Reviewed by Attorney Chuck Panzarella KEY TAKEAWAYS 10-Day Window: In California, when you buy a car and the dealership arranges financing, they have 10 days to secure a loan for you. If they can't secure financing within this period, they must notify you, cancel the contract, and return any down payment or trade-in. Dealer Becomes the Lender After 10 Days: If the dealership cannot find financing within 10 days, they either have to cancel the deal or offer to finance the car … [Read more...] about The 10-Day Rule In Auto Financing Explained