There is no buyer’s remorse, cooling-off, or right-to-rescind law that requires the seller of a used car to cancel the sale or accept the return of the car. When you sign the contract for the purchase of the car, you are legally obligated to the purchase. Because of the finality of the purchase agreement (or an offer, acceptance, and the exchange of the payment and the car), it is important to have the car inspected by an independent auto service technician, and carefully read and understand the agreement before you sign it or agree to buy the car.

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).

Used cars are generally sold and purchased “as is,” which means with all of the car’s defects and flaws, and with no warranty. In other words, it is generally caveat emptor—meaning “buyer beware!” But there are currently six states that have some kind of a lemon law (warranty) for used cars: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York.

In Massachusetts, there is no statutory right for a buyer to return a used car simply due to buyer's remorse or a cooling-off period after the purchase has been made. Once the contract for the purchase of a used car is signed, the buyer is legally bound to the agreement. Massachusetts law does, however, provide some protections for used car buyers under the state's Lemon Law for used vehicles. This law applies to cars purchased from a dealer for personal use that have fewer than 125,000 miles at the time of sale. The law requires the dealer to provide a limited warranty depending on the mileage of the car, which covers certain defects and repairs for a specified period or mileage after the purchase. If the defect is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the buyer may be entitled to a refund or replacement. It is crucial for buyers to have the car inspected independently before purchase and to thoroughly understand the terms of the sale, as used cars are typically sold 'as is,' meaning the buyer assumes the risk for any defects or issues with the vehicle.