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 South Carolina, there is no specific buyer's remorse, cooling-off, or right-to-rescind law that obligates a seller to cancel a used car sale or accept a return once the contract has been signed. When a buyer signs a contract to purchase a used car, they are legally bound to that purchase. South Carolina law does not require car dealers to offer a contract cancellation option for an additional fee that would allow a buyer to return the car within a short period after the sale. Used cars are typically sold 'as is' in South Carolina, 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. Unlike the six states mentioned that have lemon laws for used cars, South Carolina does not provide this type of warranty protection for used car buyers.