USED CAR WARRANTY IN NYS

Recently, I bought a used car and I almost had to walk away from the deal when the car dealership refused to sign the proper used car warranty papers. Review the paperwork carefully and remember that you are entitled at least to the following:

"Cars Covered by the Used Car Lemon Law Include any car that:

• was purchased, leased or transferred after the earlier of 18,000 miles or two years from original delivery; AND
• was purchased or leased from a New York dealer; AND
• had a purchase price or lease value of at least $1,500; AND
• has been driven less than 100,000 miles at the time of purchase/lease; AND
• is used primarily for personal purposes.

Statutory Warranty Length:

Miles of Operation	Duration of Warranty (the earlier of)
18,001-36,000 miles	90 days or 4,000 miles
36,001-79,999 miles	60 days or 3,000 miles
80,000-100,000 miles	30 days or 1,000 miles"

Of course, you can negotiate for more coverage.

For some good advice on buying a used car, see https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/shopping-goods-used-car.page

ON USED CARS - THE FEDERAL RULES

The Used Car Rule, formally known as the Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule, has been in effect since 1985. It requires car dealers to display a window sticker, known as a Buyers Guide, on the used cars they offer for sale. The Buyers Guide discloses whether the dealer offers a warranty and, if so, its terms and conditions, including the duration of the coverage, the percentage of total repair costs the dealer will pay, and which vehicle systems the warranty covers. In states that do not permit sales of used cars “as is,” or without warranties, dealers must display an alternative version of the Buyers Guide.

For more information, see https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/used-car-rule

NEW CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL

An important consumer protection bill, authored by Senator Brian X. Foley (D – Blue Point), became law following signing by Gov. Paterson. The legislation (S. 3331B) cracks down on auto warranty scams that have been widely reported throughout New York State. For months, New Yorkers have been the targets of telemarketers selling bogus auto warranties. The legislation prevents the deceptive solicitation of vehicle warranty policies. It makes it illegal for a person or business to make misleading solicitations for a motor-vehicle warranty where the solicitor erroneously implies there is a current warranty relationship. The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D – Rockland). The legislation passed unanimously in both the Senate and Assembly. It takes effect immediately.