Fresh Off the Lot
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AS A CAR BUYER
Cars are an American way of life, but they don’t come cheap. Motor vehicles are many families’ highest-value assets, second only to their homes. With the high cost of purchasing and repairing a car, many consumers feel comforted that lemon laws are on the books to protect them. Unfortunately, they may not cover as much as you think. At the federal level, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers who purchase a new product worth more than $25 that includes a written warranty. Under the law, manufacturers must follow specific stipulations and can face a lawsuit for not abiding by their own terms and conditions regarding a defective product. Meanwhile, the Uniform Commercial Code entitles consumers to refunds or replacements for “lemon” products. But crucially, it is up to the courts to decide whether or not a product is a lemon. Additional lemon laws exist at the state level that vary in their scope. Most assign a limited time window in which consumers can report problems and get free repairs. Generally speaking, the manufacturer must make several good-faith efforts at repair and then offer a replacement or refund if the problem persists. The buyer can sue those that refuse to comply.
But most Americans don’t buy new cars. In 2021, roughly 73% of all car purchases were for used vehicles. Consumers have less stringent rights under these purchases. Dealerships selling used cars must include a “buyer’s guide” on the car’s side window disclosing important information and buyer’s rights. But used cars do not necessarily have a warranty. Most states allow “as-is” purchases through dealerships, which means the consumer receives no guarantee that the product will function. Further, all private used car sales operate under an “as-is” rule unless the seller opts explicitly to provide a warranty. Consumers must be cautious in as-is sales, as they have no right to return the vehicle to the seller, even if it breaks down immediately. Always source a vehicle history report before making the purchase. You should also ideally take the car to a mechanic before buying. If the dealership or private seller will not allow a mechanic’s inspection, it is usually safer to find another vehicle. If you make a poor decision about your used car purchase, the law will often not protect you.
The Bulldogs Won Big — And So Can You! ENTER OUR PHOTO RAFFLE TODAY
KPL BULLDOGS PHOTO RAFFLE: ENTER TO WIN! How to Enter: Email your favorite memory from the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs college football season to Kevin at Kevin@patricktriallaw.com.
It has been two months already, but I still can’t believe the Georgia Bulldogs won the College Football Playoff National Championship again! I’m so proud to be a ‘Dawgs fan and can’t wait to see if they repeat the feat next year. Did you know that if they do, they’ll be the first college football team to win three consecutive National Championships since at least 1936?
moments: The second Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter picked up the Louisiana State University quarterback Jayden Daniels and flashed a No. 1 at the crowd! I took his hand sign as a positive omen, and sure enough, the ‘Dawgs went on to win the championship. Now, that beautifully framed photo can be yours. Entering our raffle is simple. All you need to do is email your favorite memory
The Deadline: Friday, March 31, 2023
The Prize: A beautifully framed photo of Jalen Carter flashing No. 1, foreshadowing the National Championship game. I’m looking forward to hearing your best memories of the ‘Dawgs! May the biggest fan win.
I know the ‘Dawgs mean as much to you as they do to me. So, to celebrate their win, I’m raffling off a prize that will help you commemorate their victory! After the game, I purchased a framed, high-resolution photo of one of the season’s most iconic
from the 2022 season to me at Kevin@ patricktriallaw.com. That’s it! Send that email by Friday, March 31, and I’ll enter your name into the drawing. If your name is drawn, I’ll email you the good news.
Got all that? Here’s a quick recap, just in case.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
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