ABA Family Legal Guide

Automobiles

Consumer Protections

You have a right to know what you're buying, and unfair and deceptive practices laws exist in every state to protect consumers when they're making a purchase. If a seller makes misleading statements about a car and you buy the car because of those statements, you may have a case if something goes wrong.

This section covers all the ways in which you can protect yourself when you purchase a motor vehicle. Lemon laws exist to protect consumers who purchase new cars for personal, family, or household use. Depending on the law in your state, you might be able to get a replacement car or a refund if your new car is so defective that it is beyond satisfactory repair by the dealer. You must, however, give the dealer a reasonable opportunity to repair the car. Another important protection is the car warranty, which dealers offer with the purchase of many new and used cars. Buying a car is a pretty big investment, so it's a huge benefit to have a car warranty in case something goes wrong. Even if you don't have a warranty from the seller, state law may protect you if something goes wrong with your car. Car recalls may also protect you against auto defects and provide a way to correct problems.

Subsections

1. Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices
2. Lemon Laws
3. Warranties and the Uniform Commercial Code
4. Recalls