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Lemon Law Basics: Connecticut Lemon Laws
Understanding Connecticut Lemon Law
Who is covered under Connecticut lemon law?
Connecticut lemon law covers passenger motor vehicles, including motorcycles,
which are sold or leased in Connecticut. A passenger motor vehicle is
one that is intended for personal use, is designed to transport humans
comfortably and safely, which can seat no more than ten people, and which
is enclosed for at least 50% of its body including the section around
the engine. Vehicles that are intended for a combination of both personal
and commercial use are also included.
What kinds of defects are covered by Connecticut lemon law?
Connecticut lemon law covers conditions or defects that fall under the
vehicle's warranty and which have a serious effect on the vehicle's safety,
use, or value. The nonconformity cannot be caused by abuse, neglect, or
modifications on the part of the consumer. The manufacturer must be notified
of the nonconformity within two years or 24,000 miles of the purchase
of the vehicle, and must repair the nonconformity even if the repairs
extend beyond this period.
When can I file a claim under Connecticut lemon law?
Before you can be considered under Connecticut lemon law, the manufacturer
must have a reasonable chance to repair the vehicle. A reasonable chance
is considered either:
- Four attempts to repair the nonconformity, or thirty
cumulative days when the car is out of commission for repairs, within
the first two years or 24,000 miles of vehicle ownership, or
- Two attempts to repair a nonconformity that could
cause the death of the driver or passengers within one year of ownership
or within the express warranty period
Once the manufacturer has had a reasonable chance to repair the nonconformity,
you must notify him in writing that you are invoking Connecticut lemon
law. The manufacturer then has one final attempt to repair the nonconformity.
What is the settlement process under Connecticut lemon law?
If the manufacturer has an informal settlement process in place, the consumer
must attempt to use that process. If your vehicle is found to fall under
Connecticut lemon law, the manufacturer must either supply a replacement
vehicle or repurchase your vehicle. The repurchase price must include
all costs including dealer preparation and transport fees, state charges
for tax, title, and registration, and finance charges. Costs incurred
because of the nonconformity, such as towing, lodging, or alternative
transportation, are also included. This amount is offset by a reasonable
amount for vehicle use. Connecticut lemon law specifies that the offset
is calculated by dividing the number of miles on the vehicle when the
manufacturer accepted the return by 120,000 and multiplying the result
by the total contract price.
Under Connecticut lemon law, a replacement vehicle must be a new vehicle
equivalent to the original. No offset is granted in the case of a replacement
vehicle.
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