Buying a new car is a significant investment for most people, and the last thing anyone wants is to drive off the lot only to discover that the car is defective. This is where Lemon Laws come into play. Lemon Laws are designed to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase a defective vehicle that has major malfunctions, safety concerns, or is simply unusable. In Colorado, Attorney General Phil Weiser has worked with lawmakers to make changes to the state’s Lemon Law to better protect consumers.
One of the key changes to Colorado’s Lemon Law is the expansion of coverage to include small business vehicles in addition to personal vehicles. This means that if a small business vehicle is found to be defective, the owner can now seek a refund or replacement under the Lemon Law. Additionally, the time frame for filing a claim has been extended from one year to two years or until the vehicle reaches 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Another important change is the lower requirements for a vehicle to be considered a lemon. Previously, four failed repair attempts had to be made within 30 days for a car to be presumed a lemon. Now, only three failed repair attempts within 24 days are required. This change makes it easier for consumers to seek recourse if they have purchased a defective vehicle.
Furthermore, the statute of limitations for filing a Lemon Law action against the manufacturer has been extended from six months to 30 months. This gives consumers more time to take legal action if they believe they have purchased a lemon. Additionally, there is now a clear formula for manufacturer-to-consumer refund deductions, ensuring a fair and predictable refund process for consumers.
One of the most significant changes to Colorado’s Lemon Law is the requirement for dealerships to label cars that have been deemed lemons with a sticker when reselling them. This provides much-needed protection for consumers in the used car market, as it prevents dealerships from reselling lemons without informing buyers of the vehicle’s history.
It is important to note that Colorado’s Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. While new cars typically come with warranties that cover repairs, the Lemon Law exists to ensure that consumers can receive a replacement or refund if they unknowingly purchase a defective vehicle. This allows consumers to move on and find a different vehicle without being financially burdened by a lemon.
In conclusion, the changes to Colorado’s Lemon Law are a positive step towards protecting consumers who unknowingly purchase defective vehicles. These changes provide more coverage, extend the time frame for filing claims, lower the requirements for a vehicle to be considered a lemon, and ensure a fair refund process for consumers. By implementing these changes, Colorado is taking a proactive approach to consumer protection in the automotive industry.