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| Consumer FAQ
- There is NO AUTOMATIC RIGHT TO CANCEL a vehicle purchase within
three days. This often misinterpreted law applies only to goods purchased
on an security agreement order form from a door-to-door salesperson.
- Most used vehicles are sold "AS IS", without any
guarantee or warranty. It is important that you or a qualified mechanic thoroughly
inspect the vehicle before buying.
- The Colorado Warranties Act, or LEMON LAW, applies
only to motor vehicles purchased new and less than one year old. Motorcycles
and motor homes are not included. The law requires a manufacturer (not
the dealership) to replace a vehicle that has been repaired under warranty
at an authorized repair facility for the same problem four times within one
year of purchase. If you feel your vehicle is a lemon, carefully document
the four repairs and contact the manufacturer representative listed in the
owner’s manual for the vehicle under Motor Vehicle Warranty.
- Dealers are required to post a BUYER'S GUIDE on all used vehicles.
This window sticker will tell you if the vehicle is being sold "As Is"
or with a warranty, and the terms of that warranty. It will also indicate
if a service contract is available for the vehicle, and whether or not there
is an extra charge for that contract.
- Federal law requires that new cars, station wagons and vans display
a label showing the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). This
label provides a benchmark for comparing prices between makes and models.
Dealers are allowed to add a supplemental label for dealer-added equipment,
handling charges, profit and similar fees.
- There are various publications that quote relative values for used
vehicles. These so-called "BLUE BOOK" prices can be used
as guidelines for pricing. However, many factors, including mileage,
condition, equipment, market demand and age affect the price for a specific
vehicle.
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GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING.
To avoid misunderstanding, get all promises in writing on the contract that
you sign. If repairs or accessories are promised, specify a date of
completion and have it written in the contract.
- READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT before signing. Do not sign anything that
has not been filled out completely. Get a copy of everything that you sign
when you sign it.
- Read each section of the "Disclosures As Part of a Motor Vehicle
Sales Contract" form before signing.
- Colorado law requires a dealer to sell vehicles in a safe condition
(tires, brakes, lights, horn, muffler, wipers, etc.)
- New vehicles are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Make sure
you receive a copy. You are responsible for the maintenance to keep the coverage
in effect.
- Extended service contracts are usually available for purchase. Study
the policy or contract carefully.
- If you make a deposit on a vehicle and want it to be refundable, make
sure that this is written into the sales contract or purchase option that
you sign.
- Lease or Buy? Leasing is comparable to renting. You are paying for
the use of the vehicle, but you do not build any equity (ownership). Again,
do your homework to determine which is best for you.
- A "high pressure" sale, by itself, is not illegal.
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