Key Takeaways:   

• In California, there’s no cooling-off period for cars. Once you buy a vehicle, you can’t return it just because of buyer’s remorse.
• There are a few exceptions, like the two-day cancellation option for used cars under $40,000 or cases of dealer fraud.
• Knowing the California Lemon Law can also help protect you if your car turns out to be defective.

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Buying a car is a big decision, and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. But what happens if you drive off the lot and start second-guessing your choice? 

In California, there’s no cooling-off period, so returning a car simply because you’ve changed your mind isn’t an option. Find out what that means and if there are any exceptions to this rule below! 

What Is a Cooling-Off Period When Buying a Car?

A cooling-off period is a short time during which you can cancel a purchase without any penalties. It usually applies to high-pressure sales, like door-to-door or telemarketing offers, giving you a chance to rethink an impulse buy. 

Is There a Cooling-Off Period In California?

No, in California, there’s no cooling-off period for cars. Once you take a new or used vehicle home, the sale is final. This law protects dealerships. Without it, people could buy a car, drive it for a few days, and then return it, which would lower the car’s value and make it harder for the dealer to sell it again.

Are There Exceptions?

While the no cooling-off rule is generally pretty strict, there are a few exceptions:

• Conditional Sales: If you buy a car “subject to lender approval” and the dealer can’t get you financing, you can return it. This isn’t about changing your mind; it’s about the sale not going through.
• Two-Day Cancellation for Used Cars: California law allows you to buy a two-day cancellation option at the time of sale for used cars under $40,000. This allows you to return the vehicle within two days for a full refund minus any fees.

Dealerships are not legally obligated to provide contract cancellation option agreements for new car purchases. However, at its discretion, a dealership may choose to include such an agreement as part of its sales terms. This decision rests solely with the individual dealer.

Can You Return a Car to a Dealership in California?

In California, you usually can’t return a car to a dealership unless one of the exceptions applies. If the vehicle isn’t what you expected or you simply change your mind, returning it isn’t an option.

That said, if a new car has a significant defect that can’t be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, California’s lemon law may allow you to get a replacement or refund.

Tips for Protecting Yourself When Buying a Vehicle

Given that you can’t return a car in California, it’s important to make sure you’re making a wise investment. Here are some tips to help you avoid purchasing a lemon: 

• Do your research: Check reviews and reliability ratings for the car you’re interested in.
• Inspect the car: For used vehicles, have a trusted mechanic look it over to spot hidden problems. 
• Test drive: Drive on highways, bumpy roads, and different conditions to catch any issues.
• Understand the Contract: Read all terms, fees, and warranties before signing.

How Does This Apply to the California Lemon Law?

California’s Lemon Law, officially called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, helps protect consumers who purchase defective vehicles. If your car has serious problems that the dealer or manufacturer can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you might qualify for a refund or replacement. 

To qualify, these rules apply:

• The car’s defects must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. 
• The defect must significantly affect the car’s safety, use, or value.
• The manufacturer must have had a reasonable chance to fix it.

If your vehicle meets these requirements, you could have a valid Lemon Law claim and may be able to get compensation.

Need Help with a Lemon Car? Contact Our Attorneys

If you think you’ve bought a lemon or were misled by a dealer, it’s important to get legal help. At Norman Taylor & Associates, our attorneys specialize in California Lemon Law and will work to protect your rights. In fact, our principal attorney has authored several California lemon law books and even helped draft the jury instructions used statewide. 

Call 818-244-3905 or contact us online to schedule your FREE case review today! 

Schedule my consultation

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✓ Content checked by the lemon law attorneys at Norman Taylor & Associates