There is no buyer’s remorse, cooling-off, or right-to-rescind law that requires the seller of a new or used car to cancel the sale or accept the return of the car. When you sign the contract for the purchase or lease of the car, you are legally obligated to the purchase or lease. Because of the finality of the lease or purchase agreement, it is important to carefully read and understand the agreement before you sign it—and to determine whether buying or leasing the car is a good financial decision for you. Some state laws require car dealers to offer extra protections for buyers of used cars—such as a contract cancellation option agreement that the buyer may purchase for an additional fee, and that will allow the buyer to return the car and cancel the contract within a short period of time (2 days).

In Washington State, there is no statutory 'buyer's remorse' or cooling-off period that allows a consumer to cancel a car purchase or lease once the contract has been signed. Once you sign a vehicle purchase or lease agreement, you are legally bound to the terms of that contract. It is crucial to thoroughly review and understand the contract before signing it, and to make an informed decision about whether purchasing or leasing the vehicle is the right financial move for you. While some states may have laws that require dealers to offer a contract cancellation option for an additional fee, allowing the buyer to return the car within a limited time frame, Washington does not have such a requirement for car sales. Consumers should be aware that the Federal Trade Commission's Cooling-Off Rule, which allows consumers to cancel certain sales transactions within three days, does not apply to vehicle purchases at dealerships.