How Can I Return a New Automobile?

Buying a new car is supposed to be exciting, but if you're not happy with your purchase, it can quickly become very frustrating. Try not to panic if you decide that you'd rather not keep the car, whether it's because you don't like its physical appearance or are unhappy with the purchase terms. New car sales are generally final when you sign the purchase paperwork, which is why it's so important to thoroughly research your purchase before you make it. There are, however, a few ways you may be able to return or exchange your new car.

Instructions

1

Gather all of the paperwork that you received when you purchased the car. Review the purchase agreement that you signed. Your dealership may have offered you a "cooling-off period," which is usually the first three days that follow your purchase date. If you were offered such a period, you may be able to return the car for any reason within the specified time frame at either no cost or for a relatively small restocking fee. Note that dealerships are not legally required to offer a cooling-off period and that most do not offer them for new car purchases. If the dealership offered a cooling-off period and you waived it, you may not return the car.

2

Check your state's laws on new car purchases. Some states have a "lemon law" that may protect you if your new car has mechanical trouble. Lemon laws will not help you return your car if it doesn't have a mechanical problem. In California, a car may be returned under state lemon law if you have attempted to fix the same problem at least four times or if it's been non-operational for at least 30 days within the first year or 12,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first. The problem must be covered under a warranty and you must have notified the manufacturer about the problem, if you were required to do so under the warranty.

3

Take your car back to the dealership from which you purchased it and speak with the managers. If you'd like to exchange your car for a new one, they may help you, but they don't have to. You may have to sell your car privately or trade it in for its diminished current value, rather than its original purchase value.