choosing repossession.
Key Points To Remember
You generally can’t return a car after purchase. Dealers have no legal obligation to accept returns.
Exceptions exist for defective vehicles, fraud, and specific state protections. Document everything and know your rights.
Prevention works best. Research thoroughly, understand policies, and budget realistically before buying.