The Lemon Law and Used Cars: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever bought a car and immediately thought, “Wait… something’s not right,” you’re not alone. That’s where the Lemon Law comes in. But while most people know this law exists to protect buyers of defective vehicles, there’s still a lot of confusion around one big question: Does the Lemon Law apply to used cars?
At Mike’s Car Store in Georgetown, IN, we hear this question all the time. Let’s break it down and clear up the mystery around used car Lemon Laws, what protections you have, and what to look out for when shopping at car lots near you.
First Off: What Is the Lemon Law?
The Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who purchase a vehicle with serious defects—issues that impact the car’s safety, performance, or value. If a dealer or manufacturer can’t fix the problem after a reasonable number of attempts, the buyer may be entitled to a refund or replacement.
Sounds great, right? But… there’s a catch. These laws are different in every state, and they mostly apply to new vehicles. So, the big question is:
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?
The answer? Sometimes.
Whether used cars are covered under the Lemon Law depends on which state you’re in. Some states do offer Lemon Law protections for used vehicles, but others don’t—or they only cover certain types of used cars.
For example:
- In Georgia, the Lemon Law applies only to new vehicles. So if you’re searching for used cars near me in Georgia, you won’t have Lemon Law protection (but there are other laws that may help—more on that later).
- Indiana, where Mike’s Car Store is located, does not have a specific Lemon Law for used cars, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You may still be protected under used car warranties, the Federal Trade Commission’s Used Car Rule, or state fraud laws.
- Other states, like New York or California, do have strong Lemon Laws for used cars.
Not sure what states have Lemon Laws for used vehicles? A quick search or call to your local consumer protection agency can help. Or to save time, check out our Lemon Law state-by-state breakdown!
What If I Buy a Used Car That Turns Out to Be a Lemon?
Here’s what you should do if that “great deal” at one of those used car lots near you turns sour fast:
1. Check Your Warranty. Many used vehicles come with limited warranties, especially when bought from reputable car dealerships near you like Mike’s Car Store. If your car is still under warranty and something goes wrong, your dealer may be required to fix it at no cost.
2. Know Your Rights. Even if the Lemon Law on used cars doesn’t apply in your state, you may still have rights under:
- Implied warranty laws
- “As-is” disclosures (which are required by law in many states)
- State consumer fraud laws apply if the dealer knowingly sold you a bad vehicle
3. Get It in Writing. Whether you’re shopping for used cars for sale near me or browsing car lots near me, always get the vehicle’s repair history, inspection reports, and warranty details in writing before signing anything.
Why Buy From Mike’s Car Store?
At Mike’s Car Store, we’ve built our reputation by doing things the right way. We know that buying a used car can feel risky—especially when you’re not sure about things like the Lemon Law for used cars or the Michigan used car return law. That’s why we go above and beyond to make sure you feel confident about your purchase.
Here’s how we help take the guesswork out of used car buying:
- Thorough vehicle inspections on all our cars before they hit the lot
- Transparent pricing and vehicle history reports
- Warranties available for added peace of mind
- Friendly, no-pressure service from a team that cares
- And a constantly updated selection of quality used cars for sale in Georgetown, IN!
Looking for auto sales near me? Searching “used cars for sale near me” can turn up a lot of shady dealerships—but Mike’s Cars is a name you can trust.
What’s the Bottom Line?
So, does the Lemon Law cover used cars? Sometimes—but not always. It depends on where you live and what kind of vehicle you’re buying. That’s why it’s so important to work with a reliable dealership that puts transparency, honesty, and quality first.
Whether you’re buying your first car or upgrading your current ride, Mike’s Car Store is here to help you find the right vehicle—without the lemons. We serve drivers from Georgetown, Louisville, New Albany, and beyond, and we’re proud to be one of the top-rated dealerships near you.
Ready to Shop Used Cars With Confidence?
Here at Mike’s Car Store, we’re committed to providing trustworthy, reliable vehicles to our customers – with or without a used car Lemon Law! As a Louisville, KY, dealership run and owned by the #1 watched Car Salesman on the Planet, we all too often see how easily dealerships can take advantage of their customers. We’re dedicated to empowering drivers to get the most out of their dealership experience, offering helpful advice so you can avoid getting scammed! Browse our inventory of high-quality used vehicles today at Mike’s Car Store.
Skip the stress and come see why more people are choosing Mike’s Car Store for their next ride. Check out our hand-picked selection of used cars for sale today and get behind the wheel with peace of mind. Browse our inventory or stop by our Georgetown, IN location—we can’t wait to help you find your perfect car!
