Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car & Illinois Lemon Law

Purchasing a vehicle can be a hassle. Deciding on a model, finding a reputable dealer or private seller, and staying within budget can be a lot of work. You may wonder what things to look for when buying a used car. On the other hand, if you purchased a new vehicle and found a defect, you might ask if the Illinois Lemon Law applies to your purchase.  

In this blog, we’ll discuss:

• A checklist to help you in the process of purchasing a used vehicle, and
• For new car buyers, a summary of Illinois Lemon Laws 

If you purchased a vehicle and are looking for budget-friendly car insurance, Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, LLC (Illinois Vehicle) can help. At Illinois Vehicle, we work with multiple insurance companies to help you choose a competitive rate. Call our Spanish bilingual agents at 630-581-4805. 

Used car checklist: Things to look for 

When purchasing a used vehicle, keep in mind the following checklist: 

1. Check the vehicle history report

To obtain a vehicle history report, you can use the vehicle identification number (VIN) typically located near the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side or inside the driver’s side door jamb. Use this number to get a report through a trusted site. 

Running a vehicle history report can give drivers valuable information, such as: 

• Its history of reported accidents 
• Its previous owners 
• Odometer rollbacks, which appear if someone tampered with the vehicle to reduce its mileage 
• Any safety recalls
• If the vehicle has flood or salvage titles, which means it may have been badly damaged 
• If the vehicle was stolen 

Additionally, you may use these free resources to find more information about the vehicle: 

• The National Insurance Crime Bureau: Use the VIN on this site to see if a car had an insurance theft claim and was not recovered, or if it has a salvage title.
• The SaferCar website by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Here you can see whether a vehicle has pending repairs as part of a safety recall.

2. Inspect for signs of past damage or repairs

It’s advisable to have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle you want to purchase. A professional can help you thoroughly check details such as: 

• Mismatched paint or rust
• Dents 
• Fluid levels and possible leaks 
• Uneven panel gaps, which may suggest issues with the body of the vehicle, previous accidents, or low-quality repairs
• The age of the car battery, which typically lasts 3 to 5 years 
• Uneven tire wear, which may mean alignment issues 

A professional can also give you an estimate of any needed repairs, which you can use to inform your budget. 

3. Test drive with careful observation

It’s a good idea to test-drive the vehicle before purchasing it, as it may give you a chance to evaluate whether the vehicle performs well and is comfortable for you to drive. Some drivers choose to test drive the vehicle through local streets and the highway, to test the car in both environments. 

When driving, check for any strange sounds or vibrations, see whether you feel comfortable driving it, and how the brakes and acceleration respond. Any odd sounds or movements may signal current mechanical issues with the vehicle. 

4. Verify maintenance records

It’s helpful to check whether the vehicle you want to purchase was regularly maintained. Regular care can help prevent the need for major repairs soon after purchase. If you obtained a vehicle history report, it may include maintenance records, depending on where the services were performed. These details may include: 

• Dealer service history
• Oil changes 
• Scheduled maintenance 
• Repair records 

If you buy from a private seller, you can also ask them about the car’s repair and maintenance history and about any records they may have available.

5. Evaluate the price compared to market value

Research the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle, also known as its market value. The ACV is the current value of the car after depreciation. With time, regular wear and tear and increasing mileage reduce the value of a vehicle. The ACV takes this depreciation into account. 

A price that seems too good to be true may be an indication of hidden issues. Compare this vehicle with similar models in Illinois and ask the seller whether any warranties still apply. 

If, instead of a used car, you purchased a new vehicle and believe it’s defective, the Illinois Lemon Law might come in handy. 

Looking for affordable car insurance options? Illinois Vehicle works with multiple insurance companies so you can compare quotes. Call us at 630-581-4805 or get a free auto insurance quote online.

Understand the Illinois Lemon Law 

In Illinois, the Lemon Law, which is the New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act,  states that when a newly purchased personal vehicle doesn’t conform to the applicable express warranties, and this “nonconformity” impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, the manufacturer or authorized dealer must provide the buyer with a refund or replacement. 

In other words, if a new vehicle has a defect that makes it unsafe to drive or reduces its value, the buyer may be entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. 

In Illinois, the vehicle must be submitted to the manufacturer or authorized dealer for repair at least four times during the warranty period of one year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

A vehicle can also be considered a “lemon” in Illinois if the manufacturing defect caused it to be out of service for 30 days during the warranty period. 

If you’re an Illinois driver and you believe you have a “lemon,” you may use the manufacturer’s arbitration process or choose to consult with your preferred attorney who is experienced in Illinois Lemon Law. Document all attempted repairs and keep a record of any communication with the manufacturer or dealer.  

Get Auto Insurance for your new purchase 

Whether you buy a used or new vehicle, having the proper auto insurance coverage is crucial in Illinois. Not only to follow the required Illinois insurance limits, but also to help offset the high cost of unexpected covered accidents or events. 

Illinois Vehicle partners with several insurance carriers to help you find affordable coverage with flexible payment options. For a quote from Illinois Vehicle, call 630-581-4805, get a free auto insurance quote online, or stop by one of our offices in Chicagoland. 

Disclaimer:   

This material is for general informational purposes only. The products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or from all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all cases, the actual language of the policy contract prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply.