3-day Right to Cancel
You do not have a 3-day right to cancel your purchase of a new or used vehicle if you are unhappy with the vehicle. The 3-day right to cancel generally applies only to mortgage refinancing, health club memberships, and timeshare purchases. In addition, it may also apply to contracts over $25 for personal or household purposes negotiated and signed away from the seller's principal place of business (such as in your home or at a home show, for example). However, you should still review all the terms of the vehicle sales contract or other written agreement to see if there are any clauses that would allow you to cancel the contract after it has been signed.
Lemon Law
You should also be aware of the provisions of the Massachusetts Lemon Laws, which provide protection for purchasers of new and used cars. The Attorney General's Office takes formal complaints against vehicle dealers or manufacturers regarding violations of the Lemon Laws. You may file a complaint with our Consumer Protection Division, or contact our Public Inquiry & Assistance Center Hotline at (617) 727-8400.
For additional information about Lemon Laws and arbitration, visit the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations website.
Additional Laws and Resources
The Massachusetts Consumer Coalition has compiled a comprehensive resource about all things auto-related for Massachusetts Consumers. Visit the Consumer Coalition website to view their Car Smart Guide.
The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation provides a comprehensive website with information on many areas of auto- and consumer-related issues, such as lemon laws, buying and selling, auto repair, auto insurance, and much more.
To read the Massachusetts laws surrounding automobiles, visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries website.