Used Car Lemon Law

If you own a used car that has had repeated problems that cannot be corrected you may be eligible for help under the used car lemon law.  Here is how it works.

In the United States of America, car purchases are safeguarded by the Lemon Laws. The federal Lemon law is known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Each state has a set of Lemon laws of its own. Each state has an individual name for the law.  While in some states used or leased cars do not come under the purview of Lemon laws, in other states they do. In some states these laws are applicable for both old and new cars. California is one state that offers a used car lemon law.

Please note also this information is provided as information only.  We cannot guarantee the acuracy of what is presented here.  At the time of this writing we feel it is the most complete information available, but it is advisable to seek out a Lemon Law Attorney to receive the best help.

According to the federal lemon law for used cars, a company that deals in such cars should state their warranty information in the guide that they provide to their buyers. Whenever a used car is put up for sale, the guide must be on display either on the side mirror or on the side window. If the car sold is an “as is” purchase, then the guide should read “no warranty”. 

The federal lemon laws are not very clear as far as the intricate details are concerned.  The state laws elucidate the laws in details.  According to the state laws, a purchaser may claim under the Lemon laws if several attempts at repairing the vehicle have not produced desirable results. The claim is valid if the issue with the car begins to crop up within a particular span or after the vehicle has covered a certain distance.

Soecifics of the used car lemon law vary from one state to another, there are certain points which remain the same.  These include:

The used car that you purchase should have a warranty which should be issued by the manufacturer.  These may include extended warranties or those that are given by the car dealership agencies.  Coverage cannot be claimed under the lemon law until and unless the used vehicle comes with a warranty.  You cannot expect the state law to provide for coverage if you buy your vehicle from an individual seller. 

Again you need to keep a written record of every repair that the vehicle undergoes, no matter how small it is.  Do not forget to collect an invoice or a receipt every time you visit the mechanic.  Consider this as a routine that should not be missed out on even if your vehicle is covered under a warranty.  These would be vital when you move your claim in the court and these documents will go a long way in tilting the scales in favor of you.

Be precise when it comes to the invoice. Make sure that your repair dealer mentions even the minutest details. When you have a break down in the middle of a journey do jot down the date, time and place of the event and make it a point to register this with the repair mechanics as well.

You need to know the used car lemon law of your state in detail, even before you purchase your car. That way you can make a decision whether to buy a new car or a used one.