Used Car Lemon Law
From LoveToKnow Buy
Used car lemon laws exist for your protection. You’ll need them when buying a used car, because you run the risk of getting a clunker, a lemon, a car having hidden problems that materialize only after you drive off the lot. No matter what the source, buying a used car has a high element of risk. Not that all used car salespeople are dishonest, but horror stories abound. While the uniform of the day has changed from white belts and liesure suits on car lots, the objective of used car sellers remains the same, no matter if they sell from a lot or personal driveway. You’re the mark, the fish, the person with cash they wish to take in exchange for cars that can break your bank in no time at all.
You can’t tell a lemon car just by kicking the tires
What this does for peace of mine is anyone’s guess, but it may be one of those my-dad-did-it-so-I-will-too things that are passed down from generation to generation. In this case kicking the tires reveals little else than knowledge of inflation. Yet the myth persists
Give all cars a good used lemon law inspection
If you know what to look for, you can open doors, sight along the edge of the car and attempt to spot dents or distortions or other evidence of a crash. Another check is the oil dipstick. Burnt oil is a bad sign. Engine condition is another. Clean is good. But all engines can be cleaned with a can of Gunk Engine Brite. Appearances are deceiving to the untrained eye. Better to take the car to a auto mechanic and pay him $50 or $60 do a thorough test. Of course, this depends if the owner allows this.
Judge the seller
Get a good feel for trustworthiness. Ask about the car’s history and why the owner’s selling. Avoid sellers overly eager to quickly close a deal, attempting to pressure you to buy on the spot while evading your questions or concerns. Use your inbuilt “sleaze” meter. If you don’t have good vibes, walk away. There are other cars.
Car reports can help you spot used car lemons
There are several reports you can buy that will provide a history of the car
Check to see if the car was ever recalled by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety (NHTSA) Web site or by calling 1-800-424-9393. The NHTSA sends dealers a Technical Service Bulletin containing diagnostic and repair information covering a variety of problems from cosmetic to faulty mechanicals. Dealers are required to fix safety-related issues, but owners are responsible for asking dealers to make repairs that they are notified about. Some do. Most don’t.
CARFAX will check your vehicle's history for about $20 using information gathered from motor vehicle records and police and fire departments. This service is useful to identify salvaged or previously damaged vehicle. While some salvaged vehicles are OK, they are sometimes difficult to insure. Keep in mind that these reports are only as accurate as the police reports they rely upon.
Kelley Blue Book has price range information for different models. This is a good general guide to condition and a good negotiating tool.
Check your state’s Motor Vehicles Department Web site for a vehicle history report Vehicles using the car's vehicle identification number (VIN). One-owner cars are generally less risky than those having multiple owners.
Automobile lemon law Web sites
Check the pink slip
When buying from an individual, carefully examine the title to see if the vehicle has been classified junk or salvage, or that it was re-purchased by the manufacturer under a state automobile lemon law program.
Where to buy a car online
You can find all kinds of used cars, many with warranties, at these Web sites:
This page has been accessed 1,319 times. This page was last modified 18:21, 9 April 2006.
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