Here’s a scary story from Utah:

When Normand and Kathy Girouard set out to buy a 2007 Toyota Prius hybrid last week, they had no idea they would end up with two.

They first went to Karl Malone Toyota, where they spotted a car they liked and signed what they thought was a preliminary “motor vehicle contract of sale,” but did not yet take possession of the car, saying they wanted to set up their own financing through their credit union.

After they found a better deal at Brent Brown Toyota, they called the Karl Malone dealership and said they decided not to buy the car.

When they got home that evening, however, the car was in their driveway and the keys were in the ignition.

They called to let the dealer know of the “mistake” and were informed they had purchased the car.

They already purchased the other car from Brent Brown and are driving it; the Karl Malone car still sits in their driveway.

Kathy Girouard says she has filed a complaint with the state Consumer Protection Division. But Scott Christensen, Karl Malone Toyota’s sales manager, says he has filed a complaint against the Girouards with the state Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division.

He said when you sign a contract of sale, you have purchased the car. Utah does not have a three-day right-of-recision law..

Don’t just assume you know the law. Spend 5 minutes doing internet research before you do something this rash! Your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs is a good place to start.

Paul Rolly: Couple’s bargain buys extra troubles [Salt Lake Tribune] (Thanks, Chris!)
(Photo:Matt McGee)

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