Cancel a car purchase in California
General information, not legal advice. Laws change. Facts last checked on 13 November 2026 against the sources linked.
We name no lender and sell nothing.
Cancelling the car purchase
California gives no right to return a new car.
A used car bought from a dealer for $50,000 or less can be returned in person, in the same condition, within 3 calendar days after the day you sign, if driven 400 miles or less; the dealer may charge $200 to $600, plus up to $150 for miles over 250.
Our summary of the law quoted below. Your contract says what applies to you.
“A dealer shall not sell or lease a used vehicle at retail at a price equal to or less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) without providing the buyer or lessee with a three-day right to cancel”
California Civil Code 1784.43(a)(1)(A); exclusions in 1784.43(g)-(i) and 1784.31(k)(2)
More from the law (7)
“CALIFORNIA DOES NOT HAVE A COOLING-OFF PERIOD FOR NEW VEHICLES. HOWEVER, IF YOU PURCHASED OR LEASED A USED VEHICLE FOR $50,000 OR LESS, YOU HAVE 3 DAYS TO CANCEL THIS CONTRACT FOR ANY REASON.”
California Civil Code 1784.43(e)
“this period consists of the three calendar day period commencing the calendar day after the purchase or lease is executed.”
California Civil Code 1784.31(i)(1)-(3); 1784.43(b)(3), (b)(6)
“the right to cancel applies only if all of the following are personally delivered to the selling or leasing dealer during business hours by the buyer or lessee at the time the right to cancel is exercised”
California Civil Code 1784.43(b)(6)
“The right to cancel does not apply if the used vehicle has been driven more than 400 miles between the execution of the sale or lease agreement and the date on which the buyer or lessee attempts to exercise the right.”
California Civil Code 1784.43(a)(1)(B)
“One and one-half percent of the sale price of the vehicle, but not less than two hundred dollars ($200) and not more than six hundred dollars ($600).”
California Civil Code 1784.31(g)(1)(A) and 1784.43(b)(4)
“If the vehicle has been driven over 250 miles, the dealer may also charge ... an additional one dollar ($1) for each mile over 250 miles, but this amount shall not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150).”
California Civil Code 1784.31(g)(2)
“No later than 48 hours after the buyer or lessee exercises the right to cancel pursuant to this section, the dealer shall cancel the contract and provide the buyer or lessee with a full refund, minus any deduction allowed by this section.”
Not covered yet
These pages do not yet cover paint and fabric protection, tire and wheel protection, key replacement, theft etching or prepaid maintenance plans, and state no rule for them. For questions, read the contract or ask the offices below.
- Paint and fabric protection
- Tire and wheel protection
- Key replacement
- Theft etching
- Prepaid maintenance plans