(COLORADO) — Vehicle buyers are being advised that the updated “lemon” law in Colorado will take effect on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Attorney General Phil Weiser is informing consumers who have or are planning to purchase a new vehicle about their new rights under the law if their vehicle turns out to be defective, also known as a lemon.
The updated legislation expands which vehicles are covered by the law and increases the duration of lemon law protections. Though defective new motor vehicles are uncommon, purchasing one can be costly for consumers.
The updated law does the following:
Expands the vehicles included under the lemon law.
Motor vehicles that are used by small businesses for both business and personal purposes are now included.
Extends the duration of lemon law protections.
Consumers can now file a claim if their vehicle is within the two years of purchase or the first 24,000 miles of the vehicle’s operation, whichever is earlier.
Lowers the requirements for a vehicle to be presumed a lemon.
If the vehicle has had three failed repair attempts of the same defect or after the vehicle has been out of service for repair for 24 or more business days.
If the defect significantly impacts the safety of a vehicle, it will be presumed a lemon after two failed repair attempts of the defect.
Extends the amount of time for consumers to file a lemon law claim.
To 30 months following the date the vehicle was delivered to the consumer, and any time that the car was under repair and unusable does not count toward this limit.
Clarifies the amount that may be deducted for a consumer’s refund.
The manufacturer will be provided a formula to calculate an allowance for any use of the vehicle by the consumers, ensuring a fair and predictable refund process.
Gives consumers more information when buying used “lemon buyback” vehicles.
It requires that a decal be added indicating “Lemon Buyback,” as well as a notation in the vehicle’s title.
“Colorado’s lemon law, which used to be one of the worst in the country, just got a lot better for consumers,” Weiser said. “If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you can breathe a little easier knowing you now have more protections against buying a lemon. And if you’re buying used, you now have more information and negotiating power if you want to buy a ‘lemon buyback’ vehicle from a dealer.”
The attorney general’s office advises consumers to do their homework when purchasing a vehicle including; researching different makes and models to ensure quality and reliability, test driving the vehicle, and having it examined by a trusted mechanic. The attorney general’s office also suggests making sure the dealership is reputable and to familiarize yourself with any warranty details.
Coloradans who believe they might have purchased a lemon car or who have any consumer issues with the vehicle purchase can file a claim with the attorney general at StopFraudColorado.gov.
