Import Motor Werks is a used car dealership in Cary, North Carolina
Import Motor Werks operates as a used vehicle dealership located in Cary, NC, specializing in imported and foreign-brand automobiles. Like any used car purchase, buying from this or any dealership involves understanding what protections exist, what questions to ask, and what paperwork you'll need to complete the transaction.
Before visiting any used car lot, it helps to know what to look for, what your rights are as a buyer in North Carolina, and how to protect yourself during the purchase process. This guide covers the practical steps and information you should gather before and during a dealership visit.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina requires used car dealers to disclose known defects in writing and provide a Buyer's Guide that explains your warranty rights.
- You have the right to have any vehicle inspected by a mechanic of your choice before purchase, and this inspection can reveal problems the dealer may not have disclosed.
- Get the vehicle history report (through Carfax or AutoCheck) before buying, which shows accident history, title status, and previous ownership.
- Review all paperwork carefully, including the bill of sale and title transfer documents, to may support accuracy before signing.
- North Carolina gives you three business days to cancel a used car purchase under certain conditions, though this right has specific limits.
What North Carolina law requires dealers to tell you
North Carolina has specific rules about what used car dealers must disclose to buyers. Every used vehicle sale must include a written Buyer's Guide that explains whether the car is sold "as-is" or with a warranty, and what that warranty covers. This document must be visible before you buy, and you keep a copy after the sale.
Dealers are required to disclose known defects in writing. If the dealer knows the transmission has problems, the air conditioning doesn't work, or the check engine light is on, they must tell you in writing before you purchase. "As-is" sales are legal in North Carolina, but the dealer still cannot hide known defects or misrepresent the vehicle's condition.
If you discover after purchase that the dealer knowingly hid a defect, you may have grounds to pursue a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General's office or pursue a civil claim. Keep all paperwork from your purchase, including the Buyer's Guide and any written disclosures.
Getting a pre-purchase inspection protects you
Before you hand over money, you have the right to take any vehicle to a mechanic you choose for inspection. Many dealerships will allow this; some may charge a small fee or require you to leave a deposit. A trusted mechanic can identify mechanical problems, rust, accident damage, and safety issues that you might miss.
This inspection is one of the most important steps in a used car purchase. A mechanic can tell you whether the asking price is fair for the vehicle's actual condition, whether repairs are needed soon, and whether the car is safe to drive. If the inspection reveals major problems, you can negotiate the price down, ask the dealer to make repairs, or walk away.
If the dealer refuses to let you inspect the vehicle, that is a red flag. Reputable dealerships expect buyers to do this and often welcome it because it builds trust.
Vehicle history reports show ownership and accident records
Before visiting the dealership, pull a vehicle history report using the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Services like Carfax and AutoCheck compile records from insurance companies, police reports, and DMV records to show you whether the car has been in accidents, had major repairs, been flooded, or had its title branded as salvage or rebuilt.
A history report costs between $20 and $40 and is money well spent. It tells you how many owners the car has had, whether the mileage is consistent across records, and whether there are any title problems that would make the car difficult or impossible to register. Some dealerships provide this report; if they don't offer one, you can pull it yourself before you visit.
Pay special attention to title status. A salvage or rebuilt title means the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company at some point. These vehicles can be legal to drive and own, but they are worth significantly less than a clean-title car, and some insurance companies charge more to cover them.
Understanding the paperwork you'll sign
When you buy a car, you'll sign several documents: a bill of sale, a title transfer form, and possibly a warranty or service contract. Read every page before signing. The bill of sale should show the correct vehicle identification number, the agreed-upon price, the date of sale, and the names and signatures of both buyer and seller.
The title transfer form (in North Carolina, this is the process for Certificate of Title) transfers ownership from the dealer to you. Check that your name is spelled correctly, the VIN matches the vehicle, and the odometer reading is accurate. Mistakes on the title can create problems later when you try to register the car or sell it.
If the dealer offers an extended warranty or service contract, read the terms carefully. Understand what is covered, what is not, how long the coverage lasts, and whether it is transferable if you sell the car. Do not feel pressured to buy add-ons; you can decline them.
North Carolina's cooling-off period and your rights after purchase
North Carolina law allows you to cancel a used car purchase within three business days under specific conditions. The vehicle must have been purchased from a licensed dealer (not a private seller), and you must return it in substantially the same condition as when you bought it. The three-day period starts the day after you sign the contract.
This right has limits. If you've driven the car more than a certain distance or caused damage beyond normal use, the dealer may not honor the cancellation. Keep the car in good condition during this period if you think you might return it. Contact the dealership in writing if you decide to cancel, and keep a copy of that communication.
After the three-day period ends, your rights are more limited. If the car has a defect the dealer knew about and didn't disclose, you may still have a claim, but you'll need to prove the dealer's knowledge and that the defect existed at the time of sale. This is why the pre-purchase inspection and the written disclosures matter so much.
Questions to ask the dealership before you buy
Come prepared with specific questions about the vehicle's history and condition. Ask whether the car has been in any accidents, whether all maintenance records are available, and whether any recalls have been issued for this model year. Ask about the warranty coverage and whether it is bumper-to-bumper or powertrain only.
Ask why the previous owner sold the car and how long they owned it. Ask whether the dealership has had the vehicle inspected by their own mechanic and what they found. Ask about the return policy and what happens if something breaks down shortly after purchase. Write down the answers or ask the dealer to put them in writing.
If the dealer becomes evasive, dismissive, or refuses to answer questions, that is a signal to shop elsewhere. A reputable dealership wants you to feel confident in your purchase and will answer your questions directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a car to Import Motor Werks if something breaks down a week after I buy it?
That depends on the dealership's return policy and whether the problem was a known defect the dealer didn't disclose. If you're within the three-day cancellation window and the car is in substantially the same condition, you may be able to return it. After three days, you would need to prove the dealer knew about the defect before the sale. Check your paperwork for the dealership's specific return policy.
What should I do if the dealer won't let me take the car to my mechanic before buying?
A refusal to allow an inspection is unusual and suggests caution. You have the right to inspect any vehicle before purchase. If the dealer refuses, ask why and whether there's a compromise (such as an on-site inspection or a deposit to hold the car while you arrange one). If they still refuse, consider shopping elsewhere.
Is a salvage title car safe to buy?
A salvage or rebuilt title car can be safe and legal to own, but it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company in the past. These cars are worth less, may be harder to insure, and should be inspected extra carefully. Make sure you understand the car's history and what repairs were made before you buy.
What if the VIN on the paperwork doesn't match the car on the lot?
Do not sign anything. A mismatched VIN is a serious problem and suggests either a paperwork error or a potential fraud issue. Stop the transaction, ask the dealer to correct the paperwork, and verify the VIN on the vehicle itself (usually on the dashboard and driver's side door jamb) matches the corrected documents before proceeding.
How do I file a complaint if I think the dealer misrepresented the car?
You can file a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or with the Better Business Bureau. Have your paperwork ready, including the bill of sale, Buyer's Guide, and any written communications with the dealer. Document the defect with photos or a mechanic's report if possible.