What to Do If You Were Deceived into Signing a Car Purchase Contract?

[London]

If you discover you were deceived after signing a car purchase contract, you can negotiate with the dealer and collect relevant evidence. If negotiations fail, you can file a complaint with the commerce and industry authorities or take legal action to protect your rights. Below are some important considerations when buying a car: 1. Choose an appropriate price range: Cars are consumable goods, so it’s important to select a model that fits within your financial means. Additionally, car purchases often involve expenses such as purchase tax, vehicle and vessel tax, insurance, and license plate fees. Therefore, always consider the total cost of the vehicle to avoid budget shortfalls. 2. Communicate rationally: Buying a car is similar to purchasing other items, so there’s no need to feel nervous when visiting a 4S store. Stay calm while listening to the salesperson’s explanations, and even if the salesperson is overly enthusiastic, stick to your original intentions to avoid being misled. 3. Be cautious of discounts: Most people hope for significant discounts when buying a car. However, if you encounter an offer that seems too good to be true—such as a price much lower than expected—stay highly alert, as dealers won’t operate at a loss. Be wary of falling into traps set by unscrupulous sellers.

[DiPreston]

I also encountered a similar situation some time ago when I bought a used car and found the actual condition didn't match the description after signing the contract. It felt like I was tricked. The first thing is not to panic. Carefully check the contract for any loopholes, such as ambiguous clauses or price traps. Keep all evidence: receipts, chat records, and photos of the vehicle, as these can help you protect your rights. Then, contact the consumer association or the local market supervision department. They have specialized teams for handling automotive disputes and will guide you through the process. If the amount involved is significant, consider consulting a lawyer about potential legal action. Always do your homework before buying a car: check the seller's reputation, test drive thoroughly, and don’t rush into signing a contract. Although being scammed when buying a car is frustrating, most losses can be recovered through proper channels. Never try to resolve it privately, as it can leave you more vulnerable.

[VanJake]

Sigh, I was also deceived once and only discovered the hidden defects in the car after signing the contract. First, stay calm, immediately stop payments or taking delivery of the car, and see if the contract can be terminated. Gather evidence: take photos, recordings, screenshots, etc., then contact the dealership or seller to negotiate. If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Hotline 12315, and they will intervene to mediate. You can also report the fraudulent behavior to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau or the Vehicle Management Office. Looking back, when buying a car, be more cautious, don't be greedy for cheap deals, carefully review every clause in the contract before signing, and ask questions if anything is unclear. Remember, as a consumer, you have the right to demand fairness. Taking timely action is always better than procrastinating.

[LydiaLynn]

I just experienced being deceived when buying a car and regretted it right after signing the contract. My first reaction was not to delay—I immediately took photos of all relevant documents, including the contract and vehicle details. Then, I tried to reason with the seller. If they evaded responsibility, I directly filed a complaint with the consumer rights agency, as they can assist with mediation or holding the seller accountable. Don’t forget to report to the police if fraud is involved; they can investigate. Reflecting on this, I should have inspected the car’s condition more thoroughly, researched market prices, and avoided unreliable channels before purchasing. Protecting your rights is the right way to go.