Buying a new car is exciting, but one of the main reasons that so many are hesitant is because of the risks that come with making such a large investment. It’s one thing to buy a new vehicle and find that you wish you had bought a different one; it's another to fall completely in love with it only to find that it's majorly defective, adding on to the cost of your overall investment. That's why states put a Lemon Law in place - to protect car buyers from having to foot the bill for an issue that isn't their fault. Every state has its stipulations, but if you're in New Jersey, you're in luck - the protective laws in this state are fairly comprehensive.
How it Works
As a New Jersey driver, you've got a decent amount of time to figure out whether or not your car has a manufacturer's defect -- it's not as if the effectiveness of the law will run out before you recognize any flaws. Nonconformities or defects that are recognized in a vehicle within the first two years or 24,000 miles of ownership (whichever arrives first) that cannot effectively be repaired after three attempts fall under the restrictions of the Lemon Law in the driver's favor.
However, this isn't the only situation in which a New Jersey car will be covered by the law. Vehicles
that, in the same time period, spend 20 or more consecutive or non-consecutive days in the repair shop are eligible for coverage. Similarly, drivers who experience any major issue that occurs more than once are eligible to file a claim and may be able to make a case.
If the car buyer wins the case, the manufacturer is responsible for all legal fees, including legal representation, on the buyer's behalf. Some lawyers will provide free representation win or lose. This way, Jersey drivers have a fair chance at winning their cases.
After the Time is Up
Many drivers fear that they will recognize an issue after the 24 months or 24,000 mile limit that New Jersey puts in place for the Lemon Law, but this is not always the case. Other laws that are put in place by the state -- like the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, could still cover the vehicle and the driver.
On the flip side, if an issue occurs within only a few days or weeks of owning a vehicle, a consumer must still follow the steps for filing a claim under the Lemon Law -- he or she cannot simply return or exchange their vehicle if they wish to be covered legally.
Does This Apply to Used Vehicles?
The New Jersey laws might offer the peace of mind to car buyers who wish to buy brand new, but what about pre-owned vehicles?
There are many instances in which pre-owned vehicles are covered by laws, which is another reason New Jersey is a great state for consumer protection. Pre-owned vehicles that are fewer than two years old and have fewer than 24,000 miles on the odometer are covered. There are also Lemon Laws that cover used vehicles that are specific to New Jersey, as well as the Fair Trade Practices Act which protects consumers against misrepresented vehicles. Finally, there are also warranty laws -- such as the aforementioned Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act -- which often help to get consumers the justice they deserve as well.
Ashely is a writer that has an interest in writing about the law. Follow her on Twitter @ashelymarie1985 to see more.