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Tips For Protecting Yourself When Buying A Used Car

9 April 2015 by Phyllis Hoffman

Buying a used car from a reputable dealer is the best way to ensure that you will get a good, reliable car that will not end up being a lemon. No matter how good the dealer is though, there is always a chance that something major will go wrong with the car you purchase, and that is why some states have lemon laws for cars. Before you buy a used car, it's important to understand what these laws are and how they work in your state so you can protect yourself and your investment

What Are Lemon Laws?

According to Edmunds, there are only six states that currently have lemon laws in place for used cars. These laws are designed to prevent people from paying money for a car that has major issues. This usually doesn't cover minor problems, such as worn-out tires, AC repairs, or brake issues, but it does cover problems that involve the engine or transmission.

If your state has lemon laws in place and the used car you purchase has something majorly wrong with it right away, the dealer must either fix the problems or refund your money. If your state doesn't have lemon laws, you may still be able to take steps to help you get the problem fixed.

What Recourse Is There If Your State Doesn't Have Lemon Laws For Used Cars?

Most states have lemon laws only for new vehicles, but this does not mean that you have no rights if you purchased a used car in a state that doesn't have lemon laws. There are still steps you can take to try to work out an arrangement with the dealer that will fix the situation.

The first step you should take is to inform the dealer about the problem and find out what can be done. The dealer might agree to make the necessary repairs for you at no charge, or the dealer might willingly allow you to trade the car in for another one. If the car came with any type of warranty, you may need to get this step completed during the warranty period, which may only be 15 to 30 days.

If the dealer is not willing to help solve the problem, you could talk to an attorney to find out if there are legal steps you could take to remedy the situation. Filing a lawsuit can be time-consuming and expensive though, and that is why it is better to take the right steps before you purchase a used car.

What Steps Can You Take To Protect Yourself?

There are several ways you can make sure that a used car will not turn out to be a lemon, including:

• Inspect the car thoroughly – Before you buy any used car, look it over and test drive it. If you are not experienced with cars, bring a friend with you to help you know what to look for at used car sales.
• Get a vehicle history report – Vehicle history reports are not always free; however, they can reveal details about a car that you may want to know. For example, you can find out if the car had ever been involved in an accident by obtaining a report on the vehicle. You may also be able to view service records from the car.
• Ask if there is a warranty period – While some car dealers sell cars "as-is," others offer short warranty periods. If it comes with a warranty (even if it is short), it will give you time to further inspect the car you purchased.
• Hire a mechanic to inspect the vehicle – During the time of the warranty, or right after you buy a car without a warranty, have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. This mechanic may be able to tell you more about the condition of the car, which could reveal any major problems.

Used cars are more affordable and often have a lot of life left in them, but it's still important to protect yourself. If you want to make sure you buy a reliable used car that will last a long time, always shop for one at a used car dealership that you trust.

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