Missouri Lemon Law for Used Cars
Each year, complaints about buying cars, having them repaired and getting them titled, top the list of
consumer complaints reported to the Missouri Attorney General’s office. The Consumer Protection Division
receives about 2,000 complaints each year.
The complaints include:
• Recently purchased new and used vehicles that do not operate properly
• Warranties that are not being honored
• Repairs that are paid for but do not get fixed
While it is impossible to avoid all problems with buying and repairing cars, there are steps one can take to
help avoid disputes and rip-offs.
Following are some of Missouri’s basic motor-vehicle laws which would provide common-sense suggestions
one can use when negotiating a Missouri used car purchase or arranging for repairs:
Missouri used cars and consumer disputes:
Because the Missouri lemon law does not apply to used cars, buying a used car requires more caution.
The vehicle’s history plays a big role in its condition, and in most cases one does not get a warranty with the
Missouri used car. The only saving grace is that you can save significant money when you buy a used car.
• Pay attention to the Buyer’s Guide, which the Federal Trade Commission requires dealers to display
in the window of each used car offered for sale
• The Buyer’s Guide gives the basic information about the used car and includes a warranty section
where one of two choices must be checked. The first is “as is -no warranty” and the second choice is
“warranty”
Missouri used car buying – As Is: No Warranty:
• In Missouri, a dealer may sell a used car “as is”
• There are no specific warranties, and the warranties normally implied by the Missouri lemon law do
not apply
• You are responsible for any repairs on an “as is” vehicle
The Missouri lemon law does not apply to used cars.
• If you buy a Missouri used car from a private individual, the sale is not covered by the FTC rule and
you will not receive a Buyer’s Guide
• Most Missouri used cars sold privately are sold “as is” and without any warranties
Missouri used car warranty:
Check the Missouri used car warranty thoroughly to know:
• If the dealer is promising to pay some or all the costs of car repairs needed within the warranty
period
• Get a thorough explanation in writing from the dealer of exactly what is covered and what is not
• Some warranties cover the car bumper to bumper, while others only cover certain parts like electrical
systems or the power train
• Some warranties may exclude certain parts like brakes or tires
• If the car includes any of the manufacturer’s original warranty. These warranties typically expire after
a certain number of years or miles are reached say, three years and 30,000 miles
Most dealerships sell extended warranties that cover as much or as little of the car as you choose. If you
choose to buy an extended warranty, negotiate for what you think is a fair price.
Missouri used car title search:
Before buying a used car, do a title search using the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) for the
following information to negotiate a better deal:
• Who has owned the car
• If it has been in an accident
• If it has been totaled
• If it has been stolen
• If it has been used as a rental car
• If the odometer is accurate
• How long has the dealer had it for sale
Missouri used car history
Two on-line companies which provide Missouri used car history are www.carfax.com and
www.autocheck.com.
Log in and check for:
• A car’s history for about $20
• History of unlimited number of cars for about $5 more
Since some details may not show up on these reports it is essential to have your mechanic check the car.
If you have already landed a Missouri lemon used car you need a Missouri lemon law attorney on your side
to help you get even with the fraudulent Missouri used car dealer. Since used car coverage under the
Missouri lemon law appears to be nonexistent, you should consult Missouri lemon law attorneys
immediately to check if you have grounds to sue the Missouri used car dealer. Getting back your money you
spent on the used car in the state of Missouri might not be easy, but with the Missouri lemon law attorneys
on your side you would stand a better chance of winning your case. Only a Missouri lemon law attorney is
your best bet as he can choose the best recourse for your Missouri used lemon car. Missouri lemon law
attorneys comprehend the Missouri lemon law system better and they can resolve problems far more
efficiently.