I changed my mind. Can I return the car that I just bought to the dealership?

Question: I changed my mind.  Can I return the car that I just bought to the dealership?

Many of us have experienced it: stepped into a dealership with no intention to buy, only to be captivated by a shiny car. The friendly, knowledgeable salesperson offers a test drive, and you're hooked. That fresh car smell overwhelms you, and the next thing you know you’ve signed your name on the dotted line. However, once the initial excitement fades and the compliments dwindle, reality sets in. You realize you didn't read all of those documents.  You see that the cost to maintain the car is more than you expected.  You notice problems, like it shakes on acceleration or the screen resets often while driving.  But, you’ve already posted a video on TikTok and pictures on IG.  Can you return the car and get your money back?

1. Did the dealership offer a written return policy?  Some dealerships offer a return policy if the customer brings back the car within a certain number of hours, days, or miles used. Some companies may even allow you to exchange one vehicle for another if you’re unhappy with your purchase. The best way to ensure that you’re able to return the car if unhappy is to have the requirement written in your purchase contract.

 

2. Is your brand-new car defective?  The Georgia Lemon Law is a self-help statute whose primary goal is to have the manufacturer of your motor vehicle fix any defects.  If your brand-new car is deemed a Lemon (numerous unsuccessful repair attempts after you've made written demands to the manufacturer), then the manufacturer must either replace or repurchase your new vehicle.  However, specific requirements must be met for you to be eligible for this coverage.  You can review those requirements in the e-book, Lemon-Aid for Georgia Consumers: Your Guide to the Georgia Lemon Law.

 

3. Did the dealership fail to perform? You may also be able to return the vehicle if the dealership failed to perform a required task that, such as perform an emissions test on a used vehicle for the 13 covered counties in Georgia, deliver the title to you within 30 days of purchase, register the car with your county, etc.

 

4. Did the dealership deceive you? Another way to exercise your right to return a vehicle is if the dealership engaged in some unfair or deceptive practice, such as false or deceptive advertising, odometer tampering, or failing to give you a promised sweepstakes prize. 

Do your homework first to avoid dealing with an unethical salesperson, accepting a deal you can't afford, or driving around in a car you don't want after all.  And remember, as with all large purchases, there’s nothing wrong with taking the necessary time to think the decision through before signing on the dotted line.