Can You Return a New Car in California? Know Your Rights!

Buying a new car can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of your life. You may buy the car that stays with you for years, maybe even decades. You might even plan to give it to your children or grandchildren one day. Regrettably, buying a new car can go a very different way. You could end up being taken advantage of and left with a new car that’s actually a total lemon. If that happens, you may be wondering, “Can you return a new car in California?”

Understand the Lemon Law in California

When you buy a new vehicle in California, it generally comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. If you have that, it’s a solid first step toward returning it to the manufacturer if it’s a lemon. You could also get fully reimbursed for your purchase or even be given a replacement vehicle. This is all thanks to California’s Lemon Law, which protects consumers who have bought defective vehicles and gives them a way to seek compensation from the manufacturers.

California’s Lemon Law, which is also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, is a piece of statewide legislation that provides consumers with additional legal protection in the unfortunate event they end up purchasing a lemon. For a car to be considered a lemon by California state law, it has to meet certain criteria. It must have a defect that’s covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, have gone through multiple repair attempts, and is an imminent danger to its owner and others.

Can You Return a New Car in California?

Yes, you can return a new car in California. Nobody ever wants to do this, as a new car can be a fun, exciting, and memorable purchase. Nevertheless, it sometimes has to be done, especially if the vehicle is determined to be a lemon. To return a new car under the Lemon Law, it must meet the listed criteria and have a significant defect that affects the vehicle’s use, safety, and/or value. Otherwise, there are other situations in which returning a new car is possible.

Contract Cancellation

It may be possible to return your new car during the cooling-off period, though this may not always work out, depending on the dealer. To do this, you would need to meet certain criteria and, even then, there are no guarantees. You would need to return the car within two days of purchase, in the same condition, with the permitted mileage, and with the option of a contract cancellation.

Some car dealers, though not all, may offer you an option for a contract cancellation. If this is available in your contract, you may have a couple of days to return the car. However, it may be wise to ask the dealer about this option before purchasing a vehicle. That way, you can know if you can return it if you suddenly change your mind. Keep in mind that dealers in California generally do not have a cooling-off period, as they are not legally required to have one.

Statute of Limitations

Buying a new car and realizing it’s a lemon can really hurt your trust in people and make you want to seek recompense of some sort. That may come in the form of legal action against the manufacturer. If you decide to take that route, you should pay attention to California’s statute of limitations on Lemon Law claims. Generally, you will have four years from the date you discovered the defect to build a strong case and file a claim for reimbursement.

If you do not file your claim before four years have passed, your claim will be completely denied and tossed out. California takes deadlines very seriously with Lemon Law claims.

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: How Long Do I Have to Return a Car After Purchase in California?

A: In California, the amount of time you may have to return a car after purchase depends entirely on the details of your contract and whether you have purchased a contract cancellation option. If you do have a contract cancellation option, then you will likely have two days to return the car to the dealership. Your contract may have a different timeframe, but it is generally two days.

Q: Is There a Cool-Off Period for New Cars in California?

A: Generally, there is no cool-off period for new cars in California. Once you sign a contract purchasing a new car, it’s your car, and you cannot cancel that contract. If there was fraud involved or the dealership decided to let you return the car, that’s a different matter. Normally, California does not require a cool-off period for new car purchases.

Q: Is There a Buyer’s Remorse Law in California?

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. If you purchase the option to cancel the contract, you may have to pay additional fees, but you might also buy your way out of the contract.

Q: How Long After Buying a New Car Can You Return It?

A: In California, you can return a new car within two days of ownership, provided you purchased a Contract Cancellation Option Agreement (CCOA) from the dealer when you bought the car. The price of the CCOA will be determined by the price of the car, and there may be other fees that the dealer will require you to pay before agreeing to cancel the contract. It largely depends on the dealer, as there is no buyer’s remorse law in California.

Contact a Lawyer Today

En Ley del Limón Pro, we can take charge of your case absolutely free. We only get paid if we win your case, and we get paid directly from the manufacturer. There is no cost to you whatsoever. You need strong legal representation through this type of case. We can build your argument and gather evidence to support it. Our team advocates for clients statewide in California. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to speak with a team member about your case today.