Lemon laws differ by state, but each state does its best to protect consumers from fraud and bad cars. In the state of Pennsylvania, your rights are a little more limited than in other states, but you should still know what these rights are. They are more clearly defined below.
Only Manufacturers and New Car Dealers Apply
If you buy a new car, and only a new car, the lemon law in PA applies. It does not apply to used cars, even if those used cars are almost new in terms of use, functionality and appearance. Additionally, the law applies to manufacturers and manufacturer defects in new cars. Ergo, if you buy a brand-new car of a make and model from a new car dealership and something goes wrong, the lemon law in PA covers you.
Understanding Cosmetic Versus Functional Defect
The scope of this lemon law in this state does not cover cosmetic defects. If your rear-view mirror suddenly pops off a week after you buy the car, that is not covered. If the transmission drops out of your new car, that is covered because that should not happen with a new vehicle. The dealership and/or the manufacturer must repair the vehicle or replace it with a different vehicle for free. If you want to know if you have a lemon law case, contact Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® today and ask them about your particular vehicle issues and ask for advice.
