Issue with a new or used vehicle and think you may have gotten a lemon or possibly changed your mind about it? We often get questions like these about vehicles. Here’s what you need to know.

First things first

We have no legal authority when it comes to issues involving vehicles. The information below is purely educational. If you’re looking for help with an issue with a new or used vehicle, check out the info below on where to go for help.

Vehicle questions

Buyer’s remorse from a dealership

Q: Hi there, we recently bought a new car from a dealership. Once we got home and ran the numbers, I realized that we cannot afford the monthly payments. Can I return the car? I’ve barely driven it at all.

A: There is no law that gives consumers the right to easily return a vehicle so, generally speaking, you likely can’t return it. You could try contacting the dealer or find out if there are any cancellation provisions in your purchase agreement. You could also contact the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA) to see what options may be available to you, as they licence and regulate the dealerships in the province.

Buying a used car from a private seller

Q: I’m trying to buy a used vehicle and I’ve found one from a private seller. How do I know if the person I’m dealing with is legitimate or if they’re working for a business and posing as a private seller (ie. “curber”)?

A: It can be hard to determine the legitimacy of a private seller. The Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA) has a page on their website that helps consumers identify curber red flags. You can find this page here. According to the VSA, curbers offer none of the protections the law provides for purchases from a licensed dealership.

Lemon laws for faulty new cars?

Q: I bought a new car from a dealership and I’m hearing horrible sounds coming from the engine and I think there might be something seriously wrong with it. I should be able to return it and get a functioning vehicle. What are my options here?

A: Refer to your contract with the dealership – are there any provisions that offer a guarantee or maintenance for a period of time? Speak to the dealership about your contract and what options are available. Alternatively, the organization that licenses and regulates dealerships is the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA), so I would suggest you contact them directly to see what the law says in these situations. It’s worth keeping in mind that there is no law that gives consumers the right to easily return a vehicle. However, they would be the ones to speak to about that. 

Where to go for help

If you bought your car from a licensed dealership and have questions about your options, the organization to speak to is the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC.

If you bought a car from a private seller, your options may be limited to going to court to resolve the issue.

We have no legal authority when it comes to issues with vehicles so this is not an area we can help with. Find out which topics we can help you under the laws we oversee.

Did you like this? You might like these posts too!

Can I return a new car?
Can you spot a shady used car deal?
Watch out for curbers!
Getting your first car? Read this before you sign the sales slip
Buying a used car: common questions about damage declarations

About Consumer Protection BC

We are not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.