Return Policies
Vehicle Returns
Vehicle returns: You bought a vehicle, but no longer like it. Can you return it?
While there is generally no legal "cooling-off" period (a mandatory 7-day return policy) for vehicle purchases, you may have legal grounds to return a vehicle with undisclosed, significant pre-existing issues based on material misrepresentation. If a dealership is licensed, they are required to disclose major defects, accident history, and frame damage.
Here is a breakdown of your options based on consumer protection laws:
Check for a Dealership-Specific Return Policy
Advertised Policies: If the dealership advertised a "7-day return" or "exchange" policy, that policy is legally binding. Review the fine print for requirements on kilometers and condition.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): Some CPO programs offer 3 to 7-day exchange policies.
Exceptions to "No-Return" Rules (Undisclosed Major Issues)
If the car is falling apart despite being sold without a known, advertised return policy, you may be able to rescind the contract if:
- Material Misrepresentation: The dealer actively lied or misrepresented the condition, such as claiming a car had no accidents when it had frame damage.
- Unfit for Intended Purpose: The vehicle cannot be used for its intended purpose (driving) due to major, undisclosed defects.
- Unsafe Condition: The vehicle failed to meet safety standards at the time of sale.
In most cases, a recently purchased vehicle cannot be returned to a dealership within 24 hours, 10 or 30 days, or if you "try out" the vehicle and don't like it.
In British Columbia, there is no law requiring a dealership to take a vehicle back, even if you are not satisfied with the vehicle. In most cases, if you bought a vehicle, it's yours. The contracts signed between the dealership and you are likely binding.
Limited Exceptions
You may be able to return a vehicle if the dealership has an advertised or stated return policy. Not all dealers do this and the terms of the return policy will vary by dealer.
If you are leasing a vehicle, you may be able to return a vehicle because there is a one clear day cooling-off period. This means that, unless you waived your right to the cooling-off period in writing, you can cancel the lease without penalty within this time period. One clear day (definition can be found at this link) is a legal period that can change due to holidays, Sundays and other factors.
You may be able to return a vehicle that did not meet the minimum standards required for a motor vehicle to be driven on the road at the time you bought it.
You may be able to return a vehicle if, when it was sold to you, there was a material misrepresentation about the vehicle—such that the vehicle cannot be used as designed or in the way you told the dealer you intended to use the vehicle.
If any of the above applies, you can try to resolve your dispute with the dealership. You may also file a complaint with the Vehicle Sales Authority. Each case is unique and whether the law will allow you to return a vehicle will be dependent on the facts. Consumer Protection Facts 'How to Resolve a Dispute' available here and 'Filing a Complaint with the VSA' available here may be helpful.
NOTE: This is to provide general information and is not intended to be legal advice.