Used cars: "as is," implied warranties and lemon laws

Last checked 2026-10-17. Not legal advice.

Many lemon laws are for new vehicles

• Alaska's page says its Lemon Law does not apply to used vehicles. source
• DC's page says its law does not apply to used cars. source
• Georgia's page says its Lemon Law applies only to NEW vehicles and points used-vehicle complaints to the general complaint form. source
• Massachusetts has a separate used-car path; its arbitration page sets a 6-month application window for a used car. source

The FTC Buyers Guide

The FTC's plain-language Buyers Guide text includes options such as "AS IS - NO DEALER WARRANTY," "IMPLIED WARRANTIES ONLY," and "LIMITED WARRANTY," tells you to ask for a copy of any warranty document, and says implied warranties under your state's laws may give you additional rights. It also says to ask the dealer if your mechanic can inspect the vehicle. FTC Buyers Guide (PDF)

Keep the Buyers Guide with your sale papers. If what the dealer told you differs from the guide, ask for a correction in writing and see an attorney or your state consumer agency.