When I came home from the car dealership I found out that the alarm doesn't go off at all. I also found out that security alarm comes basic in any Honda Civic LX 2012. I called the car dealership where I bought it from and was told I can have the security alarm cancelled and I just have to come in so that they can change my contract. They even told me that because it's not even 1 week that is why I can still have the contract changed. I told them I will bring the car after 4 days because I had a flight that night and they said it is ok. Now 3 days later the finance manager called me saying that she cannot change the contract anymore. What is my right in changing the contract? I only want to cancel the security alarm system.
Douglas Carl SohnLemon Law AttorneySan Diego, CA ·
I'm sorry to hear about the problem you are having with your new car. From what you are telling me, you should have the right to have the alarm system removed and the price deducted from the purchase price. I base this upon what I understand the facts to be--they represented to you that they were installing (or leaving on) a working alarm system (that doesn't work) and concealed the fact that the car came from the factory with an adequate alarm system. I would recommend that you go to the dealership and demand to meet with the general manager. Be sure and take a friend with you as a witness and as a "safety in numbers" approach. Make notes of everything anybody says. If you can't get that meeting demand to meet with the new car sales manager. Don't agree to meet with a finance "manager" or anyone else in sales. They have no authority to help you and may only attempt to put you off. Whoever you meet with, explain the problem and explain that you have consulted with an attorney and been advised that you have the right to have the alarm removed (or disabled) and the price deducted from the contract. Be nice, but be firm. If they won't agree, then contact an attorney specializing in auto cases, get a (typically free) consultation, and see what help they can provide. A complaint to the Better Business Bureau also sometimes gets results.
Feel free to check out my website and blog for more information.
Best of luck!
--Doug Sohn
California does not have a cooling off period. This means that the car you purchased is yours. Unlike buying an item from a retail store, you cannot return a car because there is something about the car you are not happy with. This does not mean that you do not have rights under the law. If the alarm is not working, the manufacturer is required to fix it pursuant to the warranty. If there are multiple repairs to this alarm system and the problems continue to persist, then you might have a lemon law claim in the future.
With regard to issues with the contract and being charged for items that should be standard, you potentially could have a claim against the dealership, however more facts relating to the purchase contract and window sticker would be necessary. If you feel you were overcharged on the purchase contract I would recommend contacting a consumer fraud attorney.
