Understand Your Rights If Your Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Has Issues

The market for second-hand cars is massive and buying a used car is a tricky decision.  Irrespective of how beneficial it is, yet there remain some risks. You have to get them checked by a trusted mechanic or may have to end up landing into legal matters for a lemon.

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Buying a lemon may appear alluring, but you can never be hundred percent sure as to how good the vehicle is and in what shape or how the previous owner maintained the car. This is why buying a certified pre-owned lemon is always a better decision and a preferred choice, as this comes under the lemon law.

What is a certified pre-owned lemon?

When a vehicle is certified pre-owned, it is thoroughly checked and verified by certified officials, and it must be seven years old or less and have traveled less than 80,000 miles. Certified pre-owned vehicles come with a valid warranty by the manufacturer and undergo multiple scrutinies before displayed for sale.

Rules and requirements for the dealers

Dealers have to reveal the facts about the materials used in the vehicle and also its history. They should share with you all the information without asking. If they fail to do so, take it as a red flag, as you could buy a lemon, which will make them chargeable under the lemon law.

Below is a list of few information that you ought to know:

  • The vehicle was used for rental purposes
  • History of repair
  • History of accidents, if any

When you are reading this space, we understand your concern. No worries! If you are experiencing trouble or noticed defects with your lemon car, you can seek protection under the lemon law.

How does a certified warranty vary from an extended warranty?

Certified used vehicles should meet some expectations on manufacturer’s standards, and that way, they are different from the extended warranty, which includes the following:

Price – a certified warranty is included in the cost of the vehicle whereas, an extended warranty is an extra cost

Coverage – generally, a certified used car has some bumper-to-bumper provision, but an extended warranty covers typically parts.

It would help if you kept in mind the considerations while inspecting a vehicle that can be labeled as a certified pre-owned:

  • No frame damage in the car
  • No damages due to fire, accident, or flood.
  • The vehicle’s odometer should clearly show the actual mileage
  • Every system should be working fine and are in order.

How the certified warranty works under Lemon Law

Certified used vehicles come in the market with a written warranty which offers consumer protection under the Lemon Law.  This demands the manufacturer to fix any issues that are must-have raised during the period of contract. Failing so, new owners can file claims and are entitled to compensation.

If you have bought a certified pre-owned lemon and you are facing issues that, despite repeated repairs, are not being fixed, you can claim your compensation or get a replacement as stated under the Lemon Law. Talk to an attorney in your locality and get professional assistance.

Legal matters are not easy, and being a layman will be overwhelming if you plan to do them by yourself. Discuss your case and understand the scope of win you have.