consumerbrief - PDF document

1 consumerbrief www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov
consumerbrief www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov ips on Buying aUsed The purchase of a used car can be a high-costconsumer transaction. Here is what you should knowbefore making your purchaseTHE USED CAR LEMON LAWa New Jersey dealer sells you a used car that is defective, youmay be eligible for relief under the Used Car Lemon Law. Thelaw requires the dealer to provide a limited warranty if the caris Ð not more than seven (7) years old; has less than 100,000miles; the price is over $3,000; and/or the car has not beendeclared a total loss by an insurance company. If the car hasranty. The warranty covers certain components of the engine,transmission and the front Ð or rear-wheel drive. If you haveexperienced three (3) repair attempts on a covered item withinthe dealerÕs warranty period, you may qualify for a LemonLaw hearing. The duration of the dealerÕs warranty to whichyou are entitled depends on the carÕs mileage at the time ofsale. See the information below.ehicle Mileage Duration of Dealer Warrantylease call the DivisionÕs Lemon Law Unit atprocess can be mailed to you upon request.Look for the BuyerÕs Guide in the window of the vehicleconsidering buying. The law requires that it be postedin plain view on or in the car being offered for sale. Theranty, if one exists, or if the car is being sold do not come with any warranty, either ex-pressed or implied. The guide will disclose if there is anyemaining manufacturerÕs warranty on the vehicle, and ifan extended service contract is available. A copy of the guideshould be given to you at the time of purchase.price. Visit several dealerships and donÕt be in a hurry. Usedcar pricing guides may be found at your local library, book-store or even online. A current guide will tell you the usedcarÕs retail or trade-in value. You may also be able to find agood deal from a private seller, but keep in mind that th

2 osethe Used Car Lemon Law.DO I HAVE THRE
osethe Used Car Lemon Law.DO I HAVE THREE DAYS TO CANCEL?No.ou do not have three (3) days to automaticallycancel a contract for a new car or a used car once you signfor it at the dealership. This is a common misconception. Whichever comes first. Continued www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov UNLAWFUL PRACTICESmisrepresent the mechanical condition of aused car.car which is known to the dealer.written warranty or service contract.misrepresent the terms of any written warrantyor service contract.BEFORE YOU BUY A USED CARyou cannot have a mechanic examine the car for you priorto your purchase, here are some things you should do:Always test drive the car. Listen for noises. Makesure all of the gauges work.radiator fluid are clean and that the containers foreach are full.Check for signs of leakage under the car where ithas been parked on the lot.electronic systems are operational.(the fabric which lines the interior roof) and oninside the trunk.body panels that are misaligned or over-sprayedwith paint. The Consumer Fraud Act states thatin any advertisement, it is unlawful for a dealer topreviously damaged and that substantial repair orbody work has been performed (in excess of$1,000) which is known or should have beenknown by the advertiser. The Division stronglyecommends that you obtain a vehicle historyeport from the dealer or get one on your ownbefore you buy.Look for excessive or unusual tire wear which mayindicate an alignment problem and remember tocheck to make sure that the car has a properlyinflated spare tire in case of an emergency.emember that you are entitled to a copy ofeverything you sign.Consider financing options through your bank orcredit union.you donÕt like the deal being offered or feelpressured ÐWALK AWAY. ou can e-mail the Lemon Law Unit at lemonlaw@dca.state.nj.us DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS (toll free within New Jersey) DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS