Q: Can I cancel a car buyer's order I signed in NC if no payment was made?
I signed a buyer's order for a car in North Carolina yesterday, March 22nd, but I have not made any payments or taken the car off the lot yet. I didn't notice any specific terms or cooling-off period in the agreement. Can I back out of this order?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
That kind of decision can feel stressful, especially when it all happens quickly and you're left second-guessing. In North Carolina, once you sign a buyer’s order for a vehicle, it can be considered a legally binding agreement—even if you haven’t paid or taken the car yet. Unfortunately, there’s no automatic “cooling-off” period for car purchases made at a dealership, unlike some other types of contracts.
That said, you still may have options depending on how far the dealership has gone with processing paperwork or prepping the car. Since no money has exchanged hands and the vehicle is still on the lot, reach out to the dealership as soon as possible in writing. Let them know you’ve changed your mind and want to cancel the purchase. The sooner you speak up, the more likely they may agree to let it go without a fight.
If the dealer refuses to cancel, review the buyer’s order for any language about cancellation, fees, or conditions. It’s not uncommon for dealerships to work with customers in situations like this, especially if it hasn’t cost them anything yet. You acted quickly, and that may help your case—just stay calm and be firm in your communication.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
