If you’ve recently purchased a used or new vehicle from a dealership, and have been having nothing but problems with it, you may be eligible for a refund under the Lemon Law. Formerly known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, was enacted in 1975 and is in effect in all 50 states, although the criteria for eligibility can differ slightly from state to state.
Typically, the types of vehicles that are covered under the Lemon Law include:
* Used or new cars
* Motorcycles
* Trucks
* Motor Homes
The vehicles can be purchased or leased, financed or paid for in cash.
The law can also be applied to vehicles that were purchased privately.
What is NOT covered under the law
* A vehicle that was purchased outside the state in which you live
* A vehicle that was purchased online and shipped out of the state in which you live
* Vehicles that are subject to neglect or abuse.
Criteria for eligibility
* The vehicle has a defect or condition that poses a serious safety threat or is inoperable and has been unsuccessfully repaired by the manufacturer/dealership no less than three times.
* The vehicle has been inoperable for 30 days or more, on a cumulative basis
It’s important to keep detailed records of all maintenance and repairs done on the vehicle, as well as dates and conversation notes you’ve had with the manufacturer or dealership. All of this information will help your lawyer put together a case for you and get you the refund you’re entitled to. Without proper documentation, it can be difficult to ascertain what steps you’ve taken to remedy the situation.
Certain car dealerships and salespeople definitely have bad reputations – and the lemon law is proof of that; but you have the law on your side and you don’t have to fall victim to bad sales practices. Contact Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center for more details.
