NC Lemon Law: Protection for Used Car Buyers
By Kacy Suther
Even though North Carolina lemon law only applies to new vehicle purchases, there are plenty of ways folks who purchase used cars can protect themselves from bad deals. I can't reiterate enough how important it is for consumers to know how to protect themselves, especially when it comes to buying a new car. Don't get me wrong, a used car can save you some serious cash, but if you're not savvy, you could get stuck with a sour deal. When lemon law (North Carolina or anywhere else) doesn't apply, as in the case with used cars, you must remind yourself of the old phrase “buyer beware." If you're thinking of getting a used vehicle, keep the following tips in mind before signing those papers.
1. Do your own title search. Never fork over any money or sign any documents until you've done a full title search and vehicle history report on the car you plan to purchase. Have the title checked through DMV government files, and then do a vehicle history report--you can get these through a service like CARFAX. If the seller presents you with a title search, but you believe it may be illegitimate, do your own title search on the Vehicle Identification Number.
2. Beware of stolen cars, or "curbsiders." Curbsiders are re-sold by criminals with fake VIN numbers and fraudulent documentation to unsuspecting buyers. If a seller won't meet you at their house, is not conducting the sale in their own name, the car has been freshly painted, the VIN looks like it's been altered, you may be dealing with a curbsider. If you happen to purchase a curbsider, the vehicle can still be repossessed and you will have no course of action--other than a civil lawsuit--to try and regain your losses. Lemon law, North Carolina or otherwise, will not protect you in situations like this.
2. Avoid purchasing "as is" vehicles. An “as is” auto sale means that there are no warranties involved. If you must buy a used car as is, you should request that the seller let you take it to an independent mechanic to inspect it prior to signing the paperwork and closing the deal. If you plan to purchase an "as is" vehicle for a fixer-upper project, just understand that you'll need to have the car safety-certified and brought up to standard before you even back it out of the driveway.
3. If it sounds too good to be true, then more than likely, it is. Not even the most motivated seller is going to experience a major loss on a used car sale. If you suspect that there has been some tampering with the vehicle, check the odometer reading from previous ownerships. Remember, the typical vehicle owner drives their vehicle about 12,000 - 18,000 miles annually. A CARFAX report will show the progression of the odometer over time.
The bottom line is, always keep your eyes open for good deals, but avoid anything that seems too good to be true. This is a good rule of thumb for any major purchases you make. Particularly when lemon law (NC or any other state) doesn't apply, you have to know how to protect your own consumer rights.
About the author
Written by Kacy Suther. Learn about the North Carolina lemon law. Find out if you have an NC Lemon Law case. Get a free quote and more info about lemon law North Carolina: attorney Sean Soboleski at http://www.nclemonlawattorney.com .
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