What Is the Lemon Law in Connecticut for Used Cars

Connecticut's Lemon Law, legislated in Chapter 743b of the Connecticut General Statutes, establishes manufacturer obligations when defects substantially impair a vehicle's use, safety, or value. The statute applies exclusively to new motor vehicles sold or leased in Connecticut during the first two years or 24,000 miles of operation, whichever occurs first. Used vehicles are not covered under Connecticut's lemon law protections. However, Connecticut maintains separate statutory provisions governing used automobile transactions through Chapter 743f of the General Statutes.

What Protections Do Used Car Buyers Have in Connecticut?

Connecticut imposes mandatory warranty requirements on certain used vehicle transactions through Chapter 743f. Dealers selling used vehicles priced at $3,000 or more cannot exclude, modify, or disclaim implied warranties. For vehicles costing between $3,000 and $5,000 that are less than seven years old, dealers must provide express warranties covering all parts and labor necessary to maintain mechanical soundness for at least 30 days or 1,500 miles. Vehicles priced above $5,000 and less than seven years old require express warranties covering at least 60 days or 3,000 miles. The warranty period is extended by any time the vehicle spends in the dealer's possession for warranty-related repairs. Dealers cannot limit warranty obligations through phrases such as "fifty-fifty," "labor only," or similar language attempting to disclaim responsibility.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Federal law establishes baseline warranty rights for used vehicle purchasers nationwide. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides remedies when sellers breach written warranty terms on consumer goods, including automobiles. Available legal actions include:

• Breach of express warranties
• Breach of implied warranties
• Violations of service contract terms

FTC Used Car Rule

The Federal Trade Commission's Used Car Rule requires dealers to affix a Buyer's Guide to each used vehicle before sale. This disclosure must identify:

• Whether the dealer offers warranty coverage or sells without warranty protection
• Which vehicle systems and components receive warranty coverage
• The duration of any warranty protection provided
• What percentage of repair costs the dealer agrees to cover
• Guidance on obtaining vehicle history documentation and verifying recall status

Understanding "As Is" Sales in Connecticut

Connecticut permits dealers to sell used vehicles "as is" only when the cash purchase price falls below $3,000, or the vehicle age reaches seven years or older, calculated from January first of the designated model year. An “as is” designation eliminates implied warranty protections while preserving any express warranties or dealer representations made during negotiations.

What "As Is" Means for Buyers

When you purchase a vehicle under an “as is” disclaimer:

• The dealer assumes no post-sale repair obligations for mechanical defects
• You accept financial responsibility for all repair costs after delivery
• You bear the expense of defects discovered immediately after purchase
• Implied warranties of merchantability do not apply to the transaction

Limited Dealer Disclosure Requirements

Connecticut requires “as is” disclaimers to appear on the front page of the sales contract in a prescribed format. The notice must be printed in 12-point boldface type, with the heading in 16-point extra boldface type, enclosed within a box. You indicate acceptance by signing within the boxed disclaimer area. The waiver eliminates implied warranties but does not release dealers from oral or written representations upon which you relied when entering the transaction.

State law mandates disclosure when vehicles have been declared constructive total losses. Dealers must inform you if the certificate of title bears a "totaled" or "salvaged" stamp, the bill of sale indicates total loss status, or the dealer received notification from the seller or lienholder regarding total loss designation. Dealers must permit you to arrange independent mechanical inspections by a technician of your choosing, though dealers may establish reasonable parameters regarding inspection timing, location, and scope.

Limited Exceptions to "As Is" Sales

Legal remedies may remain available despite “as is” designation when:

• Dealers make false, misleading, or deceptive statements about vehicle condition or history
• Dealers promise specific repairs or condition corrections but fail to document those commitments in writing as part of the contract
• Dealers refuse to permit independent pre-purchase inspection opportunities

Filing a Consumer Complaint

Connecticut consumers may file complaints with the Department of Consumer Protection and the Department of Motor Vehicles when disputes arise with used car dealers.

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901, Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Phone: (860) 713-6100
Toll-free: (800) 842-2649
Official Website: Department of Consumer Protection

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Dealers and Repairers Licensing Unit
60 State Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06161
Phone: (860) 263-5405
Official Website: Department of Motor Vehicles