Florida Lemon Law Does Not Cover Extended Warranties on Florida Used Cars

There are some advantages in buying a used car as long as it is not someone's lemon. Buying a used car calls for greater caution if you live in Florida because Florida Lemon Law does not honor the extended warranties on Florida used cars. Extended warranties generally cover major drive train parts like the engine, transaxle, and transmission. Since they operate more like an insurance policy and are subject to regulation in Florida, check with the Florida Department of Insurance for information on service contracts. In the case of an "as-is" vehicle once it hits the road with you it is yours and the repairs are also your responsibility since "as- is" cars are not covered by Florida Lemon Law.

Let us just look why you may consider buying a used car:

Price of new cars is always on the rise. Used car that is already old by a year or two, saves lots of money and any expensive accessories present in the car may get included in the deal
When you buy a new car, close to a twenty percent of its value is lost in the first year of your ownership. A used car would not depreciate as much as it had, after it was bought from the show room

Since in Florida, used cars are not covered by Florida Lemon Law one must be very careful lest one should land a lemon used car. You can thoroughly research to avoid any unsavory experience with the Florida used cars. You can start with the Consumers Reports magazine for very reliable information on car history. Look for the information on various lemons and recalls for both new and used cars, their maintenance and repair information. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) helps you obtain the previous owners' name. For a small fee, the National Automobile Dealers Association runs a title search on a vehicle to check if the vehicle was salvaged, flood damaged, recalled or had its odometer rolled back.
Actual appraisal of the used vehicle:


Appraise the used vehicle in day light. Pay more attention during the vehicle checks for the visibility, safety features, comfort and ride
Take it to a trusted mechanic or auto diagnostic service before you make a final decision since Florida used lemon cars are not covered by Florida Lemon Law
Price of the used car must be consistent with its odometer reading. Scratches on the odometer/dashboard, misaligned digits, and digits that stick or an odometer that fits loosely speaks volumes about odometer tampering

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 requires that warranties should be available even before the purchase of a car. Read the small print in the warranties carefully and obtain copies of every document you sign. Get any warranty, agreement or promises made in writing to get the best out of the Florida Lemon Law.
Under the Florida Lemon Law, you can sue the Florida used car seller/dealer for breach of express warranties, implied warranties or a service contract.