Within how many days can a new car be returned?
4 Answers
New cars can be returned within 60 days. Returning the car within the specified period: Within 60 days from the date of purchase or 3,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, if the vehicle experiences quality issues such as failure of the steering system, failure of the braking system, body cracking, or fuel leakage, you can apply for a free replacement or return of the entire vehicle. During this period, if there are quality issues with major components of the engine or transmission, you can apply for a free replacement of the engine or transmission. During the warranty period: Not less than 2 years or 50,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, under the following circumstances, the owner has the right to a paid replacement or return of the entire vehicle: if serious safety performance failures have been repaired twice without resolution, or if new serious safety performance failures occur.
I've purchased several new cars and helped friends with car returns. In China, the number of days for returning a new car is crucial. According to the automobile three-guarantee policy, if there are serious quality issues within 7 days of purchase, such as brake failure or engine malfunction, consumers can request a return. However, this isn't easy—manufacturers or 4S shops must first attempt repairs at least once without success. Returning the car may also involve depreciation fees, with every kilometer driven affecting the refund amount. Some brands offer additional cooling-off periods, like a 14-day no-questions-asked return policy, but this isn't legally mandated. When buying a car, carefully review the contract terms. If the salesperson promises a longer return period, it's best to get it in writing. Remember, returning a car isn't a tool for regret—there must be genuine issues, or it can become a hassle, wasting time and energy. I recommend conducting a thorough inspection when picking up a new car to avoid disputes and protect your rights.
I often chat with fellow car enthusiasts, and many ask about the time frame for returning a new car. In China, this mainly depends on the Three Guarantees policy. Only major quality issues within 7 days of purchase may qualify for a return, such as a completely broken transmission. After 7 days, it's usually only possible to exchange or repair the car. Actual returns are extremely rare because once a car is driven off the lot, it depreciates, and dealerships will assess the severity of the issue. I once helped a neighbor who discovered mismatched tires within three days, but the dealer only offered free tire replacements—no return. Another case involved a friend whose air conditioning failed after a week; they were told to repair it first before discussing further, which took several days to resolve. So, there are strict time limits for returns, with 7 days being the benchmark. Test-driving multiple times before buying can help avoid issues, and don’t overlook the fine print in the contract.
I know quite a bit about returning new cars within a certain number of days. Generally, you can return a car within 7 days if there are serious defects, but you need to prove that the quality issues affect safe usage. The Three Guarantees policy is the basis, but implementation depends on the 4S dealership. They might delay the process, causing the days to lapse. The return process is complex, involving document submission and vehicle evaluation. When buying a new car, choosing a major brand is more reliable, as their return policies tend to be more standardized.
