Your new car: turning lemon into lemonade
Buying a car will probably be one of your largest expenditures. Nothing could be more frustrating, therefore, than to discover you've purchased a lemon. Illinois law provides recourse that can help you turn your lemon into lemonade.
A new vehicle is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. You should make sure the dealer explains the terms of the warranty, including its length and what is covered. Most manufacturers have a customer service network that helps unsatisfied customers, and many also have an independent arbitration system in place to deal with customer problems.
A new car buyer may also find help under state or federal statutes. In Illinois, a buyer may be able to obtain a replacement vehicle or refund of all or part of the purchase price if:
- the car has a defect which substantially impairs the value, the safety or the use of the car;
- the defect occurs within 12 months or 12,000 miles after deliver (whichever comes first);
- the seller is unable to correct the defect after a reasonable time, usually after four or more repair attempts for the same problem if the car is out of service for 30 days or more.
Used Cars
Should you buy a used car, there are a number of laws in place to protect you if the car does not function as promised.
Before you sign a contract to purchase the car, arrange for an independent mechanic to thoroughly check the vehicle. State and federal laws require accurate odometer (mileage meter) readings. The seller is required to record on the title the odometer reading at the time of transfer, the date of the transfer, and the seller's name and address.
Used cars may be sold "as is" or with a limited warranty. If the car is bought "as is," the dealer is under no obligation to stand by oral representations he may have made prior to the purchase. If the dealer promises that certain repairs will be made, get them in writing.
Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.
© Illinois State Bar Association
If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.