- The type of problem.
- The severity of the problem.
- The time frame in which you return the car.
- The state you live in.
Here are some general guidelines:
- If you bought the car from a private party, you may have no legal recourse if it has problems. However, some states have laws that protect buyers of used cars from unscrupulous sellers.
- If you bought the car from a dealership, you may be able to take advantage of the dealer's warranty or the state's lemon law. A warranty is a contract that guarantees the car will be free from defects for a certain period of time. A lemon law is a state law that protects buyers of cars that are defective or unsafe.
To return a used car, you will need to:
- Contact the seller (or dealership) and explain the problems you're having with the car.
- Provide the seller (or dealership) with a written list of the problems.
- Be prepared to have the car inspected by a mechanic of the seller's (or dealership's) choice.
- If the car is found to be defective or unsafe, you may be able to return the car for a full refund.
