QA Lemon Law
How does the lemon law vary between used and new cars?
New cars come with a manufacturer warranty that covers most aspects of the vehicle. Used cars can still have a partial existing warranty or may be sold “as is” to the consumer. Lemon laws vary depending on the particulars of the sale. If you knowingly bought a vehicle that had been previously wrecked and salvaged, you cannot later go back and try to claim a violation of a lemon law. It is easier to get consumer protection laws that cover new or warranty covered items but you can still have some coverage even if you buy a used car. In the case of lemon laws being enacted against a fraudulent seller, the seller may have to take the car back and reimburse you time, money and court costs. A new car seller may simply put you into a different car.
What is the lemon law benefits concerning used cars?
If you purchased a used car then you automatically know that you are getting a car that someone else has previously owned. If it is a newer used car then it may still have some existing manufacturer’s warranty or you may be even offered an extended warranty to cover certain parts of the car. When you purchase a used car you need to try to get the seller to disclose everything. An even better way is to get a vehicle history report yourself so you know that you are covered. If the seller tells you and signs documents stating that there is nothing wrong with the car, it has never been wrecked, etc. then you have a right to take the seller to court if you find out he or she knowingly lied to you. Even if your state does not have lemon laws to cover you, you can still have some consumer protection laws that are on your side.
Is the lemon law just for vehicles?
A lemon law is not just for vehicles. It also covers computers, wheelchairs and practically anything electronic. Even your television set may be covered under lemon laws. The one thing that bears repeating is that you absolutely must know what the consumer protection laws in your state cover. Some items may be covered and some might not be. The age of the device or vehicle plays a large portion in whether or not you are covered.
If my vehicle turns out to be a “lemon” what do I need to do next?
Finding out that your new vehicle, or at least new to you vehicle, is a lemon is a hard pill to swallow. Most consumers are first in disbelief that this is happening to them. You may be very angry that someone has taken advantage of you. This is not the time for threatening phone calls. It is time to calmly look up the details of the sale as well as all applicable lemon laws in your state. You may need to take the vehicle into a separate repair shop to get the full assessment of the damages. After that you can opt to either contact the seller or hire an attorney directly. Just remember to stay calm. Getting angry and yelling is not going to help your case and will only upset you further. Follow the lines of the law and you may be able to get your money back.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed panic attacks help as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medications available at anxietydisordercure.com.