What Is the Lemon Law in Alabama for Used Cars
Alabama's Motor Vehicle Lemon Law Rights, codified in Chapter 20A of Title 8 of the Alabama Code, provides legal remedies for consumers who purchase defective motor vehicles. However, Alabama's lemon law does not cover used cars. According to the Alabama Attorney General's Office, the state's lemon law applies exclusively to new cars, specifically protecting consumers who purchase new passenger vehicles for personal, family, or household use. The law provides remedies when a new vehicle has a nonconformity that significantly impairs its use, value, or safety and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
What Protections Do Used Car Buyers Have in Alabama?
Although Alabama's lemon law excludes used vehicles, consumers are not entirely without recourse. Several important protections remain available through federal law and general consumer protection statutes.
Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides federal protection for used car buyers. This federal statute applies to any consumer product with a written warranty, including used vehicles. Under this act, consumers can pursue legal action for:
- Breach of express warranties provided by the dealer or manufacturer
- Breach of implied warranties
- Violations of service contract terms
FTC Used Car Rule Requirements
The Federal Trade Commission enforces the Used Car Rule, which requires dealers to display a Buyers Guide on every used vehicle offered for sale. This disclosure document must clearly state:
- Whether the vehicle is sold with a warranty or "as is"
- The specific systems covered by any warranty
- The duration of warranty coverage
- The percentage of repair costs the dealer will pay
- Advice to obtain vehicle history reports and check for safety recalls
Understanding "As Is" Sales in Alabama
Many used vehicles in Alabama are sold "as is," meaning no warranty or guarantee of any kind accompanies the purchase. The Alabama Attorney General's Office explicitly warns consumers that "as is" means exactly that—if problems occur immediately after purchase, they are not covered.
What "As Is" Means for Buyers
When you purchase a vehicle "as is":
- The dealer assumes no responsibility for repairs after the sale
- You accept all risks associated with the vehicle's condition
- Problems discovered even before reaching home become your responsibility
- No implied warranties of merchantability or fitness apply (in most circumstances)
Limited Exceptions to "As Is" Sales
Even with an "as is" designation, certain legal remedies may still exist if:
- The dealer committed fraud by intentionally concealing known defects
- The vehicle was so defective from the beginning that it could not serve its basic purpose
- The dealer made specific misrepresentations that induced the purchase
Filing a Consumer Complaint
When disputes arise with used car dealers, Alabama consumers can file complaints with the Consumer Interest Division.
Alabama Attorney General's Office
Consumer Interest Division
501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (800) 392-5658 or (334) 242-7335
Official Website: Alabama Attorney General
The Attorney General's office cannot serve as your private attorney or provide legal advice. However, the Consumer Interest Division can:
- Receive and investigate consumer complaints
- Mediate disputes between consumers and businesses
- Take enforcement action against businesses engaging in deceptive trade practices
- Provide general information about consumer rights
