Massachusetts Lemon Laws for New and Used Cars

Yes. Massachusetts has actually three sets of Lemon Law rules to protect lemon car buyers.

New Cars

This covers brand new car, motorcycle, truck, or van purchases or leases from a Massachusetts dealer for personal or business use.
 
Vehicles receive protection for one year from the date of delivery or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the vehicle is sold and it's still by covered by the law, the protection transfers to the new buyer.

Used Cars

This applies to used cars, trucks, vans, and demonstration vehicles purchased from a dealer or a private seller. However, with dealers, only vehicles that cost more than $700 and have fewer than 125,000 miles fall under this law.

The coverage differs according to the mileage at the time of the sale. But, the longest protection is for 90 days after the sale, and the maximum mileage coverage is 3,750 miles after the sale.

With private sellers, the coverage period extends for 30 days after the sale, regardless of mileage.

Keep in mind used car buyers can possibly avoid dealing with a lemon car by having a trusted auto repair mechanic inspect a vehicle before purchase, and by getting a vehicle history report.

Lemon Aid Cars

This actually is for both new and used vehicles (including motorcycles) purchased from a dealer or private seller. It offers protection for vehicles that fail the MA-required inspection within seven days of the sale. However, for the protection to kick in, the estimated repair cost to bring the vehicle in compliance and pass the inspection must be at least 10% of the purchase price.

More Lemon Law Details

If you could use additional information regarding the MA Lemon Laws, try the MA Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation (OCABR) site.

Or, call a Lemon Law attorney. Having a Lemon Law lawyer by your side can give you some peace of mind as you go through the complex Lemon Law process, and can boost your odds of winning your case if the situation can't be resolved before that point.