Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Consumer Complaints Continue Regardless of Car Buyer Bill of Rights

Consumer groups say California's “Car Buyer's Bill of Rights” needs a major tune-up. The state law has been on the books for about a year and a half now. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

Consumer groups say California's “ Car Buyer's Bill of Rights ” needs a major tune-up. The state law has been on the books for about a year and a half now. From Sacramento, Marianne Russ reports.

Under the law, consumers can pay extra for the option to return most used cars within two days -- commonly called a “cooling off” period.

But Sacramento-area resident Lisa Emory says when she bought her new Camaro, she heard a different story from the dealer.

Advertisement

Emory : He told me it was a new law that they don't offer the cooling off period and they slipped me a piece of paper and had me sign it.

Emory says the car died in the driveway the next day. The group Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety argues dealers aren't offering the return option -- or are discouraging people from getting it.

They say the law needs more teeth -- or should just be repealed. The DMV says since the law went into effect it's received 44 complaints. Seven dealers have been cited. A spokesman with the Motor Car Dealers Association says he believes dealers are complying with the law.

A big decision awaits some voters this April as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.