Whether you are buying a brand-new or a used car, you are making a significant purchase. The last thing you want is a car that breaks down. Not only is this frustrating but it’s also a threat to your safety.
Fortunately, each state has enacted Lemon Laws to protect residents who find themselves with vehicles that are inherently defective. But do these laws cover used cars?
Understanding the basics of Connecticut Lemon laws
Lemon laws are in place to protect consumers from vehicles that have manufacturer defects. However, these defects must manifest within the first two years or purchase or within the first 24,000 miles on the odometer – whichever comes first.
Certain elements must be satisfied for a vehicle to be declared a lemon. While these elements may vary from state to state, a car is generally considered a lemon if it:
- Comes with a substantial defect or non-conformity that is covered by the warranty
- It is not fixable after reasonable repair attempts
These may seem pretty straightforward. However, the interpretation does differ based on the nature of the defect.
So, do Lemon laws apply to used cars too?
Usually not. Connecticut lemon laws apply to used cars only if they are still within the two year, 24,000 mile period.
You may have other options
Even if your car is not eligible under the lemon law, you may still have rights against the car dealershp that sold you the car. Depending on the nature of the defects, some of the remedies you may consider include demanding a refund, compensation for diminished value and/or consequential and incidental damages.
Not many things are as frustrating as buying a defective car. If you find yourself in this situation with a new car, you may be entitled to damages through a lemon law claim.