Buying a used car in Michigan can feel like rolling the dice—especially when you find out too late that the “perfect” deal was a lemon in disguise. To steer clear of scams and protect your investment, read on to learn how Michigan’s Lemon Law applies to used cars, and be sure to run a Michigan license plate number lookup before you sign on the dotted line.
Michigan Lemon Law for Used Cars
Michigan’s Lemon Law primarily protects consumers from defective new vehicles, but it can sometimes extend to used cars, especially those still under warranty. If you suspect a lemon, feel free to do a Michigan license plate check to reveal a car’s warranty status, safety recalls, and other indicators of lemon — they can be crucial for understanding if Lemon Law protections apply.
Once you confirm lemon status, make sure to notify the manufacturer or an authorized dealer within a year of the original purchase date. Once they receive the notification, they must address the issue, even if it happens after the warranty period has expired. If the problem continues despite multiple repair attempts, you might be eligible for a refund. This refund can cover the expense of acquiring or leasing a similar replacement vehicle, or it can be requested instead of a replacement.
Lemon Law Coverage
The Lemon Law addresses issues that hinder the use or worth of your new vehicle, as well as defects that prevent it from meeting the manufacturer’s promised standards. However, it doesn’t include coverage for problems arising from modifications made post-purchase; these changes must be done by or authorized by the manufacturer. It also excludes defects resulting from misuse or neglect, as well as damage incurred after the vehicle is bought or leased.
Qualifying Vehicles for Lemon Law
In Michigan, the Lemon Law covers passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans bought or leased within the state. If the vehicle was acquired outside Michigan, it needs to have been purchased or leased by a Michigan resident and must have come with a manufacturer’s express warranty at the time of purchase or lease. However, this law doesn’t extend to motor homes, buses, vehicles other than pickups and vans, motorcycles, or off-road vehicles.
Unresolved Lemon?
Before pursuing legal action, contact the seller to discuss the issues. Sometimes, sellers are willing to offer repairs, refunds, or exchanges to resolve the problem amicably.
If the seller or manufacturer fails to address the issues satisfactorily, consider filing a complaint with the Michigan Consumer Protection Team. They can provide assistance and may help resolve the issue.
To safeguard your rights under the Lemon Law, make sure to maintain records of every communication with both the manufacturer and dealer. Save all repair work orders, noting the dates and your vehicle’s mileage at each repair. Adhere closely to your warranty’s stipulations, including using only authorized dealers chosen by the manufacturer for any repairs.