How Long Does a Dealer Have to Deliver a Vehicle?
I was recently in the market for a new car. I found the perfect one at a local dealership, and we agreed on a price. The salesman told me that the car would be delivered to my house within two weeks. Two weeks came and went, and I still hadn’t received my car. I started to get worried, so I called the dealership. The salesman told me that there had been a delay in shipping and that my car would now be delivered in four weeks.
I was frustrated, but I understood that things happen. However, four weeks turned into six weeks, and I still didn’t have my car. I called the dealership again, and this time the salesman was very rude to me. He told me that I was being unreasonable and that I should just be patient.
What the Law Says
I was so frustrated that I decided to do some research on the law. I found out that there is no federal law that governs how long a dealer has to deliver a vehicle. However, some states have laws that protect consumers in this situation.
In California, for example, the law states that a dealer must deliver a vehicle to the consumer within 30 days of the date of purchase. If the dealer fails to deliver the vehicle within this time period, the consumer is entitled to a refund of their deposit. The dealer may also be required to pay the consumer damages.
What You Can Do
If you are in a situation where a dealer has failed to deliver your vehicle on time, there are a few things you can do. First, you should contact the dealership and try to resolve the issue directly. If you are unable to resolve the issue with the dealership, you can file a complaint with the state Attorney General’s office.
You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the dealership. However, this should be a last resort, as it can be expensive and time-consuming.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are a few tips to help you avoid this situation in the future:
- Get everything in writing. When you purchase a vehicle, make sure to get a written contract that includes the delivery date.
- Be realistic about the delivery date. Don’t expect to get your car overnight. Allow for some extra time in case of delays.
- Stay in communication with the dealership. If there is a delay in the delivery date, the dealership should keep you updated.
Conclusion
If you are in a situation where a dealer has failed to deliver your vehicle on time, don’t panic. There are laws in place to protect you. Contact the dealership and try to resolve the issue directly. If you are unable to resolve the issue with the dealership, you can file a complaint with the state Attorney General’s office or file a lawsuit.
Are you interested in learning more about this topic? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to provide you with additional resources.
FAQs
Q. How long do I have to wait for my car to be delivered?
A. The delivery time for a car will vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the dealership you purchase it from. However, most dealerships will deliver your car within 2-4 weeks of purchase.
Q. What can I do if my car is not delivered on time?
A. If your car is not delivered on time, you should first contact the dealership and try to resolve the issue directly. If you are unable to resolve the issue with the dealership, you can file a complaint with the state Attorney General’s office or file a lawsuit.
Q. Are there any laws that protect me if my car is not delivered on time?
A. There is no federal law that governs how long a dealer has to deliver a vehicle. However, some states have laws that protect consumers in this situation. In California, for example, the law states that a dealer must deliver a vehicle to the consumer within 30 days of the date of purchase.
