What To Do When North Carolina Lemon Law Doesn't Apply
When it comes to applicable lemon law, North Carolina only protects consumers with new vehicle purchases. However, there are things you can do to protect yourself as a consumer when buying a used automobile. Car buyers need to know their rights, especially when buying a used car. Buying a second or third hand vehicle can save you a ton of money, but ultimately, it's just not worth it if you get stuck with a lemon. When lemon law (NC or any other state) isn't applicable, the phrase "buyer beware" is never more appropriate. You may wish to consider the following information before deciding to buy a used automobile.
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. No one is going to take a huge loss on the sale of a used car, not even the most motivated seller. If you suspect that someone has tampered with the vehicle, you can check odometer readings from previous owners via a CARFAX report. This will show the progression of mileage over the life of the vehicle. The typical automobile owner drives it anywhere from twelve to eighteen thousand miles annually. Always be on the look out for good deals, but steer clear of sales that seem a little too perfect.
- Stay away from curbsiders. If a seller isn't conducting the sale in their own name, they refuse to meet you at their home, the VIN looks as though it's been scratched, or the car has been freshly painted, you may have a curbsider on your hands. Curbsiders are cars that have been stolen and re-sold to buyers (who don't suspect a thing) with fake documentation and fraudulent VIN numbers. If you are unfortunate enough to have purchased a curbsider, the car can still be repossessed and there will be nothing you can do outside of a civil lawsuit. NC lemon law will not protect you under such circumstances.
- Do your own title search. Don't hand over any money to the seller until you've done a full title search and vehicle history report on the automobile. You can have the title checked through government files at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and then a vehicle history report completed through a service like CARFAX. If the seller presents you with a title search, but you believe it may be fraudulent, do your own title search on the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) with the DMV.
- Avoid buying an automobile "as is." An “as is” auto sale means that there are no warranties. If you must buy a used vehicle as is, you should demand that the seller allow you take it to a mechanic you trust to inspect it prior to signing the paperwork and closing the deal. Get a thorough inspection before signing any documents. If you plan to purchase an "as is" vehicle for a fixer-upper project, that's fine-- just make sure to have the vehicle safety certified and brought up to standard before you show off the fruits of your labor.
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 www.nclemonlawattorney.com .
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