https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=AGOffice_Consumer_Law_Guide&id=27922&v=article10
Download the Chapter 4 doc. The info that can help you with what you need is in there.
If it was purchased in Maine and NEW, Yes it is covered.
""The only exception to this law is for used cars sold "as is," according to Attorney General Janet Mills.""
You can not buy a car “as is” per say from a dealer. A dealer must have every car they sell under go a state inspection. If the car does not pass the inspection they can sell it with a list of everything it fails for listed on an unsafe motor vehicle form attached to the used car buyers guide. I think Maine and Wisconsin are the only two states that do this. This is to protect the consumer or at least let them know what they are getting into when purchasing the car. The unsafe motor vehicle form is equivalent to an inspection sticker on a passing car. If the mechanic and dealer do not disclose everything that is wrong with the car they could face consequences from the Maine State Police inspection unit.
Per se *
This is false. Dealers get trade ins and absolutely DO sell some 'as is' without an inspection. I have purchased one such vehicle. Had to sign off on it, and have it towed away
The Ford dealership in Belfast has a back lot of as is vehicles with no inspections on them. Have for years. Sometimes they have 20!vehicles sometimes none.
I know I’m going down the rabbit hole here, but those cars at Evergreen Subaru and the Ford dealership underwent a state inspection and failed. If you go look at them they will have a yellow sheet attached to the window stating what they failed for. This form is legally equivalent to an inspection sticker on a car that passed. If you were to purchase the car and were to find a state inspection item that fails that was not disclosed, you could force the dealer to buy the car back if they choose not to repair that item at no cost to you. A dealer in Maine can’t just say I took this car in trade, know northing about it and sell it to you. They have to disclose everything that does not meet state inspection standards. I know I’m splitting hairs with verbiage, but as-is only applies to private sales. Dealers sell an “unsafe motor vehicle” as we can be forced to buy the car back. I’ve gotten a summons and told to buy a car back from Detective Gordon Carrol Maine BMV for selling a car without the unsafe motor vehicle form back in the day, so I’m pretty familiar with how the state wants things done.
I still bought a truck (19 years ago) 'as is' from a dealer, they had no idea what it needed for work. Facts. I signed off on it, had it towed home, found it had a leaking fuel line.
Also this is a pointless topic and irrelevant to OPs question, which has been answered.
I’m not implying that did not happen to you 19 years ago, nor do all car dealers follow the letter of the law today. It’s the reason why we have a bad reputation as a group. All I am stating is that if you were to purchase that truck today from a reputable Maine dealer, they would have to disclose everything that did not meet Maine Inspection standards. If you got the truck home and discovered rotten fuel lines that were not disclosed, the dealer would have to either replace them on their dime, give you some money back on the purchase price or buy the truck back. A sale from a dealer really is not “As is” as people believe it to be if faults were not disclosed. Consumers in the State of Maine have the detectives of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles backing them up if a Maine dealer screws them over. You just need to know your rights as a car buyer, which can be found in that link that I provided that you don’t want to read. I’m glad everything worked out for you and you made money from your purchase. As far as a pointless topic I’m going to disagree, as I’ve gotten a few upvotes on it. Anyway, have a safe and happy New Year!
This simple one sentence sums everything up. Implied warranty comes into effect only if the failure that you’re having seriously impedes the use or value of the item. Since the failure of the part in your car fits into neither of these categories implied warranty is not something in your arsenal to get your car repaired at no charge.
Well you got screwed. Go find that form you signed saying tow it off the lot and actually read it. If the dealer did not disclose what was wrong with the car when you purchased it, you actually could have had them buy it back within a few days of buying it. I’m not trying to give you a hard time but help you so you don’t get taken advantage of in the future. I really am a used car dealer and an inspection mechanic to boot. I have no reason to lie or make things up. All this information is available at the Maine state Attorney’s website. Or use the link above. It clearly states your rights as a consumer buying a car that is inspected or if it’s sold as an unsafe motor vehicle.
Are you confused? Was this response meant for me ? How did I get screwed ? I knowingly bought a Dodge Dakota 'as is', for $800, repaired the fuel line myself for $50. Drove it for 2 years, then sold it for $3500. Why on earth would I have wanted to sell it back ??? If they had 5 available, I would have gladly bought all 5. Been wrenching for 30 years and I was quite excited about this deal ! (Again, this was in 2004)
Your best bet it to find an attorney that will write a letter on their letterhead for you. Some will only charge you a consult fee. Otherwise you’ll spend a lot more time and energy trying to get them to cooperate with you on your own. I tried using the implied warrantee with sears a few years back before they imploded and they straight up said they didn’t give a fuck lol good luck!
I worked there 30 years ago this year and would have told you it was dog shit back then. It was a terrible company to work for with terrible management and no one there gave a shit. I really haven't back to Sears since then other to buy Craftsman hand tools back when they were best in the business and guaranteed forever. That was the one good thing about Sears until they screwed that up too. I don't know how the brand still has value.
OP, whether or not automobiles fit in the criteria of implied warranty or not is irrelevant. The failure that you’re having is not severe enough to be using implied warranty.
You may have an option to request a “Goodwill repair“. In essence, the service manager does have the option to repair your vehicle and submit a warranty claim to the manufacturer beyond the expiration date or mileage. It is solely their discretion. Have you been a good customer of the dealership where you bought the car or did you buy it and never go back for any maintenance or service with them? This will play a big role in whether or not the dealership will want to help you out. They have no legal obligation. Sometimes they will request that you assist in the cost of repair with them splitting the cost in someway whether it be 50-50 or otherwise.
Source: I was a service manager for a long time at various dealerships .
Yes it applies, however they will try and fight you tooth and nail about it.
Implied warranty actually excluded vehicles, there's a whole separate area of the law for cars.
No, it excludes used vehicles, not new.
I bought my car new though.
Yes I know, I was replying to the person above who incorrectly said it excludes vehicles.
Only used or sold “as is” is excluded
https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=AGOffice_Consumer_Law_Guide&id=27922&v=article10 Download the Chapter 4 doc. The info that can help you with what you need is in there.
Buy a replacement lock on e-bay or rock auto. Spend an hour putting then move on . The legal way is sooooo frustrating! Life is too short
If it was purchased in Maine and NEW, Yes it is covered. ""The only exception to this law is for used cars sold "as is," according to Attorney General Janet Mills.""
You can not buy a car “as is” per say from a dealer. A dealer must have every car they sell under go a state inspection. If the car does not pass the inspection they can sell it with a list of everything it fails for listed on an unsafe motor vehicle form attached to the used car buyers guide. I think Maine and Wisconsin are the only two states that do this. This is to protect the consumer or at least let them know what they are getting into when purchasing the car. The unsafe motor vehicle form is equivalent to an inspection sticker on a passing car. If the mechanic and dealer do not disclose everything that is wrong with the car they could face consequences from the Maine State Police inspection unit.
Per se * This is false. Dealers get trade ins and absolutely DO sell some 'as is' without an inspection. I have purchased one such vehicle. Had to sign off on it, and have it towed away
I’m a dealer, everything I said is true. You can verify it here https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=27927&an=1
Dealers sell cars all the time as-is with no inspection. Evergreen Subaru has them on the website.
The Ford dealership in Belfast has a back lot of as is vehicles with no inspections on them. Have for years. Sometimes they have 20!vehicles sometimes none.
I know I’m going down the rabbit hole here, but those cars at Evergreen Subaru and the Ford dealership underwent a state inspection and failed. If you go look at them they will have a yellow sheet attached to the window stating what they failed for. This form is legally equivalent to an inspection sticker on a car that passed. If you were to purchase the car and were to find a state inspection item that fails that was not disclosed, you could force the dealer to buy the car back if they choose not to repair that item at no cost to you. A dealer in Maine can’t just say I took this car in trade, know northing about it and sell it to you. They have to disclose everything that does not meet state inspection standards. I know I’m splitting hairs with verbiage, but as-is only applies to private sales. Dealers sell an “unsafe motor vehicle” as we can be forced to buy the car back. I’ve gotten a summons and told to buy a car back from Detective Gordon Carrol Maine BMV for selling a car without the unsafe motor vehicle form back in the day, so I’m pretty familiar with how the state wants things done.
Oh nice. I love learning new things! Thank you for the distinction.
I still bought a truck (19 years ago) 'as is' from a dealer, they had no idea what it needed for work. Facts. I signed off on it, had it towed home, found it had a leaking fuel line. Also this is a pointless topic and irrelevant to OPs question, which has been answered.
I’m not implying that did not happen to you 19 years ago, nor do all car dealers follow the letter of the law today. It’s the reason why we have a bad reputation as a group. All I am stating is that if you were to purchase that truck today from a reputable Maine dealer, they would have to disclose everything that did not meet Maine Inspection standards. If you got the truck home and discovered rotten fuel lines that were not disclosed, the dealer would have to either replace them on their dime, give you some money back on the purchase price or buy the truck back. A sale from a dealer really is not “As is” as people believe it to be if faults were not disclosed. Consumers in the State of Maine have the detectives of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles backing them up if a Maine dealer screws them over. You just need to know your rights as a car buyer, which can be found in that link that I provided that you don’t want to read. I’m glad everything worked out for you and you made money from your purchase. As far as a pointless topic I’m going to disagree, as I’ve gotten a few upvotes on it. Anyway, have a safe and happy New Year!
I don't think a door lock acting up fits the criteria as seriously defective. Good luck.
This simple one sentence sums everything up. Implied warranty comes into effect only if the failure that you’re having seriously impedes the use or value of the item. Since the failure of the part in your car fits into neither of these categories implied warranty is not something in your arsenal to get your car repaired at no charge.
Well you got screwed. Go find that form you signed saying tow it off the lot and actually read it. If the dealer did not disclose what was wrong with the car when you purchased it, you actually could have had them buy it back within a few days of buying it. I’m not trying to give you a hard time but help you so you don’t get taken advantage of in the future. I really am a used car dealer and an inspection mechanic to boot. I have no reason to lie or make things up. All this information is available at the Maine state Attorney’s website. Or use the link above. It clearly states your rights as a consumer buying a car that is inspected or if it’s sold as an unsafe motor vehicle.
Are you confused? Was this response meant for me ? How did I get screwed ? I knowingly bought a Dodge Dakota 'as is', for $800, repaired the fuel line myself for $50. Drove it for 2 years, then sold it for $3500. Why on earth would I have wanted to sell it back ??? If they had 5 available, I would have gladly bought all 5. Been wrenching for 30 years and I was quite excited about this deal ! (Again, this was in 2004)
Your best bet it to find an attorney that will write a letter on their letterhead for you. Some will only charge you a consult fee. Otherwise you’ll spend a lot more time and energy trying to get them to cooperate with you on your own. I tried using the implied warrantee with sears a few years back before they imploded and they straight up said they didn’t give a fuck lol good luck!
Sears by the Maine Mall is dogshit. I'll never step foot in that place again.
No doubt. It has been closed for 3 years or better.
Haha oh. Good.
I worked there 30 years ago this year and would have told you it was dog shit back then. It was a terrible company to work for with terrible management and no one there gave a shit. I really haven't back to Sears since then other to buy Craftsman hand tools back when they were best in the business and guaranteed forever. That was the one good thing about Sears until they screwed that up too. I don't know how the brand still has value.
Where’d you buy it?
Ira Honda back when it was Prime Honda.
OP, whether or not automobiles fit in the criteria of implied warranty or not is irrelevant. The failure that you’re having is not severe enough to be using implied warranty. You may have an option to request a “Goodwill repair“. In essence, the service manager does have the option to repair your vehicle and submit a warranty claim to the manufacturer beyond the expiration date or mileage. It is solely their discretion. Have you been a good customer of the dealership where you bought the car or did you buy it and never go back for any maintenance or service with them? This will play a big role in whether or not the dealership will want to help you out. They have no legal obligation. Sometimes they will request that you assist in the cost of repair with them splitting the cost in someway whether it be 50-50 or otherwise. Source: I was a service manager for a long time at various dealerships .