Lemon Law for Used Cars in MA

Massachusetts’ Used Vehicle Warranty Law applies to consumers who buy used vehicles from a dealer or private party in Massachusetts. The law says that dealers have to provide buyers with a written warranty against defects that impair the vehicles’ use or safety, and mandates that private sellers disclose any known use or safety defects.

The law covers used cars, vans, trucks, and demonstration vehicles that aren’t covered by the New Car Lemon Law, and that are sold by a Massachusetts dealer or private seller. For dealer sales, the vehicle must cost at least $700, and have fewer than 125,000 miles on the odometer at the time of sale.

Used Car Warranty Term

According to Massachusetts Used Vehicle Warranty Law, the length of the required warranty is based on the vehicle's mileage.

• If the mileage at the time of purchase was less than 40,000, the warranty lasts for 90 days or 3,750 miles, whichever comes first.
• If the mileage at the time of purchase was 40,000 to 79,999, the warranty lasts for 60 days or 2,500 miles, whichever comes first.
• If the mileage at the time of purchase was 80,000 to 124,999, the warranty lasts for 30 days or 1,250 miles, whichever comes first.

If the true mileage of the vehicle is unknown, the warranty period is calculated according to the age of the vehicle.

The warranty is extended one day for each day the vehicle is out of service for repairs, and for one mile for each mile it is driven while repairs are being made. Furthermore, any repair on a covered defect carries its own 30-day warranty.