Legal Question in Consumer Law in Georgia

Vehicle Lease Contract

My husband and i purchased a used vehicle about a week ago. We asked the sales attendant the final price of everything, (how much we were going to end up paying), and he gave us the price of around $10,900. I returned to the dealership on the third of November to make a payment, and on my receipt the balance owed is a little over $20,000. So, my husband and I pulled out all of the paperwork, that we were extremely rushed through, that he had signed; and it does have an amount right over twenty thousand. The dealership also failed to disclose that we are leasing the vehicle, not buying, which we thought we were doing. Is there any way to terminate the lease and receive our down payment andfirst payment back?


Asked on 11/05/07, 9:25 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Vehicle Lease Contract

You have a tough case. If the documents you signed provide it is a lease, it is hard to allege they did not "fail to disclose" it was a lease and not a purchase. People are deemed to know what is in the contracts they sign. Being "rushed" is rarely a defense - it is a decision. Misunderstanding the agreement is generally not a reason to get out of it; otherwise, anyyone who changes their mind could make the same accusations. Getting out usually includes showing a level of fraud (for example, as you were signing they secretely switched the contract you read, with another one). In most cases, the signed contract controls over the he said/she said of negotiations. A lawyer may review the entire situation and come up with a good case for your specific situation, but for the benefit of others who may read this, the parties are bound the minute they sign whether or not they read it, understand it all, or are "rushed."

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Answered on 11/05/07, 9:47 am
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Re: Vehicle Lease Contract

Not reading what you signed is not a defense. When you sign a contract, you are bound by it. There's not an exception for failing to read it.

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Answered on 11/05/07, 10:18 am
SHERRY RAGOLE RAGOLE & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Re: Vehicle Lease Contract

Your only hope is to personally consult with an attorney (bring the documents that you signed). There is some chance that an attorney will be able to assist you in getting out of a deal that you regret. DO NOT DELAY.

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Answered on 11/05/07, 10:52 am


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