Walk It Through: The Bad Deal
A used car sold as new, a new car that keeps failing, and the written notice that starts the lemon law.
A buyer learns the demonstrator car sold as new had been in a crash and repaired.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
Two car purchases. Used car warranties, the manufacturer's arbitration program, financing disputes and the added remedy for elderly or disabled buyers are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Unfair or deceptive practiceA practice the consumer protection act forbids, such as selling used goods as new, for which a buyer who lost money may recover actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater.
- NonconformityA defect in a new car that does not conform to the express warranty and impairs its use or market value. Four or more failed repairs of the same one presume a reasonable number of attempts.