ME Lemon Law
One of your worst fears in purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is getting it home where it never starts up again and just rests its life away. The reason this is a great fear is because consumers of the past have been burnt many times in this way – purchasing a vehicle that is advertised to be in perfect running order, only to find out that there are many issues that cause it to no longer be of any value.However, through it all, the pre-owned vehicle remains a high commodity on the market due to the fact that these vehicles remain in the budget of most drivers today. While the economy hits all-time lows, people aren’t able to afford those brand new vehicles. At the same time, these newer vehicles may also be covered by the ME Lemon Law, something that you may not be aware of.
The Lemon Law in MAINE is different than the Lemon Laws in other states, in that it regulates the vehicles qualified for this law and the coverage and protection provided differently. It is essential that you check with your state resources and the ME DMV to determine which vehicles are covered and in which circumstances.
Lemon Law Covered Vehicles
All consumers aren’t protected by the Lemon Law, and in many used car purchases with private sellers, this law doesn’t step in at all. However, you will find that many of the pre-owned vehicles within car lots and the new vehicles offered through dealerships are covered, especially those that come with a vehicle warranty – which is different from the Lemon Law as it covers specific mechanics of the vehicle specified by the warranty itself.
There are vehicles that you won’t find covered by the Lemon Law in ME, such as:
- Motor bikes
- Recreational vehicles
- Motorhomes
- Off-road vehicles
The Lemon Law rules can differ between states, but still remain along the same lines, in which the seller of the vehicle is required to provide repairs for major components, or must refund the vehicle if there are no reliable repairs made. At the same time, you should have the appropriate documentation in order to ensure that you can be covered by the Lemon Law if the vehicle should show to be a dud.
- Sale and lease documentation for vehicle
- Maintenance records for vehicle
- Repair statements for vehicle
- Documentation related to flaws of vehicle
If you don’t understand the Lemon Law stipulations or feel you have purchased a qualified lemon, you can contact the ME Attorney General, which will provide great information, steps, tips, and the guidelines to follow further in pursuit of repairs or a new vehicle.