Buying a used car can be a test of patience because you may not be sure exactly what’s happened with the vehicle before. For some people, purchasing a used car from a dealership enables them to enjoy certain protections.
Connecticut state laws set specific standards for interactions between the dealership and the buyer. Knowing these before you go to the lot is beneficial so you know exactly what to expect.
Dependent upon sale price
Dealers are required to provide an express warranty when they sell a used vehicle. The vehicle’s purchase price determines what express warranty has to be offered. It only applies to vehicles that are less than seven years old.
- Vehicles from $3,000 to $5,000: 30 days or 1,500 miles, whichever is first
- Vehicles above $5,000: 60 days or 3,000, whichever is first
When vehicles meet those conditions, the dealership must provide an express warranty. It must be a full warranty because state law forbids the use of conditions, such as labor only or fifty-fifty, in the warranty.
Warranty may be extended in some cases
The warranty term may be extended. If you report an issue with the vehicle within the warranty period, it must be fixed even if the repair occurs after the warranty period.
Another instance when the warranty term may be extended is if the vehicle is in the shop. If a repair takes more than one day, the warranty is extended one day for each day the vehicle is in the shop.
“As-is” sales must be clearly denoted
Vehicles sold for less than $3,000 or more than seven years old may be sold as-is. In this case, the dealership doesn’t have to provide a warranty, but a disclaimer must be clearly noted on the first page of the sales documents that notes the vehicle is being sold as-is.
If you’re having issues with a dealership not complying with these points, you have the right to legal action. Because this can be a complex undertaking, it might be best to work with someone familiar with this area of law.