If they are unable to repair the vehicle they must offer to repurchase the vehicle. If one of those parts or components fails and causes a substantial problem, the dealership has a reasonable number of attempts to fix the vehicle. During the term of the dealership warranty you’re protected for the parts and components covered under the warranty. If you purchased a used car with a dealership warranty, then you’re protected two ways. How Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Cars Under Dealership Warranty? If this is the case, then it’s best to speak with an attorney specializing in lemon law to understand if the vehicle is protected or not. Now, there is an exception to the rule if the service contract requires you to take your vehicle to the dealership where you purchased it for repairs. This is why it’s important to speak to the dealership about which type of warranty covers your vehicle prior to purchase. These types of “warranties” don’t qualify under the California Lemon Law. These are actually the promise from a third party to repair your vehicle should it break down. Many individuals purchase additional “extended warranties.” It’s important to realize that these aren’t so much true warranties as they are “service contracts.”Īn extended warranty isn’t a promise from the dealership or manufacturer that the vehicle is in good condition. Your vehicle’s warranty must be the original manufacturer’s warranty, or the dealership’s warranty.
It’s important to understand that not just any warranty will protect you under California Lemon Law. However, you’ll want to ask the dealership about the terms of the warranty. As long as there is a check in the Warranty box, you qualify. The As Is option means there is no warranty while the Warranty box indicates there is a warranty. On the Buyer’s Guide there are two boxes, one labeled As Is and the other Labeled as Warranty. Most dealerships mount it in one of the windows. Federal law requires that all used vehicles available for sale display a Buyer’s Guide. If you’re unsure if you received a dealer warranty you can check the Buyer’s Guide. However, some dealerships do offer longer warranties. Many are quite short and last between 30 days and three months.
Dealer warranties vary based on the dealership that offers them. However, rather than qualifying under new car lemon law, they fall under the used car lemon law. Thankfully, in the state of California, used cars sold with a dealer’s warranty also qualify. The problem is that many used vehicles are no longer under warranty. If the vehicle is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you can rest easy. If this is the case then you are still protected. There may be other factors at play that could account for an extended manufacturer’s warranty. This is an easy requirement to meet for new vehicles, but what about used vehicles?Īny used vehicle purchased or leased from California within three years of its manufacturer date or with less than 36,000 miles should still qualify under the original manufacturer’s warranty. The major requirement of this law is that the vehicle must still be under the original manufacturer’s warranty. This law covers vehicles purchased or leased from California car dealerships. The California Lemon Law Statute, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers. This includes making sure you understand what the California Lemon Law covers, what makes a product a lemon, and your rights when faced with such a product.
We want to ensure all consumers are protected when it comes to possible lemon products. Here at Strategic Legal Practices, we will answer this question and more. While many people understand how California Lemon Laws apply to new vehicles, others may be asking themselves Do lemon laws apply to used cars?