Before you buy a vehicle in Minnesota, you should take the time to learn about your consumer rights and how to avoid getting stuck with a Lemon. Most people have never heard of the Lemon Law and make the mistake of assuming the law will protect them. But the Lemon Law has strict requirements and short deadlines, so follow these simple tips to protect yourself:
- Do your research.
When searching for your next vehicle, use the Internet to your advantage and do some digging. Once you find the vehicle you want to buy, focus your search on news articles, technical service bulletins, and other sources of information about the product’s performance and reputation.
While any vehicle can be a Lemon, some makes and models are worse than others. Like reading the reviews before choosing a restaurant, doing your research beforehand could save you a lot of heartburn.
- Learn what vehicles qualify.
The Lemon Law was meant primarily for traditional automobiles. Big trucks and motorhomes, most offroad vehicles, boats, and anything without an engine does not qualify. If you buy a product like this, you have other consumer remedies available to you, but not the Lemon Law.
- Understand the difference between buying and leasing.
Before you make the decision to lease instead of buy, keep in mind that the manufacturer does not have the same legal obligations and you have fewer rights if you lease in Minnesota. The manufacturer is not required to replace a leased vehicle.
- There is a big difference between new and used. Pay attention to your sales contract.
Dealers like to tell people used cars are “as good as new.” But even if a vehicle is Certified Pre-Owned and the warranty has been extended, the law isn’t the same for used cars vs. brand-new, and you have less time to file a Lemon Law claim before your rights expire. For older vehicles, there is a separate “Used Car Lemon Law” under Minnesota law that applies within the first 60 days after purchase, or 2,500 miles, whichever is earlier.
BUYER BEWARE! Dealer demo vehicles are often advertised as new but marked as used when sold. Pay close attention before you sign on the dotted line. If the dealer told you the vehicle was new, it should say NEW on the sales contract.
- Be prepared to pay back negative trade equity if you financed.
Rolling in negative equity from your trade is a classic method dealers use to talk people into purchasing vehicles they can’t afford. Unfortunately, the Lemon Law only entitles you to a refund of what you paid for the new vehicle, so any negative equity acts as a deduction from your Lemon Law refund. Depending on how much you’ve paid towards the loan, this may result in you actually having to pay to return your Lemon vehicle!
If you think you purchased a Lemon vehicle, the best advice is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Many people give up without ever contacting an attorney and are surprised to learn that the law allows you the right to hire an attorney for free. The law is there to protect you, but it only works if you take advantage of it—before it’s too late!
For more information, contact Hammer Law to speak with an experienced Lemon Law attorney at (612) 877-3656 or hammerlemonlawmn.com.
