What You Need to Know When Buying a Vehicle
Be a Smart Shopper
Before buying a vehicle, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. There are various agencies that can provide you with information regarding the vehicle purchase process; however, there are things you can do to protect yourself before signing a contract.
- Be aware there is no “cooling off” period on vehicles purchased from a dealer unless you obtain a contract cancellation option, which is available to you when buying specified used cars from a licensed dealer.
- Know and understand your rights as a consumer. The Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights provides important facts about a new law that substantially impacts the purchase of new and used vehicles.
- Know the value of the vehicle you wish to buy. Check the value with a vehicle pricing guide (Kelley Blue Book) or your local newspaper ads. You may also find values by checking the Internet or by comparison shopping.
- Read and understand your purchase contract. Don't sign anything you don't understand.
- Read and understand the manufacturer's warranty and any additional warranties (service contracts) offered by a dealer.
- Compare interest rates.
- Understand the DMV fees that are being charged to you.
- Understand that on vehicle documents an "or" between co-owner names indicates one owner can sell the vehicle without the other's signature or consent. When a slash ("/"), indicating "and," appears between the owner's names, the signature of each owner is required.
- Understand the restrictions when buying a vehicle from out of state.
If you have done your part and have additional questions or concerns, use the following information to inquire about...
Transferring Title
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can assist you with the requirements necessary to transfer the title of a vehicle. For more information on changing vehicle ownership click here. You may also call DMV at 1-800-777-0133. To speak to an operator call between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, Pacific Time.
You may also contact your local DMV Investigations Office for any of the following issues:
- Counterfeit, fraudulent, or forged DMV documents.
- Dealer overcharging for DMV fees.
- Misrepresentations by a dealer (such as document preparation fee).
To do so, you must complete and mail the department's Record of Complaint Form INV 172A.
For information on dealers out-of-business, contact the DMV, Occupational Licensing Unit, at (916) 229-3126.
Warranties
New vehicles sold in California generally come with a Manufacturers' Extended Warranty, which states that the manufacturer of the vehicle will cover the cost of specific repairs under the terms of the warranty. A dealer may also offer you an additional written service contract for a fee, which is an agreement between you and the dealer and states the dealer will repair or pay the costs for the repair of certain mechanical problems. If you are unsure of the terms, coverage, duration, and exclusions of a service contract, don't sign it. Shop around. Prices and coverages differ, and you may want to consult with your insurance agent or credit union for quotes. If you still have questions regarding service agreements, you may contact the Department of Insurance by calling: 1-800-927-HELP (4357). Disputes regarding refunds for cancelled service contracts must be made in writing and forwarded to:
California Department
of Insurance
300 South Spring St., South Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90013
or visit: www.insurance.ca.gov
Automotive Repairs
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), is responsible for regulating automotive repair facilities. BAR provides brochures containing information on how to maintain your newly purchased vehicle and where to resolve disputes for repairs made by a licensed repair shop. There are 11 BAR field and region offices in the State of California. If you are unable to locate an office near you, you may contact:
Department of Consumer
Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
10240 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95827
Telephone: 1-800-952-5210
or visit: www.autorepair.ca.gov
Odometer Disclosure
For questions regarding odometer disclosure requirements, misrepresentations, or suspected odometer tampering, contact:
Department of Motor
Vehicles
Investigative Support Unit
P. O. Box 825389 MS L234
Sacramento, CA 94232-3890
Telephone: (916) 657-7244
or visit: www.dmv.ca.gov
The Lemon Law
California requires the manufacturer of a new motor vehicle to provide a manufacturer's written warranty that covers the cost to repair the vehicle during the warranty period. If you are dissatisfied with the repairs or have questions regarding your repair invoice, contact:
Department of Motor
Vehicles
New Motor Vehicle Board
1507 21st Street, Suite 330
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 445-1888
or see the brochure: Lemon-Aid
For Consumers
keyword: newmotorvehicleboard
OR
Department of Consumer Affairs
Bureau of Automotive Repair
10240 Systems Parkway
Sacramento, CA 95827
Telephone: 1-800-952-5210
or visit: www.dca.ca.gov
Smog Certifications
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), regulates the smog check program. BAR has brochures that provide information regarding smog check inspections, repair stations, and inspection dispute information. You may contact BAR by checking the State Government pages in your local telephone directory, or by calling toll free 1-800-952-5210, or online at:
Sales and Use Taxes
Questions regarding collection or payment of sales or use taxes on the purchase or lease of a vehicle should be directed to the California State Board of Equalization (BOE). Refer to the State Government section in your local telephone directory or contact the BOE at:
State Board of Equalization
Consumer Tax Section
450 "N" Street, MIC: 37
Sacramento, CA 95814-4349
Telephone: 1-800-400-7115
or visit: www.boe.ca.gov/
Safety or Recall Issues
For information regarding safety issues or complaints, or to obtain recall information for your vehicle, contact:
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393
OR
Center for
Auto Safety
2001 "S" Street, NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 328-7700
or visit www.autosafety.org
Civil Disputes
Whenever possible, attempt to resolve the problem with the other party or firm. If you are unable to obtain a resolution, and the agencies listed here are unable to assist you, you may consider contacting a private attorney or the small claims division of the county court in your community. Refer to the County Government section of your local telephone directory for the county court in your area. You may also contact a legal aid group for assistance. Legal aid agencies can provide free legal advice or represent people who cannot afford private counsel. Legal aid groups are also listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory.
Other Alternatives
Many consumers feel it is worthwhile to contact their local Better Business Bureau to register complaints regarding area businesses. Also, many local television and radio stations offer free consumer assistance through a special telephone number or address. Refer to the business section of your local telephone directory for the address and/or telephone number of the Better Business Bureau in your area.