ABA Family Legal Guide

Automobiles

Buying, Renting, and Leasing a Car

Buying a New Car

If I wind up in court in a contract dispute, may I offer information in addition to the car contract?

Generally, under the parol evidence rule, courts look at the actual contract rather than at any information outside of that agreement that does not appear in that document. Courts typically focus on what are called the "four corners" of the document. The court generally assumes that both parties read and understood the contract before signing it, and will not consider evidence of any terms that were discussed before the contract was signed that vary or contradict the contract. However, you may be able to present evidence of an oral agreement made after the written agreement.

If you have legal problems over a contract, or if you are sued over a car contract, you should consult a lawyer.