What 3-Day Right to Return?

Why does everyone in Georgia seem to think that they can return a used car in 3 days if they don’t like it?  Apparently, someone is spreading a vile rumor that you can buy a car, drive it, and then return within three days of purchase if you don’t like it.  Where does this bad information come from?

 

Ok, so for some purchases made in certain situations, you can cancel the purchase within 3 days.  The Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule protects consumers from certain high-pressure sales tactics.  Remember that time that you were caught up in the moment and bought $100 of magazine subscriptions from those kids were going door-to-door?  Who needs 3 different magazines on big bass fishing, anyway?

 

That sale was most likely covered by the Cooling-Off Rule.  Per the FTC: The Cooling-Off Rule gives you 3 days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dorm, or at a seller’s temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant. The Rule also applies when you invite a salesperson to make a presentation in your home.

 

But guess what?  The Cooling-Off Rule specifically excludes automobiles!  Why does everyone think they can return a car, if the rule says cars don’t count?  Well, some car dealerships will write in a cancellation period in the bill of sale.  But beware—once you purchase a vehicle in Georgia it is yours! Unless you have it somewhere in writing from the dealer that you can return, there are no give-backsies.

 

This is why it is so important to carefully make a decision when purchasing a vehicle. If you purchase a piece of junk car “As-Is,” and it falls apart 15 minutes after your purchase it, that car is still yours; if you decide half a day later that you just don’t want it anymore, that car is still yours; and, if the heavens open up and rain down solely on the vehicle you just purchased, that car is still yours. You may have some legal options depending on what took place during the sale, but who wants to spend thousands in legal fees to get out of a bad car deal?

 

Now, as promised, here’s the rule to avoid rotten used car deals:

 

• Research the car you want, the cost of ownership, and the typical selling price
• Only communicate with dealers via email
• Test drive the vehicle
• Take it to a mechanic for inspection before buying (or take the mechanic to the car)
• Ensure that there are no open recalls when buying a used vehicle
• Negotiate the Out-The-Door price before going to the dealership

 

In summary, once you purchase a vehicle in the state of Georgia, there is no rule that gives a consumer the right to return. Before you buy a used car read our article on Buying a Used Car, research your vehicle and the dealer, get the vehicle inspected, and anticipate owning the vehicle for a long time.