Warranties can protect buyers from costly repairsWarranties on items you buy are important. They give you the right to have defects repaired at no charge. You should also ask for a copy of the warranty, and by law, the seller must give you one.The difference between a "full" and "limited" warranty is considerable. Under a full warranty, the seller or manufacturer gets a reasonable number of chances to repair defects but then must allow you to choose a full refund or a replacement without charge. A full warranty applies to anyone who owns the product during the warranty period. Under "limited" warranties, you have no refund or replacement rights. Warranties can apply to new and used items. However, if something is sold "as is," and if the "as is" limitation is properly made, there are no warranties. There is usually an implied or unwritten warranty created by law guaranteeing that, for a reasonable time, an item you bought from a dealer will be fit for the purpose for which it was sold. But there are certain requirements for the buyer who wants to enforce an implied warranty. It is advisable to seek the advice of an attorney on this matter. Be aware that dealers can avoid warranties by having you sign a contract containing a disclaimer of warranties in bold print. Car buyers are protected under the New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act. It allows you to cancel the deal if you bought a defective new passenger car from a dealer. If a defect "substantially impairs" the value of the vehicle, you tell the dealer and give him or her a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem. Within a reasonable time, you must notify the dealer that you are canceling the purchase. Furthermore, it must be returned without a substantial change to it. If you have a question related to a consumer purchase, contact the Consumer Affairs Division of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General at 1-800-243-0618. For further information about law-related issues, contact an Illinois State Bar Association-member lawyer in your area or visit www.IllinoisLawyerFinder.com.
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