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 Maryland, there is no statutory right for a buyer to return a used car based on buyer's remorse or a cooling-off period once the contract for purchase is signed. The sale is considered final upon the agreement of terms, exchange of payment, and delivery of the vehicle. It is crucial for buyers to have the vehicle inspected by an independent auto service technician and to thoroughly review the purchase agreement before finalizing the sale. Maryland law does not require dealers to offer a contract cancellation option for used cars. Typically, used cars are sold 'as is,' meaning the buyer accepts the vehicle with all existing defects and without any warranty, unless otherwise specified in the contract. The principle of 'caveat emptor' or 'buyer beware' applies, and it is the buyer's responsibility to ensure the quality of the purchase. Maryland is not among the states that have a lemon law for used cars, so the protections available in states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York do not apply.