Used Car Lemon Law

The Low Down on Lemon Law Protection for Used Vehicles

Used Car Lemon Law - Buying a used car can be a great way to save on money, so long as you don't end up in the shop every weekend for repairs. Even used cars are supposed to work properly and in many States dealers are required to back their used car sales with a warranty. If you bring your used car home just to find she isn't working as expected you may be able to turn to a Used Car Lemon Law for help. Under this law, your dealer may have to repair or refund you for your faulty car.

A Quick Summary

Many States require dealers to issue a warranty along with the sale of a used car. The warranty is a promise that the car will work - and if it doesn't the dealer will cover repair costs or reimburse you for the car. With this lemon law, States can force dealers to live up to their warranties. However, it is important to keep in mind that a warranty does not cover general unhappiness with the car or minor defects. You can only seek recourse under a lemon law if the use or safety of your car is significantly impaired.

Although not every State has a specific used car lemon law, they do all have new car lemon laws and these may be stretched to cover your vehicle. Even though you bought your car as a used vehicle, it may still fall under the original new car warranty - if the car has fairly low mileage. Be sure to check the specifics in your State and to speak with a lawyer regarding the subtleties of lemon laws for used cars.

Is Your Used Car a Lemon?

In order to fall under the used car lemon law your vehicle will have to meet certain requirements - and these will change by State. In general though each State requires your dealer to fix your car or reimburse you for repairs as outlined in the warranty. If a defect persists after three attempts or 15 business days worth of repairs - the law entitles you to a refund or replacement car. Since a large part of lemon laws depend on repair attempts - be sure to keep all your receipts!

Warranties under the lemon laws are not indefinite. All repair attempts have to occur within a certain period of time in order for your car to qualify for a refund or replacement. For example, in Massachusetts a car purchased with less than 40,000 miles on it has a warranty period of 90 days; a car purchased with mileage between 80,000 and 124,999 miles has a warranty of 30 days. So, all your repairs must fall within the warranty time period.

Defects Covered by the Lemon Law

Checking both your warranty and your State's lemon law will help you determine whether your car's problem is covered under the law. In general, problems with the appearance of the car will not be covered. If you drive your new purchase home just to find a paint scratch on the back you are out of luck. However, if your steering wheel is acting up and you feel you're headed for an accident at any moment - not only should you get off the road you should start getting your lemon law case ready. Any problem that impairs the use of your car or your safety will likely fall under these lemon laws.

Applying the Used Car Lemon Law

If your State has a used car lemon law and your dealer issued a warranty at the time of sale - then he is required by law to repair significant problems. If your dealer refuses you should remind him of the law and consult a lawyer specializing in lemon laws. The dealer does have the right though to buy back the car rather than make the repairs. If you turn down his buy back offer you may not be eligible for repair reimbursement.

Ultimately, if the used car you just purchased isn't working you do have options! Be sure to consult the specific laws in your state and ask your lawyer what your options are. Even if your State does not have a specific used car lemon law - you may be able to find recourse.