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 Maine, there is no statutory right for a buyer to return a used car after purchase due to buyer's remorse, cooling-off, or a right-to-rescind law. Once a contract for the purchase of a used car is signed, the buyer is legally bound to the terms of the agreement. Maine law does not require car dealers to offer a contract cancellation option for an additional fee that would allow the buyer to return the car within a short period, such as 2 days, which is a practice seen in some other states. Used cars in Maine are typically 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 crucial for buyers to have the vehicle inspected by an independent technician and to thoroughly understand the contract before agreeing to the purchase. Maine is not among the states that have a lemon law for used cars, which in some states provides additional protections for buyers against defective vehicles.