Before You Buy: Why the Salesperson's Verbal Promises About Your Vehicle Carry No Weight

Have you ever been swayed by a car salesperson’s confident assurances, only to feel disappointed after the sale? When purchasing a vehicle, relying on verbal promises can leave you vulnerable to misunderstandings or even outright misrepresentations. What you’re told at the dealership might never translate into your purchase agreement, which is the legally binding document.

Here’s the truth: unless a salesperson’s verbal promises are in writing and included in the purchase agreement, they're not legally binding. This blog explains why verbal promises carry no weight, how dealerships protect themselves with disclaimers, and what you can do to protect your investment.

The Risk of Verbal Promises

It’s a common scenario: you’re at a dealership, excited about a car, and the salesperson assures you of certain features or benefits. Perhaps they claim:

• “This car has a clean accident history.”

• “You’ll get a free extended warranty.”

• “We’ll include gap insurance at no extra cost.”

These verbal promises can be persuasive, even decisive, in your decision to purchase. However, what happens when you drive off the lot and realize the promises were untrue—or simply weren’t documented? Unfortunately, if it’s not in the written purchase agreement, you have little to no legal recourse.

Why is that? Dealerships often include clauses in their contracts explicitly stating that verbal representations are not binding. This means that even if a salesperson misleads you, the dealership is not held accountable unless those promises are reduced to writing.

The Fine Print You Might Overlook

When you sign a purchase agreement, you’re agreeing to the terms and conditions outlined in that document—and only that document. Most contracts include disclaimers such as:

“This contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, and no oral representations or promises are binding unless included in writing in this agreement.”

These disclaimers are legal tools that protect dealerships from disputes over verbal promises. While they help ensure clarity and reduce misunderstandings, they also shift the burden onto the buyer to make sure everything is in writing.

For buyers, this means that unless you carefully review and negotiate the terms of your agreement, you may find yourself bound by the dealership’s written terms, not the verbal claims that persuaded you to buy.

How to Protect Yourself

The best way to protect yourself when buying a vehicle is to ensure all promises are documented in writing. Here’s how:

1. Inspect the contract before signing: Take your time to review the agreement thoroughly. Does it mention the features or terms the salesperson promised? If not, ask for them to be added.

2. Request written documentation: Any claim the salesperson makes should be included in the purchase agreement. For example, if they say the car is accident-free or includes a warranty, make sure those terms are documented.

3. Don’t rely on trust: No matter how honest or convincing the salesperson seems, remember that their words don’t hold legal weight.

By taking these steps, you can avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure that your expectations align with the contract you’re signing.

Common Misrepresentations to Watch Out For

When buying a vehicle, some verbal promises are more common—and more likely to lead to disputes. Here are a few examples to watch for:

• Accident history: Claims that the car has never been in an accident might not match the facts.

• Warranty coverage: Salespeople may imply a warranty exists when none is included.

• Financing terms: Verbal assurances about interest rates or monthly payments may differ from what’s in the contract.

• Additional perks: Promises of free accessories, services, or upgrades might not materialize unless documented.

Whenever you encounter these claims, make it a rule to get them in writing.

Know Your Rights if Misled

If you’ve already purchased a vehicle and feel you were misled, it’s essential to understand your rights. While proving verbal promises can be difficult, you may still have legal recourse under consumer protection laws.

For example, many states have Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) laws that prohibit dealerships from making false or misleading claims. If you believe you’ve been deceived, consider consulting a consumer advocate or attorney to explore your options.

Conclusion

Buying a vehicle is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make. Protecting yourself starts with understanding that verbal promises carry no weight unless they’re in writing. Before you sign a purchase agreement, insist that any claims or representations are documented in the contract.

Have you been misled by a dealership? Boe & Associates specializes in helping consumers like you fight back against unfair practices. Contact us today for a free consultation! Visit us at www.BoeAssociates.com or call us at (651) 571-0440.

Contact Boe & Associates