Purchasing A Used Vehicle

2/14/2008

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) receives numerous calls from consumers concerning the Louisiana Lemon Law. This law was put into place to address issues of numerous and reoccurring repairs to new vehicles. For this law to apply a vehicle has to be in the shop for a cumulative total of 90 days or to have been in the shop four times within the first year of purchase for the same problem.

Some consumers that contact the BBB are attempting to apply this law and its guidelines to used cars. Louisiana has an “AS IS” Law which used vehicles can be sold under unless otherwise stated by the dealer. This means that you are buying a used car with its warts-and-all or you’re purchasing one that “just fits your needs.”

    While a used vehicle can be a wise choice due to the lower price and the big hit on the depreciation has already taken place, evaluating how this vehicle is to be used is an important factor. Consider if it’s to be used:
  • For in town driving
  • Highway driving
  • Just to work or school
  • As a first vehicle

The most important issue in purchasing any vehicle is your budget: Can it support the payments, insurance, gas, possible repairs along with normal and emergency family needs. If not, then continuing to save until all these can be met may be your best choice. By not meeting the loan payments on schedule your credit score can suffer.