Last updated on October 5th, 2023 at 04:27 pm

Some dealers offer a return policy for new cars occasionally. Few dealerships have buyers regret laws that allow you to return a vehicle immediately after buying it if it is returned in the same condition as you bought it.

If you bought a car from a dealer and signed loan documents, and he did not submit your documents to the bank or finance company, your dealer might be able to unwind the deal if he wants to.

Secret Tips On Returning A Car You Just Bought

1. If you bought the car from a dealership

If you have bought a car from a motor dealership, you have the right to return the vehicle within the first 30 days of purchase. It comes in the “short-term right to reject rules.”

But to return the car, you have to make sure that you find any fault in the vehicle within 30-days. Also, you have to prove that the fault was in that car when you bought it. In this case, you can ask for a refund, repair the car free of cost, or replace the vehicle like-for-like. 

However, suppose the vehicle is found defective after the 30-day returning period ends. In that case, you can also request the Dealer make a reasonable deduction, refund, and award a like-for-like replacement vehicle. But it is totally up to the Dealer whether he considers it or not.

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2. If you bought a car online

You can cancel or return the car 14 days after delivery off-premises or online. The Dealer should have informed you about the 14 days return policy before the deal. If they don’t notify them, you will get the right to cancel the order or return it up to 12 months after delivery. Also, you will need not provide reasons to return it.

3. If you are being a fraud

Most car dealers do not have a return policy, but it’s possible if it gets ripped off. A seller or Dealer can cheat you in different ways.

  • The Dealer can cheat by telling you the wrong price and documenting a higher price. They can add the condition that you didn’t agree to.
  • Packed you with additional accessories that you are not consenting to take.
  • When buying a used car, the Dealer can also cheat you by not telling you about any defect or mechanical issues the vehicle has.
  • The Dealer offers a higher value of the car than the market price

If any of these happen to you and you feel cheated, then go and meet the salesperson or the dealership manager to return that car. Do not forget to take the documentation with you to justify your claims. You may not have many possibilities if you have already signed the documents. It’s totally up to the manager whether he honors your claim.

You should research the price online to avoid additional add-ons in your contract or a higher price than the current market value. Also, you should read through the documents before signing them.

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4. If a monthly payment is too high

If you realize that the monthly payments are higher and you would not afford to pay them, you can claim to return the car. But it will not be so easy to return in this case. You should talk to the salesperson who you deal with. If it doesn’t work, go to the dealer manager and convince him whether he allows you to have an affordable one in exchange for the costly one. If returning is impossible, you can try to lower the monthly payment. But this decision is totally up to the manager.

5. If you bought a car that already has a mechanical issue

In most cases, the lemon law applies to the new vehicle. If your newly bought car is not running correctly and has a mechanical problem, you can appeal to return that car. But to claim that, you have to gather all the documents where it will prove the mechanical issue is happening. All the papers should have noted your complaint in detail. 

Remember that lemon laws can vary from state to state. It can vary depending on different factors, including the ability to drive, the length of purchasing the car, mileage, the number of dealerships attempting to fix the problem, etc.

For that investigation, the Dealer’s service department will need multiple trips. If the repair is possible, the Dealer will take care of it under warranty. Otherwise, your car is a lemon if the problem can’t be fixed. You have to research if you can claim a lemon law. Upon a successful claim, you’ll be able to secure a refund or exchange with other vehicles.

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6. If you change your mind

Change of the buyer’s mind or buyer’s remorse after buying a car is the most challenging reason for you to make a return of the vehicle. Most dealers do not agree to rescind the purchase agreement after signing the sales contract without any fault in the car.

The matter of relief is that the FTC has a Cooling-Off Rule. According to the rule, you can cancel the deal right after the agreement up to 3 days after purchase. It applies if you purchase a car from your home, workplace, or other temporary seller location. For this, you have to contact the dealers’ salesperson or higher official of the dealers and whether you can undo the deal.

7. If the Dealer has any policy

Few dealers in the market have an easy car return policy, or sometimes few dealers offer a return policy occasionally. Some may give time to return a vehicle within 7-days after buying a car, and some may provide a thirty-day return policy. Within this time, if you do not like your car or have any issues, you will be able to exchange your car for another one or get a refund within this given time.

There are a few conditions to get an exchange or refund

  • You will get a refund initially if the car is in good condition.
  • If mechanical damage happens because of you, that will be deducted from the refund.
  • Some dealers have to return the policy upon days or how many miles you drive. If the given time or Odometer readings assessment of miles exceeds the limit, you must pay for every extra mile you have driven.
  • If the damage repair cost exceeds the paid amount, you must pay the excess amount. 

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