Legal
Return Policy
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Vehicle sales at Pacific Autohaus are final at signing. We do not accept returns, exchanges, or refunds on vehicles once the sale is complete. Every vehicle is sold AS-IS unless a separate written warranty is provided in the sale documents.
This isn't unusual — it's how the used-car market works in California. Below is the full picture, in plain English, so you know exactly where you stand before you sign anything.
California has no cooling-off period on used vehicles
You may have heard of a "three-day cooling-off period" that applies to some purchases. That law does not apply to used vehicle sales in California. Once you sign the purchase contract, the sale is legally binding — you cannot cancel or return the vehicle just because you changed your mind, found a better price, or your financing fell through after the fact.
This is confirmed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Please see the DMV's consumer information at dmv.ca.gov.
The 2-Day Contract Cancellation Option (California law)
California's Car Buyer's Bill of Rights requires used-vehicle dealers to offer a 2-day contract cancellation option on used vehicles priced under $40,000. This option is not automatic — it must be purchased as a separate line item at the time of sale.
- If you purchased the 2-Day Contract Cancellation Option at time of sale, follow the terms printed on that option agreement. Contact us within the window on that document.
- If you declined the option (or the vehicle was priced above the $40,000 statutory limit), the cancellation right does not apply. The sale is final at signing.
- The option covers changing your mind — it does not cover mechanical problems, financing issues, or damage that occurred after you took delivery.
Every vehicle is sold AS-IS (unless we tell you otherwise, in writing)
Federal law requires us to post an FTC Buyer's Guide on every used vehicle for sale. That guide states the warranty status of the specific car. Our default is AS-IS — no dealer warranty. If a vehicle carries an active manufacturer warranty, a certified pre-owned warranty, or a limited written dealer warranty, that will be disclosed on the Buyer's Guide and in the purchase documents.
Optional extended service contracts from reputable third-party providers are available at time of sale. Ask us for a quote — we will never push one on you.
Before you sign — what we recommend
Because sales are final, we want you to feel confident before you commit. We actively encourage every buyer to do all of the following:
- Read the free CARFAX. Every vehicle listing on our website links to a free CARFAX vehicle history report — no signup required.
- Take a real test drive. No time limit. Take it on the highway. Bring a friend. Bring your kids. Drive it as long as you need to.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Take the vehicle to your own mechanic, or we'll refer you to an independent shop. We'll allow reasonable time for this before the sale.
- Check for open recalls. Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — this is free and takes 30 seconds.
- Read the Buyer's Guide and every contract page before you sign. Ask us about anything that isn't clear.
- Confirm your financing is fully approved before you sign a purchase contract. If your financing changes after the sale, that is a lender issue — the sale still stands.
If something is wrong — talk to us first
Our no-return policy is not a shield against legitimate problems. If we made a mistake, misrepresented a material fact about the vehicle, or omitted something we should have disclosed, we want to know and we want to make it right.
Call or text us at (805) 904-0010. When you contact us, please have your buyer's order, VIN, and a specific description of the issue ready. We take these seriously.
If we cannot resolve a legitimate concern directly, California buyers have independent legal remedies:
- The California Department of Motor Vehicles — dmv.ca.gov — handles complaints against licensed dealers.
- The California Bureau of Automotive Repair — bar.ca.gov — for repair and warranty disputes.
- Small claims court is available for disputes up to $12,500.
- An attorney of your choice — nothing in this policy waives any legal right you have under state or federal law.
Refunds, deposits, and dealer fees
- Deposits that hold a vehicle in your name for a defined period are refundable if we cannot deliver the vehicle for a reason within our control. Deposits are non-refundable if you decline to complete the sale for any other reason.
- The $85 California-capped documentation fee, sales tax, and DMV registration fees are collected on behalf of the state and are not refunded by us after the sale is complete. Any refund of these amounts would go through the DMV, not through us.
- Optional add-ons (extended warranties, GAP insurance, service contracts) purchased at signing have their own cancellation rules — those are printed on each product's cover page. Read them before you sign.
Non-vehicle purchases (parts, accessories, merchandise)
We do not currently sell parts, accessories, or merchandise through the website. If you purchased a physical non-vehicle item directly from us on our lot, please contact us within 7 days of purchase and we will handle it on a case-by-case basis. Unopened items in original condition are eligible for exchange or store credit at our discretion.
Contact us
Pacific Autohaus
933 S 4th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 904-0010 · Text us
California Dealer License #70919. Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–6:30pm · Sat 10am–6:30pm · Sun 11am–6pm.
This policy is provided in plain-English summary form and does not modify or replace any rights or obligations set out in your written purchase agreement, the FTC Buyer's Guide, the California Vehicle Code, or federal consumer-protection law. Nothing in this policy is legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney of your choice.