Tips on Buying Cars: Returning an unwanted vehicle, poor customer service, better business bureau

Question
My husband I recently made a purchase on a 2007 Eclipse. The night we purchased it, we were having troubles with the insurance and a lot of other things as well. As we signed the last document, I asked if we were completely finished and they stated yes and wished us luck and sent us on our way. The next week I received multiple phone calls, but couldn't answer and they left no message, finally they left me a message this past Monday, stating that we had more paperwork to fill out and that we needed to go down there immediately to sign the rest and if we didn't respond, then they would report the car as stolen. I went back down there that day, signed the rest of the paperwork, asked five times if there was anything else and they stated no, I received a phone call today requesting for me to go down there for one more paper. I told them of the inconvenience it's making on me and they blamed me for the lack of contact numbers!!! I traded in a car and made a $1000 deposit, am I stuck, can I just give it back and get my old car back? Please help, I'm in dire need of your advice.

Answer
Wow.. sounds like a horrible dealership... I would file a complaint with the better business bureau in your area (no matter what happens with the car) - or at the very least.. threaten.. and make sure you speak with a manager and tell one of the higher ups of how you have been treated... Poor customer service like that cannot be ignored.

As for returning the car... You can ask.. but as for them legally having to take it... its very unlikely... You can check with your local DMV and some states have 7-10-even 30 day return policies on vehicle purchases (but usually always citing some serious reason... don't think yours would count to them as a good reason) -

If you speak with a manager.. explain how much of a pain its been for you - tell them you would like to return the car because of all the frustration they have caused you - they will either take it back - or hopefully do something nice for you...

If they don't... and your DMV gives you bad news... you have nothing you can do.. other than sell the car and buy another...

As for the legal rights on the return - you will probably have to go to court.. but the law printed out might be enough - It just depends on your state laws.. and if you would be considered to fit into the laws requirements...

If nothing else.. file a complain with the BBB - and that can atleast hurt the dealers reputation...