Is it legal to drive off the lot if a car is not financed?

Question

My friend bought a car and had it twoo weeks. She found out this weekend that they weren't able to finace her. What can she do?

Answer 1

Yes, it is legal.

It's called a 'Spot Delivery' and is a way dealers lock customers into the car assuming they can secure the loan. If the dealership (or customer) can not secure financing, the car must be returned. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Sure. Especially if you pay up front.

Some dealers will let you take the car while they are working on the financing. It is a risk THEY take.

Answer 3

Yes it is and it's the oldest trick in the car sales book of lies.

The dealer lets you take the car home, try it out, enjoy it.  Then two weeks later after you've gotten used to the car and told all your friends what you've just bought they come back and say, "Well, there was a problem with the financing" and then they attempt to extort money from you in the form of additional down payment cash or force you into a loan with less than satisfactory terms.  

Once you are in the car, most people will do whatever it takes to stay in it. Agreeing to whatever scam the dealer pulls.

The only thing you can do is take the car back, hand them the keys and say, no thanks.  Demand your money back (if you left a deposit or downpayment) get your trade in back and walk away.  Just make sure they destroy any and all paperwork that you might have signed.

DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE TAKEN BY THIS SCAM.

Answer 4

Didn't the red flags go up?  Unfortunately...the recourse is limited.  Those dealers deal primarily with customers with subprime credit, and they get the car off the lot, and sometimes worry about the cosigner later...Some feel that you want the car really bad, and you will eventually find another person to cosign for you.  Brother, Uncle, Sister, or friend.  Those situations make the rest of us in the car business look bad!

Answer 5

If you pay for it in full yes.

Answer 6

She needs to check all her paperwork.  She may have signed a bailment form, which is basically renting the car until your financing gets approved.