When u buy a car "as is" and the car breaks down the next day can u take it back to the dealer?

Question

I bought a van Friday night and the car ejar light is on even though the doors are shut, and my alternator is bad, the car keeps shuting off when the A/C is on? I feel the dealer should have to pay? I have heard you have 72 hours to take a car back and change your mind is this true?

Answer 1

Most states have a Lemon Law. If you buy a car from a dealer and it has serious problems, they need to fix them or take it back. Do this in a hurry though, and make sure you track who you talked to and when.

Answer 2

Yes there is a lemon law. "As is" means there is no warranty. Never buy a car from a dealer this way. Dealers get cars that are salvage titles and with other problems from the Auction. They are required to disclose a salvage title car. This means it was wrecked and considered totaled. Katrina cars are showing up everywhere and they are salvage cars rebuilt with parts. Take the car back and tell them to fix it so it works or refund your money. If they refuse leave the car and call the finance company and tell them the deal is off. You returned the car. If you bought it cash you may have to sue them. Most dealers will fix the car but there are some bad non reputable dealers.
It sounds as if there are some wiring issues and a short in the system. The car is not allowed to be sold this way because it could cause a car fire.
Different states have different Laws. I am assuming you are in California. The Lemon law does cover new cars but used are not covered. However there is a 72 hour law that allows you to return the car and end the contract. Your finance company won't finance a broken car and that will kill the deal because the car lot won't get paid when you return the car in that time frame.

Answer 3

There's no such thing as a 72 hour law that I have heard of that applies to car sales.... except in cases when a salesman comes to your home to sell you something, such as a vacuum.... in which case you can cancel the sale within 72 hours.

Like others have said, "as is" means you are stuck with the repairs. If you had hired a mechanic to look over the car, he may have caught these problems.

You should contact the dealer and explain what happened. They may pay for the repairs themselves since it happened so soon after the purchase. If they're a reputable dealer with hopes of repeat business, they'll try to work with you to get this resolved. But they are under no obligation to do so.

Lemon Law usually applies to new vehicles only. And it definately does not apply to "As-Is" vehicles. When you purchase a "As-Is" vehicle, you waive any rights you may have under the Lemon Law.

Look up the Lemon Law in your state: http://www.dr.bbb.org/autoline/lemonlawinfo.asp

Answer 4

Depends on the state. In some states As is means exactly that, AS IS. In others, state law supercedes the AS-IS by whatever return policy the state has put into law.

The Lemon Law is only for new vehicles, not used vehicles. -- And the Lemon Law doesn't go against the dealer, but the manufacturer. Since a manufacturer doesn't warrant a used car, the lemon law is pointless.

I would take it back to the dealer and raise holy hell and see if they'll fix it for you, but I seriously doubt they're going to buy it back from you unless you state has a law requiring them to do so.

Answer 5

Double check all of the paperwork that you filled out, but yes it is usually 3 days from purchase. If you run into trouble there is also something called the lemon law, but I'm not sure how it works. Did you have a private party look at the car before you bought it? During my test drives, I always bring it to my mechanic so he can look it over. 9 times out of 10 he finds something that when I go back to the dealership they fess up. Like that it's been in a accident. etc.

Answer 6

this is true in some cases,,but not all the time,,the words as is,,mean exactly what the spell out,,but in most cases a dealer will help you out on repair,if it happened that quick to it,,most of them will,, that don't mean the one you bought from will,,the first thing to do is remember,,and don't call them in a rage ,,be polite,,and tell them what happened,,explain it to them,,and i have found in most cases if you use this approach,,you will get along better with them,,than if you call and jump on them,by law they are not obligated to help you at all,,but in some cases they will repair everything,,a lot of it depends on you,,and how you handle it,, i hope this help,s,,my family owns a car lot,,and i have been a certified mechanic for 35 yrs.

Answer 7

check your state, most places have a timeframe where you can get out of contracts, this includes cars. next time make them give you at least a 30 day warranty, lemon laws are only for new cars

Answer 8

it depends on what state you are in I would bring the car too them and leave it on there door step the same crap happened too my a few years I ened up paying $1100 for a $3000 car

Answer 9

Maybe under buyers remorse or look and see if your state has the lemon law. You can look up lemon law on the web.

Answer 10

It depends on the contract, but usually "as is" means exactly that--I'm afraid you're out of luck. Car deals are their own breed of cat.