What to do if I don't like the car I just bought?
Asked by: Kailee Turner | Last update: February 6, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (68 votes)
If you don't like a car you just bought, first check your contract for return policies or "cooling-off" periods (rare for cars, but check!), then immediately contact the dealership to negotiate an exchange or cancellation, especially if it's within a few days, as some offer limited exchange programs like CarMax; if that fails and the car has undisclosed defects, you might have a lemon law claim (check Florida laws). Otherwise, you'll likely need to sell or trade it, accepting you'll probably lose money, so research selling privately versus trading to minimize losses.
What to do if you don't like the car you bought?
If you don't like the car you purchased, you can exchange it for one you like or get a refund. In addition, some dealerships have exchange programs where you have a limited number of days to exchange the vehicle.
How long do you have after you buy a car to change your mind?
Consumers who purchase a used car for less than $40,000 must be offered a two-day contract cancellation option agreement. Note There is no “cooling off” period unless you purchase a contract cancellation option agreement.
How long do I have to return a car if I don't like it?
A: No, there is no buyer's remorse law in California, especially for cars. Once you purchase a car, the car belongs to you, and there is very little you can do to get out of that contract. You are legally bound by the contract you signed.
Can you back out of a new car purchase after signing?
Generally, no, you can't easily cancel a car purchase after signing because contracts are legally binding, as there's typically no "cooling-off" period for car sales, but you might if the dealer committed fraud, misrepresented the vehicle, or if you haven't taken delivery yet; your best bet is to act immediately, contacting the dealer to plead your case, as some may allow cancellation, possibly for a fee.
Questions to NEVER answer on a car lot - Car Buying Tips
How many days do I have to back out of a car loan?
Q: Do I have a three (3) day right to cancel my car contract? However, with respect to conditional sale contracts (financed, not cash sale) there is normally a Seller's Right to Cancel provision, allowing the Dealership a ten (10) day right to cancel if the dealership cannot obtain lender financing as planned.
How can I get out of a car I just bought?
Car purchases are typically final, as no law requires dealers to accept returns for buyer's remorse. Exceptions include state “lemon laws” for defective cars or a dealership's voluntary, written return policy. If you cannot return the car, you can refinance the loan, sell or trade the vehicle, or transfer the lease.
What happens if I'm not happy with my new car?
Your consumer rights
If you discover your vehicle is of unsatisfactory quality, unfit for purpose or not as described within the first 30 days, you can raise this with the seller and ask for your money back. You will be entitled to a full refund.
Where is the 3-day cancellation law in effect?
What Is the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule? The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller's temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant.
How to deal with buyer's remorse after buying a car?
Advice: If you have buyer's remorse, you can call the salesperson first as a courtesy, but be prepared to contact someone higher up in dealership management, such as the sales manager, general manager or owner. It's solely at the dealer's discretion whether to undo the purchase.
Can I change my mind if I bought a car?
Generally, you cannot change your mind and return a car after buying it because car sales are legally binding contracts, not retail purchases with automatic "cooling-off" periods, but exceptions exist if the car is a lemon, the dealer has a written return policy, financing falls through, or you can prove dealer fraud. If you have buyer's remorse, your best bet is to immediately contact the dealership's management (sales manager or general manager) and negotiate, as it's at their discretion, but acting fast (within a day or two) is crucial.
What happens if I buy a car and want to return it?
If you buy a car and want to return it, you generally can't unless the dealership has a specific, often short (24-72 hour) return policy or offers "spot delivery," but your best bet is to immediately contact the dealer manager to plead your case, as laws typically bind you to the signed contract, except for major defects covered by lemon laws.
Can I return a car I just financed?
Yes, you can return a financed car, typically through a voluntary repossession/surrender, but it's a last resort due to significant negative credit impacts and owing any "deficiency" (the loan balance minus the car's sale price). Better options often include selling the car, trading it in, or refinancing if you're struggling with payments, though these also have financial implications, notes. A few exceptions exist, like "lemon laws" or if financing falls through (spot delivery), but generally, you're bound by your contract.
How long is buyer's remorse on a car?
A: No, there is no cooling-off period when buying a used car in California; however, consumers who purchase a used car for under $40,000 must be offered a two-day contract cancellation option agreement before signing their contract.
Why do I feel weird after buying a new car?
You might be experiencing buyer's remorse, which is a common feeling of regret, disappointment, or even anger after making a major purchase like a car, due to the long-term commitment involved. It's a normal reaction and often happens with big purchases.
What is the buyer's right to cancel?
You have a right to change your mind. To cancel a sale, sign and date one copy of the cancellation form. Mail it to the address given for cancellations. Make sure the envelope is postmarked before midnight of the third business day after the contract date.
What are 6 things that void a contract?
We'll cover these terms in more detail later.
- Understanding Void Contracts. ...
- Uncertainty or Ambiguity. ...
- Lack of Legal Capacity. ...
- Incomplete Terms. ...
- Misrepresentation or Fraud. ...
- Common Mistake. ...
- Duress or Undue Influence. ...
- Public Policy or Illegal Activity.
Can I get out of a contract I just signed?
You generally cannot cancel a signed contract easily, as it's legally binding, but you might be able to if there's a specific "cooling-off period" (like for some door-to-door sales, timeshares, or home loans), a termination clause in the contract, mutual agreement, or if the other party significantly breached the terms, committed fraud, or there was mutual mistake. For most standard agreements, cancelling without cause means you'll likely face financial penalties or be in breach of contract, so checking contract terms or seeking legal advice is crucial.
What is toxic car syndrome?
Toxic Car Syndrome (or Sick Car Syndrome) refers to health issues from inhaling mold, bacteria, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a vehicle, often caused by moisture buildup in the A/C system or poor hygiene, leading to symptoms like headaches, sneezing, coughing, and drowsiness, similar to flu-like or allergy symptoms. It's preventable by regularly cleaning the interior and A/C system, replacing filters, airing out the car, and fixing leaks.
What is the Dave Ramsey rule on new cars?
How much car can I afford based on my salary? Ramsey's car-buying rule is that you shouldn't buy a brand-new car unless you have a net worth of at least $1 million. Also, the total value of all your vehicles shouldn't be more than half your annual income.
What is a red flag in a dealership?
Car dealership red flags include high-pressure tactics, hidden fees (like dealer prep or market adjustments), refusal to provide an "out-the-door" price, lack of transparency with vehicle history reports (Carfax/AutoCheck), pushy salespeople avoiding direct questions, forcing financing, and signs of odometer fraud or title issues, all signaling a potentially untrustworthy seller.
What do I do if I hate my new car?
Contact the Dealer
Speak your concerns to the dealer vehicle. They may be prepared to launch a new model of car or may wish to invite the vehicle for repairs, or perhaps, they want to settle the problem amiably.
How to get rid of a car you just financed?
If you need to get out of a car loan you can't afford, options to consider include negotiating with your lender, refinancing your loan, selling the car or voluntarily surrendering it to avoid repossession.
What if I regret my car purchase?
There is no cooling off period when it comes to buying a car. If you want to get out of a car purchase, the only way is to prove the car dealer committed fraud in the sale of the purchase. This is called a fradulently induced contract, it does not matter if it was sold AS IS.