Can you return a car that is no longer under warranty without it hurting your credit?

Answer 1

Unless it states that you can return a vehicle, new or used, within a specific time period, you would be in default if you have a loan on that car. If the car is paid off, NO, but you can trade it in for it's blue book value, usually the lower value. Try to sell it even at a loss if paid off. If not paid off, still sell it and cough up the difference for the loan amount. In addition, if you try to return the car or refuse to continue paying after the warranty period, the dealer/car sales agency can take you to court to recoup their losses and court costs and your credit will be ruined for 7 years or more depending on the creditor. If they win a judgment, they can attach a lien on wages or other valuable assets allowed. Some creditors have "Universal Default" meaning if your credit goes sour with another credit company, they can raise your credit card interest rate to 30% and some have been known to reduce or outright cancel your credit accounts. Now, if it is a lemon and continues after the warranty expires, your State's "Lemon Car law" may help, if your state has one like California. The dealership cannot report you to the credit agencies neither. Bankruptcy would make the dealer take the car back. But let this be your last resort because your credit is ruined for 10 years plus.