The Federal Lemon Law Covers Used Cars
Although the North Carolina Lemon Law only applies to new motor vehicles, there is a Federal Lemon Law that could apply to give you relief from your used lemon. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enacted in 1975, is a federal statute that covers used vehicles under certain circumstances, no matter the vehicle's age. If you've purchased a used car and receive a warranty, or the used car still happens to be covered under the manufacturer's original warranty, then this Federal Lemon Law applies to you. If that is the case, then under this Federal lemon law the warrantor (usually the selling dealer) must repair it within a reasonable number of attempts and a reasonable amount of time. If your vehicle is in the shop too long for warranty repairs, or too many times, then you may be entitled to get your money back.
Service Contracts Also Apply
Service contracts, or "extended warranties", may still give you the same rights as if the seller had provided you with an actual warranty. If, at the same time as or within 90 days of you acquiring your used vehicle, you purchased a separate service contract from the selling dealer, then this Federal lemon law applies and may be used to protect you if your vehicle is a lemon. In fact, this law is, in some respects, even more beneficial than the North Carolina Lemon Law because it is does not have a mileage limit and it is irrelevant how old the vehicle was when you bought it. The only thing that matters is whether you got that warranty or service contract from the dealer. If you did, then this provision of the Federal lemon law may protect you.
I Can Help You
If you've purchased a used vehicle and you think it may be a lemon, you may not be stuck it!. As your lawyer, I will work aggressively on your behalf to enforce your rights, helping you to possibly obtain a refund for your lemon or other settlement in your best interest. Please contact me today for a free initial consultation.
The Norris Law Firm, PLLC
8601 Six Forks Road, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27615
Telephone: (919) 882-2077 | Facsimile: (919) 585-5324
Map and Directions
Practicing North Carolina Lemon Law for North Carolina consumers, the Norris Law Firm, PLLC, serves the legal needs of North Carolina's residents statewide, including those in the communities of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Charlotte, Asheville, and Wake Forest.
Wake County ● Durham County ● Chatham County ● Mecklenburg County