Lemon laws no shield for unwise purchases

Consumers should be made aware of the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Quality Assurance Act or “Lemon Law” when purchasing new or used vehicles. Some of the consumer benefits from the law require the manufacturer or dealership of new purchases to repair all defects to the vehicle up to a year after taking possession of the vehicle, or when the manufacturer’s warranty expires, whichever comes first.

For every used car purchase, the law mandates that the dealer provide a 15 day/500 mile warranty. The warranty ends after 15 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty exists, even if the dealer advertises the vehicle “as-is” or “no-warranty.”

If the buyer contracts to purchase a used vehicle and the warranty is not honored by the dealer, the buyer may cancel the contract and return the vehicle for full refund.

Warranties do not shield airmen from bad or unwise purchases. Once the sales agreement is signed, the car is yours. So beware — there is no provision in New Mexico law that will allow you to return the car because of a bad choice.