Lemon Law for Used Cars: Know Your Rights and Options

Purchasing a second-hand vehicle makes good sense at one level, but it is also a gamble because you can find yourself stuck with a car that has chronic mechanical troubles. Specific laws refer to lemon laws that were intended to protect the buyers of new cars, while some states have done so for the used cars. First, let’s take a closer look at the specifics of lemon laws related to used cars, some points to think about before the purchase, and measures to take if you think that you have a lemon. For more information about this, Read more on The Barry Law Firm.

1. What Are Lemon Laws?

A lemon law then is a state law dealing with automobiles and consumer ones that allows a buyer of a defective vehicle the opportunity to be provided with a repair, replacement, or a refund. The usual criteria for something to be deemed a car lemon, it should have a significant flaw that hampers its usage, safety or value with the dealer/manufacturer having made prior unsuccessful tries to repair it. Consumer protection through lemon laws may be extremely broad for new cars, but as for used cars, each state applies different measures.

2. Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Cars?

Ethel protection for used cars are comparatively weaker and are state-specific. Used cars have specific rules in some states including California, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey while some have no laws whatsoever. For states that do cover used cars under lemon laws, the protections typically apply if:

The vehicle is bought from a dealer with warranty attached to the purchase.

That is the car must be of a certain age or have a certain mileage on the odometer.

The defect was reported at a specific time for example 90 days or in the first 4000 miles the customer used the product on purchase.

3. Below is the list of State Lemon Laws for Used Cars.

Used car lemon laws are entirely unique in each state. Here are some examples:

California: 

Defective lemon laws in California can be applied to used motor vehicles provided they come with the manufacturer’s warranty at the time they were bought or if the dealer offered a warrant for the used car. California also has another law called the Consumer Warranty Protection Act, which buyers of used autos might find useful.

New York:

 New York lemon law even applies to second hand vehicles sold with warranties of not less than 90 days or 4000 miles by dealers. If consumers meet these conditions he or she will be provided with a refund or replacement where the car is a Lemon.

Massachusetts:

 Massachusetts used car lemon law protects consumers who have purchased a car from a licensed dealer with lemon law coverage based on the car’s mileage.

4. BASIC PREGNANCES FOR FILING A LEMON LAW CLAIM IN USED CARS

While specific conditions vary by state, there are some common requirements for making a lemon law claim on a used car:

Dealer Purchase Requirement:

 Lemon laws in most states exempt private sales and only cover cars bought from a licensed dealer.

Defect Disclosure: 

This hindrance has to be one that reduces the car’s safety or ability to be utilized in day today activities or it’s value is greatly reduced after the action by the manufacturer causing the defect.

Repair Attempts:

 Lemon laws normally provide that before the car can be considered a lemon the dealer or manufacturer must have attempted to repair it a reasonable number of times.

Timing: 

Most of the states retain that the defect must manifest within a given period, normally within 30, 60 or 90 days from its purchase, or within certain mileage as may be deemed appropriate.

Conclusion

Unlike new cars, used car lemon laws are not as broad, yet in some states they are very useful and can help protect consumers from losing a plethora of cash. Buying a used car, particularly from a dealer, should involve a discussion of warranties existing on the car, a thorough examination, and being ready for action should major problems come up. It is crucial to understand the lemon law in your state and have an attorney if a case proves to be necessary in order to have a fair chance at a favorable verdict.