Lemon Law Basics: Colorado Lemon Laws
Understanding Colorado Lemon Law
Who is covered under Colorado lemon law?
Colorado lemon law is designed to cover private cars, pick up trucks and
vans that are intended to be driven on public roads, which seat no more
than ten passengers, and which were sold in Colorado. Mobile homes and
vehicles with three wheels or fewer are not covered. Used vehicles are
included in Colorado lemon law, but leased vehicles are not. The vehicle
does not qualify if it was purchased solely for resale purchases.
What kinds of defects are covered by Colorado lemon law?
To be considered under Colorado lemon law, the vehicle must have a major
defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use or value. The nonconformity
must be reported to the manufacturer within the warranty period or within
the first year of ownership, whichever comes first. The nonconformity
must be repaired, even if those repairs extend outside of the warranty
period.
When can I file a claim under Colorado lemon law?
You can file a claim under Colorado lemon law after the manufacturer has
had a reasonable chance to repair the nonconformity. A reasonable chance
is defined as either four unsuccessful attempts to repair the nonconformity
or thirty business days in which the car is out of commission in the hands
of the repair shop. The consumer must notify the manufacturer of intent
to file a claim under Colorado lemon law in writing, and the notice must
be delivered by certified mail. The manufacturer then has a final attempt
to repair the vehicle. Notice must be given within 60 days of the end
of the warranty period or one year after the vehicle's purchase, whichever
comes first.
How do I get a settlement under Colorado lemon law?
If a manufacturer has an informal settlement process in place, the consumer
must attempt to use it before resorting to a court of law. If the vehicle
falls under Colorado lemon law, the consumer can expect to receive either
a refund or a replacement vehicle. A refund must include the full purchase
price of the vehicle, plus any fees such as tax, tags, and registration,
minus a reasonable offset for the vehicle's usage. A replacement vehicle
must be a new vehicle of comparable value to the original.
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