What is a Buyback?

What is a Manufacturer Buyback Vehicle?

"We give you the clear, honest facts about manufacturer buyback (Lemon Law) vehicles."

Benefits of Purchasing Manufacturer Buyback Vehicles
Manufacturer buyback vehicles present a unique opportunity to acquire a high-quality vehicle at a significantly reduced price. These vehicles undergo thorough inspections and repairs by the manufacturer, ensuring they meet or surpass the original standards of performance and reliability. Additionally, the reduced pricing allows customers to access premium models and features that might otherwise exceed their budget, providing exceptional value.

Purchasing a buyback vehicle can be a financially savvy decision when you look at the total cost and long-term value.
Take a car that normally sells for $35,000. Because of its buyback title, you buy it for $30,000 — saving $5,000 right away.

But the savings don’t stop there:

  • You pay less in sales tax- for example, $400 less at an 8% rate.
  • If you finance the car, you also save $500–$1,000 in interest over the life of the loan.
  • That’s up to $6,400 in total savings upfront - money in your pocket now, when it matters most.
  • As vehicles age, titles matter less and condition of vehicle matters more, and you get closer to book value.


Save more now and give up less later- a smart financial move.

Common Buyback Myths

Buyback vehicles come with their full factory warranty, just like any other car of the same model year. If the warranty has expired due to age or mileage, extended protection plans are available to keep you covered. This means you can enjoy the same security and peace of mind as buying any other vehicle, knowing you're protected-at a discounted price.

Most lemon law vehicles have minor fixable issues but simply exceed the 30-day repair limit due to back order parts or slow service centers. Vehicles are also often repurchased as a gesture of goodwill to maintain a valued relationship with a loyal customer. We’ve sold hundreds, and below are just five examples-issues as small as seat motors to throttle body sensors. Best of all, federal law requires manufacturers to fully repair and re-certify these vehicles, ensuring they meet strict quality standards. You get a great car at a great value.

We find that statement hard to believe since we sell more of these vehicles than anyone in the midwest- and there’s a reason for that. Our vehicles are priced well below retail, and because history matters less over time, they also hold their value better. That means more savings for you. The older the vehicle, the less its history affects it- making today the smartest time to buy.

By federal law, these vehicles cannot be resold unless the manufacturer has repaired the issue and re-certifies it. As stated above- most of these vehicles have manufacturers warranty, but extended service plans can also be sold for your protection.

No manufacturer wants to repurchase a vehicle, but when it happens, the car is carefully inspected to ensure the original issue is fully resolved and meets premium quality standards for resale per the state law.

Each repurchased vehicle comes with the remaining balance of the original warranty, and most include an extra 12-month/12,000-mile warranty covering the entire vehicle—not just the repaired part. Plus, buyers have the option to purchase additional coverage, giving them extra peace of mind.

Buyback Examples

2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Off Road

This vehicle was a manufacturer buyback due to a left front speaker that couldn’t be sourced within 30 days. Drive Nation purchased the unit directly from Toyota North America after the issue was resolved. We have full documentation from the manufacturer confirming the repair.

Original MSRP: $78,000
Our Price: $68,000
You save $10,000—all because of a left front speaker that’s already been replaced.

2022 Toyota Highlander XSE

This vehicle was a manufacturer buyback due to an alternator issue that couldn’t be diagnosed and repaired within 30 days. Drive Nation purchased the unit directly from Toyota North America, after the issue was resolved. We have full documentation from the manufacturer confirming the repair.

Original MSRP: $48,600
Our Price: $41,000
You save $7,600—all because of an alternator that’s already been replaced.

2021 Audi SQ7 4.0T Quattro Premium

This vehicle was a manufacturer buyback due to a breather hose issue that couldn’t be diagnosed and repaired within 30 days. VW/Audi North America repurchased the vehicle from the original owner, professionally completed the necessary repair, and we purchased it after the issue was fully resolved.

Original MSRP: $51,600
Our Price: $42,900
You save $8,700—all because of a now-resolved breather hose replacement.