Lemon laws generally do not cover used cars

A common myth among consumers is that they are protected by lemon laws even when they purchase a used car. That could not be further from the truth. In some states, used cars may be sold as-is, and if it breaks on the way home, the problem is yours. 

More below.

Have a qualified mechanic examine a used car before purchase

New cars are expensive; for that reason, many consumers opt to buy used ones. That can make a lot of sense; a car can depreciate as much as 20% the minute that you drive it off of the lot. For the cost-conscious, buying a used car can make a lot of sense, and a late model used car can represent quite a bargain.

Buyers need to be careful, however, as used cars generally do not fall under the auspices of the lemon laws of the various states. Some states do cover them; most do not. Some states require that dealers offer a limited warranty; others allow cars to be sold “as-is.” In the latter case, you are stuck with the full cost of repairs even if the engine falls out as you are leaving the dealer’s lot!

Smart customers know that the best thing to do prior to buying a used car, whether it has a warranty or not, is to have the vehicle examined by a qualified mechanic before you purchase it. The assurances of the salesman or even the onsite mechanic are meaningless if the car is sold “as-is.” You want someone with a reputation that you trust to examine the car ahead of time so that you can be assured that there are no hidden problems that may cause trouble once you get the car home.

Here are a few things that you may wish to have your mechanic examine before purchase:

Oil stains - Oil can leak from a number of different places; some of them may indicate serious problems.

Floor pan - Cars that have been wrecked may have dents in the floor pan. They are hard to remove and could indicate damage that may have been hidden by body repairs.

Radiator fluid - Anything other than water or antifreeze in the radiator could indicate trouble.

Check for flood damage - Many used cars that belonged to owners in the Gulf Coast area were severely damaged by floodwaters. Flood damage may be hard to detect, especially if the vehicle has had the carpet and upholstery replaced.

Of course, you should also have the mechanic check out the engine’s performance, the tires, the shock absorbers and suspension, the body, and the exhaust system, particularly if you live in an area that mandates annual exhaust system checks.

Used cars, particularly older ones with high mileage, can be dangerous. The last thing you want when you purchase a car is to put yourself in danger. Since the law will likely not protect you, you need to take precautions yourself. It is much easier to spend a bit of time and money having a mechanic examine a car you would like to buy than it is to pay them to repair it for you after you buy it and something goes wrong. It is always better to be safe than sorry.