Returning a new car. How would one go about it?

[Madrone]

I'm starting to think I want to tell the dealer to keep my new car and give me my money back. What needs to be done to "undo" a deal like that?

This is my first (and last?) ever new car - and I am thinking I want out of the deal.

The car has problems, they are being very secretive about *what*, and I have lost all confidence in this vehicle I'm supposed to be paying for for the next 5 years.

[NJCher]

1. is it within 3 days of the purchase?

Cher

[Madrone]

3. Nope -

Started leaking oil a couple of days before the first payment was due. Been in the shop 8 days already. No information. Verrrrrry secretive.

[Massacure]

2. I don't know if there is a way to get the full value back.

What kind of car is it though, just for future reference?

[Madrone]

Well- I researched the hell out of cars before I got it...

so don't hold MY experience against the car. It's got a cult following and every owner LOVES theirs. It's a Honda Element. Totally bitchin car. I just found the ONE "special" one.

[Madrone]

7. dupe

damn connection keeps flaking out on me

[democracyindanger]

4. Check your state's Lemon Law

The dealer was probably supposed to give you a brochure with your papers, by law.

[punpirate]

5. Call your state's consumer affairs office...

... and ask them about state law in your state regarding new car purchases.

Most states which have adopted lemon laws require you to make a good faith attempt to have the car's problems fixed. By most standards, you must return the car for repair three times without resolution of the problem.

But, be sure to call consumer's affairs first for guidance.

[billbuckhead]

8. Tell your insurance company not to verify insurance

that will work in the first couple of days if you financed the car, after that you're kind of stuck if they get the financing approved. If ownership/borrowership is established in your name, your only hope is getting the manufacturer to take the car back.

[xray s]

6. start complaining directly to the manufacturers zone office

Document EVERYTHING.

Also you might want to contact your state Attorney General office for advice on how to proceed.

Check this site out about lemon laws in your state.

http://www.carlemon.com/lemons.html

[Madrone]

9. About the lemon laws...

I don't fall into the category - yet. To invoke the lemon law they have to try to fix the same problem (engine oil leak) 4 times - OR, they have to have my car in custody for 30 cumulative days in 1 year.

They can't tell me where the leak is coming from, let alone what they're going to do to fix it so far. The car started leaking at under 1200 miles, they have had the car for 8 days and we are no further ahead than we were when I dropped it off - they can't tell me WHAT is going on, they are VERY weird about the whole thing - secretive, defensive, etc... I HAVE NO FAITH LEFT.

In this particular case, with the car being SO new, and the problem SO bad (apparantly) - I don't want to deal with it anymore. Period.

I have extremely positive equity in the vehicle. I put 7k down, I've made *both* payments 3 weeks in advance. I just got my 2nd bill in the mail today, owing $0, not due until 3/14. I'm no deadbeat - I just got a new car because I didn't want to worry about my shit breaking down every time I wanted to go somewhere. I don't HAVE that confidence. And I don't want to pay 21k for something that gives me as much confidence as my PAID FOR 1989 pos Aerostar van.

[hickman1937]

13. Complain, and raise a stink. Demand a vehicle of equal value,

and don't let them off the hook. You don't have to be loud or obnoxious, just firm in your knowledge that they sold you a defective car. Express to them your interest in keeping a good relationship with their company, just not with this car. Something was not built correctly in the vehicle, but that's not your problem, it's theirs. Dealerships get a lot of business from customer loyalty, remind them of that. For God sake, don't tell them that you'll never be back(even if it's the truth), just demand a good product.

[NJCher]

10. get some other opinions

Since they are so secretive, they could be hiding something that they KNEW was wrong with the car when they sold it. If you can document this, you will be in a strong bargaining position to get out of the deal.

This can be done. I just did it on something similar the other day.


Cher

[Madrone]

12. I don't think they knew something was wrong -

it was a "dealer trade" because the dealer I purchased from didn't have any more left on the lot - so they got mine and a couple others from another dealership. I honestly do not believe the original problem with the vehicle is the fault of the dealer. I think it's a factory defect.

The reaction I am getting from the dealer is very weird, though. I admit I know jack about cars - but it seems to me that they'd at least know where the leak originates in 8 days time. Last I heard they were waiting on the Honda "tech line" to tell them if they wanted them to disassemble the WHOLE engine, or just the bottom. WTF?

[detroitguy]

11. Go directly to the manufacturer

You are more likely to get satisfaction there. Also, look into your state's lemon law and see if your sitation applies.