Car Purchases & Repairs

There is NO three-day right to cancel or rescind an automobile purchase.

Once you purchase a vehicle, you assume responsibility for it. Some sellers may have policies allowing for the return of a vehicle within a determined time period, but this is decided by the seller and is NOT required by law. Typically, sellers who do offer such a policy will only accept returns in exchange for credit towards the purchase of a different vehicle.

Complaints regarding auto theft, odometer fraud, and failure to deliver a title should be addressed to the Utah Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division.

Lemon Law

Utah’s "Lemon Law," also known as the New Motor Vehicles Warranties Act, applies to new vehicles, purchased or leased, which manifest significant defects that cannot be repaired.

If a vehicle qualifies under the Lemon Law, it may be eligible for replacement by the manufacturer or you may be entitled to a refund of the full purchase price less a reasonable allowance for your use of the vehicle. Click here to see if your vehicle qualifies under the New Motor Vehicles Warranties Act.

Repairs

A mechanic must obtain your express authorization for repairs, inspections, or other services. Before authorizing anything, make sure that the mechanic has discussed the following things with you:

• Anticipated repairs, inspection or other services to be performed
• Estimated charges for those repairs, inspections or other services; and
• The reasonably expected completion date of such repairs, inspection or other services to be performed.

If the repair, inspection, or other service will cost more than $50.00, the mechanic must provide you with a copy or transcript of your authorization on or before the time that you receive a bill. A mechanic also must obtain your express authorization for additional, unforeseen, but necessary, repairs, inspections, or other services if their cost amounts to 10% or more of your original estimate.

Generally, it is always a good idea to ask for a written estimate outlining costs for both parts and labor before any work is performed.

If a discrepancy does arise between you and a mechanic, you should first attempt to solve the issue directly with a service manager. Repair shops typically have an interest in satisfying consumer complaints so as to retain customers. If you are unable to reach a resolution in this way, you may consider contacting the Division.