If you buy a defective used car in Missouri, you are probably out of luck. The Missouri lemon law, modeled after a federal law to protect consumers from defective goods sold under warranties, does not apply to used cars. Take extra precautions when buying a used car in the state to avoid being stuck with a lemon.
The Law
The Missouri New Vehicles Warranty Law, commonly called the lemon law, is frequently mistaken as blanket protection for all vehicle purchases. The state attorney general's office emphasizes on its Web site that the law does not apply to used cars. Instead, the law applies to all new vehicles sold or leased under warranty that are found to have irreparable defects. The law requires consumers to document all repair attempts in writing and to prove that the car has been in the repair shop four or more times with the same problem without resolution or that a problem covered by the warranty has caused the car to be out of service for 30 or more working days since delivery, according to the attorney general's office.
Used Cars Sold "As Is"
Dealers selling used cars are required by the Federal Trade Commission to display a buyer's guide in the car window clearly stating whether the car will be sold as is, with no warranty, or with a warranty. If the box next to "as is" is checked, you will be responsible for all repairs after you drive the car off the lot, regardless of whether the dealer made false claims to you about the condition of the car. Cars sold by private individuals do not have to display a buyer's guide and are generally sold as is, according to the Missouri attorney general's office.
Used Cars Sold Under Warranty
The state lemon law won't protect you even if you buy a used car under warranty, but a warranty should ensure that you'll be compensated for some of the costs of repairs if the car is defective. The Missouri attorney general's office recommends getting the terms of the dealer's warranty in writing. Some dealers will only pay for specified repairs, while others will cover the car from bumper to bumper for a set period. Determine whether the car is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty. The lemon law ceases to be in effect as soon as the car changes hands, regardless of the warranty status, but the manufacturer's warranty remains in effect.
Federal Protection
The federal lemon law, called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, may cover some defective vehicles that aren't covered by Missouri law. Used-car owners who can't file claims under the state law can file claims under the federal one as long as the the problem emerged while the car was still under the original warranty.
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