What is the Lemon Law and Does it Apply to Used Cars?

Many Myrtle Beach drivers have asked the question, “What is lemon law?” The lemon law was created to protect consumers from unreliable cars, dishonest sellers, and unfair warranty practices. The Lemon law applies to both new and pre-owned vehicles, but it’s a little more complicated with pre-owned vehicles. Protection for used cars varies by state, so do your homework before buying a pre-owned vehicle. Read on to learn more about the lemon law from Beach Automotive Group, and contact us if you have any questions.

How Do Lemon Laws Work?

There’s a federal lemon law, as well as state lemon laws. The lemon laws vary by state. Any issues with the vehicle must occur while the car is covered under warranty. Under federal law, attempts to fix the problem(s) must be documented, and the car must be 100% unusable due to repairs for at least 30 days, but it doesn’t have to be consecutive.

Used Car Lemon Laws

Currently, only the states listed below have used car lemon laws:

• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Connecticut
• California
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New York

Unfortunately, used car lemon laws are seldom enforced successfully. Buying a used car around Conway, especially from a seller you’re unfamiliar with, is much riskier than purchasing a brand-new car from a well-known reputable dealership. Laws require sellers to disclose any major accidents, but that doesn’t stop some unethical sellers from withholding vital information or illegally changing the mileage on the car.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

Make sure you inspect every aspect of the vehicle you’re considering before you purchase it. Vehicles may be sold in any condition (whether they’re road legal or not), but if you’re buying a pre-owned car, take these steps to ensure the vehicle is worth the money:

• Visually inspect all areas of the car
• Test drive the car and look for anything that seems “off.”
• Have a mechanic do a visual and mechanical inspection to ensure that there are no significant problems.

Sellers aren’t required to tell you everything wrong with a car or to sell it in “immaculate” condition. So, lemon laws don’t typically apply to unnoticed issues with the used vehicle. Taking the steps above will help you avoid inconvenient and expensive repairs.

Find Your Next Car for Sale at Beach Automotive Group!

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is the lemon law?” We invite you to shop for your next car at Beach Automotive Group near Murrells Inlet. We hand-pick our pre-owned vehicles for reliability, quality, and cleanliness. Our team will happily take you on a test drive around Florence and answer all of your questions. Feel free to browse our pre-owned vehicle specials online and apply for financing before your visit. Reach out to us today!