F.A.Q.

In California, dealers are required to disclose all material facts, so your rights hinge on what the dealer knew at the time of the sale. Was the car in an accident and poorly repaired? Some cars have had the odometer fraudulently changed. Other cars were rental vehicles and weren't properly cared for. Cars that were damaged to an extent that they are uneconomical to repair, should have been branded "salvage." The law requires that a dealer who is aware of these things disclose them to you. And remember: dealers are professional car buyers. They know what to look for in a used car. They almost always know what they're buying, and they pay accordingly.

Q. I don't know if my car has any of those problems. I just know that I feel ripped-off. Is there anything I can do?
There are other possibilities. You may have been cheated in the purchase in the way your trade-in was handled, or the way the contract was written. These cases are rarely accidental, and often will allow you to return the car and get your money back. If you were called back to the dealer a few days after the sale to sign a new contract, you should be very suspicious.

Other Helpful Sites for Consumers:
New product information: www.ConsumerReports.org
Automobile defects: www.nhtsa.gov
Used car values: www.kbb.com

Disclaimer
The information contained in this web site is of a general nature and pertains only to vehicles purchased in California. You are advised not to rely on this information for legal advice, but to seek specific advice regarding your particular circumstances from an attorney.