Does Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?

Used cars on a car lot
Does Lemon law apply to used cars? Application varies from state to state, but lemon law does apply to used cars purchased in Connecticut. In fact, Connecticut was the very first state to extend this kind of protection to the pre-owned market! Today, a used vehicle that is sold in Connecticut must include some measure of warranty coverage, usually for either thirty or sixty days from the time of your purchase.

Used Car Lemon Law in Connecticut

Connecticut’s used car lemon law requires individual sellers and dealerships to cover all components that are required to keep the vehicle in motion. The length of the coverage term varies based on the amount paid by the consumer:

  • If the Selling Price is At Least $3,000, but Less Than $5,000: All parts and labor needed to keep the vehicle mechanically operational and sound are covered for 30 days or 1,500 miles.
  • If the Selling Price is $5,000 or More: All parts and labor needed to keep the vehicle mechanically operational and sound are covered for 60 days or 3,000 miles.

Crucially, the used car lemon law does not apply to vehicles that are seven or more years old! Additionally, no protections apply to vehicles with prices of less than $3,000.

If you’re not based in Connecticut, you should know that different lemon laws also apply to vehicles sold in Massachusetts and New York. Additionally, you should know that it’s always possible to buy a car in another state.

What to Keep in Mind as a Buyer

Used car lemon law offers a lot of protection—but there’s no substitute for doing your homework when you’re shopping around in Fairfield and Westport. Shopping with a reputable dealership is almost always safer than buying from an individual, but we recommend the following steps to all car shoppers in Connecticut and beyond:

  • Visually inspect the vehicle on your own. Look for fluid leaks under the vehicle and check for signs of damage under the hood.
  • Test drive the vehicle and make a note if anything seems less than perfect.
  • Used car lemon law prohibits dealers from making any false, deceptive, or misleading statements about the vehicle’s condition or history—but it’s never a bad idea to choose a model that comes with a comprehensive Vehicle History Report.
  • Connecticut’s used car lemon law entitles buyers to bring the vehicle to any third party service center for a detailed pre-purchase inspection. Dealerships and private sellers have the right to impose reasonable restrictions on the length and time of these inspections, but a seller who denies you this right should not be trusted.

Does Lemon Law Apply to Certified Pre-Owned Models?

If the warranty coverage shown above doesn’t feel sufficient for your needs, consider a certified pre-owned model! These vehicles include whatever remains of a new vehicle’s limited warranty, as well as additional CPO warranty coverage.

Does Lemon law apply to certified pre-owned cars in Darien and Stamford? Yes—as long as it meets the minimum requirements we’ve already identified. Since CPO models will meet these requirements in virtually every case, there’s no reason to assume that Lemon law would not apply.

Find Your Next Used Car at Jaguar Darien Authorized Certified Pre-Owned and Service!

If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle at a great price, check out our selection of used cars priced under $10,000! We’re proud to put our name on every vehicle that we sell, and you can always shop with confidence at Jaguar Darien Authorized Certified Pre-Owned and Service. Explore our car buying tips to learn more about what to expect from your purchase.

 

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