What Is The State Of Lemon Law For Leased Cars?Since they were originally established, lemon law policies in the United States have been constantly evolving to deal with the latest stipulation or situation. On the state level, there have been some landmark decisions that have eventually spread to the national levels. Lemon laws are still not completely on equal footing in all of the states despite the presence of over-arching warranty laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. One of the latest developments is the debate over the status of lemon law for leased cars. Many states do not have a lemon law for leased cars currently on record. If a state does have a lemon law statute that technically covers leased vehicles, it is not always as comprehensive as it could be since most leases cars are listed with new ones. Any controversy that surrounds leased vehicles is centered on whether they should even be covered by lemon laws. Not surprising, some of the loudest critics of lemon law for leased cars are the manufacturers who go so far as to appeal to Magnuson-Moss-or the "Federal Lemon Law" as it is also called-saying that even in the language of that document there is some doubt about leased vehicles being applicable. These manufacturers are on the move taking their complaints to the courts. When lawsuits arise over a defective leased vehicle, they are there trying to convince the judges, juries, and arbitrators that there is just no solid footing for a lemon law protecting leased vehicles in current law. Usually, these tactics are brought out in those states that are still on the fence. They may still be considering an established leased car lemon law but it is still being debated in the legislative branches. Despite all the noise from car manufacturers and sellers, more states are pushing through new lemon law for leased cars. Encouraged by states that already have leased car lemon law and a number of court cases that have set precedents for leased car coverage, states that have held out finally feel ready to join the present. One of the motivating factors for this push for reform and amendments to current lemon laws can be explained by the country's current economic trend. As more consumers are choosing to lease their next vehicle rather than buying due to the slow status of the economy, the impact of this change is registering with every dealership and manufacturer. The percentage of the new car market that represents leased vehicles is growing. Recent statistics indicate the level is at about 20%. Americans want to get better use of the money that they have and have a nice car too. Leasing represents the logical option for many. This trend may mean significant changes in lemon law if it continues. The debate over lemon law for leased cars is not at an end. |