Lemon Laws Idaho
Idaho has enacted lemon laws (Idaho Code, Title 6, Chapter 9) to protect buyers of goods, including vehicles, from faulty or defective products. Idaho’s lemon law helps consumers secure a refund or replacement if their vehicle does not meet the legally required standards for safety and usability. The Lemon Law applies to vehicles purchased in Idaho and provides protections for both used and new purchases. Buyers who have experienced issues with their vehicles may be eligible to receive compensation under the terms of the law.
The state of Idaho governs how motor vehicles may be replaced by the manufacturer under the lemon law. This law states that a motor vehicle is subject to replacement by the manufacturer if the vehicle has been deemed a lemon and is still under the manufacturer’s express warranty.
A refund will include either the full purchasing price or a comparable replacement vehicle. This is to include the trade-in value but it is not permitted to exceed one hundred-five percent of the retail price as suggested by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has the right to deduct a charge for the use of the motor vehicle; however, this deduction must be a reasonable amount.
Motor vehicles only qualify as lemons if they meet Idaho’s specific criteria. The criteria include being licensed or purchased in the state of Idaho, being under the manufacturer’s express warranty, being a motor vehicle under twelve thousand pounds or fewer, and is used for family, household, or personal purposes. All other motor vehicles are excluded.
Lemon laws also can include appliances and consumer goods, such as trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and computers.
Qualification
To qualify as a lemon a motor vehicle must be defective and require several repair attempts. The defect must alter the value, safety, or use of the motor vehicle. These normally include break, engine, or seatbelt problems. Defective radios or paint do not qualify as lemon motor vehicles.
Prior to being reported as a lemon a motor vehicle must first go under a reasonable number of repair attempts. Though the state of Idaho does not specify what a reasonable number is, it normally includes three to four attempts. These attempts must be recorded and are required to be for the same defect.
If the motor vehicle has been out of use for more than thirty days, due to repairs, the individual is subject to a manufacturer, agent, or dealer repair. These thirty days do not need to be consecutive and can be added up while still under the express warranty.
Also to qualify the motor vehicle must still be under the manufacturer’s express warranty. If the vehicle is reported prior to the express warranty’s expiration, the manufacturer, dealer, or agent is still bound by law to attempt a repair, even if the express warranty has presently expired.
Repair Attempts
When reported the manufacturer, agent, or dealer is required to make an attempted repair on the motor vehicle. This repair attempt is required to restore the motor vehicle to its market standard. If the motor vehicle cannot be fully repaired to this standard, then the owner is subject to compensation. All repair attempts by the manufacturer, agent, or dealer must take place within thirty calendar days.
An attempted repair may also be required if the vehicle is still under twenty-four thousand miles or within two years of the initial delivery date. These kinds of claims are more difficult to prove. Compensation will include all fees and the purchasing price. A replacement vehicle will be of the same market value as the lemon motor vehicle.
Final Word
Idaho’s Lemon Laws provide essential protection for consumers who purchase vehicles that don’t meet their expectations. It is important to be aware of Idaho’s lemon law provisions before making a vehicle purchase. If you have purchased a defective vehicle, it is also important to take action in order to protect your legal rights under the state’s lemon laws. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive all of the benefits that are available to you under Idaho law.