Know Your Rights

The ABC’s of Buyer Protection

When you purchase a new or used car from a franchised dealer in Washington State, you are automatically covered by federal and state protections unavailable in private sales.

• New Car

• • Repairs under warranty will be honored by a dealership franchised by the manufacturer; that is the dealer who sold you the car or another dealership in the manufacturer’s dealer network.
• • If the car is sold or registered in Washington State, you are protected by Washington State’s New-Car Lemon Law.
• • Even if the dealership goes out of business, the manufacturer will honor your warranty.
•  

• Used Car

• • You are protected by the Washington State law, which states that your vehicle must be safe for use on public highways.
• • A used car from a franchised dealer must display the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Buyer’s Guide, showing relevant information about the vehicle.
•  

• Be aware that...

• • The so-called “Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule” only applies in car sales WHEN THE SELLER COMES TO YOU. If you, as a buyer, voluntarily go into a dealership to sign a contract, this rule does not apply.
• • The sticker (Monroney Label) showing the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) must be on the rear passenger window of a new car.
• • A demonstrator vehicle is titled as a new car if it has never been titled previously.
• • The Office of the Attorney General and local consumer affairs agencies have laws that state a dealer cannot make misleading statements in advertising the product being sold.