There’s a persistent myth in Washington State that car buyers have a 72-hour “cooling off” period to return a vehicle. As the Washington State Attorney General’s office clearly states: “There is no three-day right of cancellation when purchasing a vehicle at the dealer’s main place of business.” This misconception has led many buyers to make hasty decisions they later regret.
“Can I return a car after buying it in Washington State?”
The short answer is no – unless the dealer specifically offers a return policy in writing. Once you sign the papers and drive off the lot, the car is yours, along with any problems it might have. This makes it crucial to thoroughly evaluate any vehicle before purchase, not after.
Common Questions About Car Returns in Washington
“But the dealer told me I could bring it back…”
Unless you have this in writing as part of your purchase agreement, verbal assurances about returns typically aren’t legally binding. Some dealers may offer their own return policies, but these are store policies, not state law. Always get any return policy in writing before purchase.
“What if I find problems after buying?”
Without a written return policy, your options are limited. The vehicle’s “as-is” status means you’re responsible for any repairs unless they’re covered under a warranty or the dealer violated specific consumer protection laws.
How to Protect Yourself Before Purchase
Since you can’t rely on a return period, here’s how to protect yourself:
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic
- Review the vehicle history report
- Test drive thoroughly
- Get all promises in writing
- Read everything before signing
Dealer Return Policies in Spokane: Know the Facts
Some local dealers do offer return policies, but these vary widely:
- Some may offer 24-48 hour returns with specific conditions
- Others have “exchange only” policies
- Many have no return policy at all
Always ask about and get in writing:
- The exact timeframe for returns
- Any mileage restrictions
- Fees or penalties
- Condition requirements
- Documentation needed
When You Actually Can Return a Car
There are limited circumstances where you might have legal recourse:
- Fraud or material misrepresentation
- Vehicle safety violations
- Violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act
- Breach of written warranty
Protecting Your Purchase
Since you can’t count on returning the vehicle, your best protection is thorough evaluation before purchase:
- Schedule a professional pre-purchase inspection
- Research the specific model’s common issues
- Take a comprehensive test drive
- Get all promises and warranties in writing
- Don’t rush the process
Remember: The best time to discover problems is before you own the car, not after. While it might feel awkward to insist on a thorough inspection or to take your time reviewing documentation, it’s far better than being stuck with a problem vehicle you can’t return.