The Replacement Remedy in North Dakota

Instead of a refund, North Dakota lets you take a comparable replacement vehicle. Under § 51-07-18 the consumer elects between replacement and a refund — the choice is yours.

What “comparable” means

A replacement should be a new vehicle substantially identical to the one you’re returning — same make, model line, and major options where available. If the exact configuration is gone, the parties negotiate the nearest equivalent.

How the use offset works on a replacement

The same capped allowance applies: a use deduction not exceeding 10¢/mile or 10% of the purchase price, whichever is less, counting only miles before first report. In practice this often surfaces as a small price adjustment between the returned and replacement vehicles.

Replacement vs. refund — how to choose

Replacement may be better if:

• You like the vehicle and want the same model without re-shopping.
• You financed at a favorable rate you’d rather keep.
• The defect was an isolated build problem, not a model-wide design flaw.

A refund may be better if:

• You’ve lost confidence in the brand or model.
• The capped offset makes the buyback math attractive.
• You want to exit financing entirely.

Watch the details

• Confirm taxes and registration on the replacement are handled (you shouldn’t pay twice).
• Get the warranty start date reset to the replacement’s in-service date.
• Put comparability and any cash adjustment in writing before you sign.

Bottom line

North Dakota lets the consumer choose a comparable replacement, with the same capped use offset. Pick replacement if you want the same vehicle without re-shopping; pick a refund to exit the brand. Get a free case review.

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