What Is the Lemon Law in Idaho for Used Cars
Idaho's Motor Vehicle Warranties Law, codified as Idaho Code § 48-901 et seq., commonly called the Lemon Law, requires manufacturers to repair, replace, or refund vehicles with defects that substantially impair their use, market value, or safety. This statute applies exclusively to motor vehicles covered by a manufacturer's written warranty during a specific rights period, which ends at the first of warranty expiration, 24,000 miles from original delivery, or two years from the original delivery date.
Used vehicles can qualify for lemon law protection if they remain under the original manufacturer's warranty and the defect is reported within this rights period, measured from when the vehicle was originally delivered to the first purchaser. However, most used cars fall outside lemon law coverage because the two-year window or 24,000-mile threshold has typically passed by the time of resale. Covered vehicles must be purchased or licensed in Idaho, weigh 12,000 pounds or less, and be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
What Protections Do Used Car Buyers Have in Idaho?
Although Idaho's lemon law primarily addresses new vehicles under manufacturer warranties, federal statutes provide important consumer safeguards.
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act establishes federal protection when sellers or manufacturers breach warranty obligations on consumer products, including motor vehicles. Consumers may pursue legal actions for:
- Breaches of written warranty terms issued by dealers or manufacturers
- Violations of warranties implied under law
- Failures to fulfill service contract provisions
FTC Used Car Rule
The Federal Trade Commission's Used Car Rule requires dealers to affix a Buyer's Guide to every used vehicle before sale, indicating:
- Whether the dealer extends warranty coverage or sells without protection
- Which mechanical components and systems receive warranty coverage
- How long any warranty remains valid
- What share of repair expenses the dealer assumes under warranty
- Instructions for securing vehicle history records and verifying recall information
Understanding "As Is" Sales in Idaho
Idaho law permits dealers to sell used vehicles "as is," eliminating express and implied warranties. The Idaho Attorney General's Office cautions that vehicles sold "as is" carry no warranty, leaving buyers responsible for all post-sale repairs.
What "As Is" Means for Buyers
When acquiring a vehicle through an "as is" transaction:
- The dealer assumes no liability for repairs after sale completion
- You shoulder complete financial responsibility for defects identified following purchase
- You pay for mechanical, electrical, and structural failures that surface after delivery
- No warranty coverage extends to vehicle condition or functionality
Limited Dealer Disclosure Requirements
Idaho law mandates dealer compliance with Federal Trade Commission disclosure standards. Dealers must display the Buyer's Guide on every used vehicle, clearly indicating "as is" status by checking the appropriate box. When dealers offer vehicles "as is," the Buyer's Guide must explicitly state that buyers will pay for any repairs needed after purchase.
Dealers must provide written information about warranties before completing transactions. Any verbal promises regarding repairs or vehicle condition should be documented in writing and incorporated into the Buyer's Guide before signing.
Limited Exceptions to "As Is" Protection
Legal recourse may exist despite an "as is" designation when dealers:
- Commit fraudulent acts in the sale transaction or document preparation
- Execute unauthorized changes to sales contracts or associated paperwork
- Refuse to fulfill express warranty obligations documented in writing
Filing a Consumer Complaint
Idaho consumers experiencing disputes with used car dealers may submit complaints to the Consumer Protection Division.
Idaho Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
954 West Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor, Boise, ID 83702
Phone: (208) 334-2424
Toll-free: (800) 432-3545
Official Website: Idaho Attorney General Consumer Protection
