• Automobile sales laws in Illinois protect both the dealer and consumer.car key #5 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
  
  Those interested in selling new cars in Illinois should educate themselves on the laws that apply, as should those looking to sell used vehicles. Consumers, whether buying new or used, should always know their rights. While some vehicles are covered under the Illinois Lemon Laws, others or not. Those looking to sell used cars must first obtain a license to do so. Those without a license may only sell a total of five used cars per year.
  
  

The Law

• In order to sell new cars in Illinois, the dealer has to first be licensed by the Secretary of State. Under the guidelines of the Illinois New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act, otherwise known as the Illinois Lemon Law, consumers who purchase any new car, pickup truck, recreational vehicle or van that weighs less than 8,000 lbs. will have protection if that vehicle ends up being a lemon. Protection is also offered to those who lease a vehicle, as long as they lease it for at least four months. However, the lemon law only applies while the warranty attached to the vehicle is still active. The Lemon Law is also void if the consumer causes problems to the vehicle due to neglect, abuse or alterations that were not authorized.
  
  

The Repairs

• The Illinois Lemon Law states that a consumer with a faulty car may require the dealer or manufacturer to fix the problem within a reasonable amount of time and, if the problem cannot be fixed, the consumer will be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund. The term "reasonable amount of time" depends on the problem the vehicle is having. For example, any issue with the car that is not life threatening allows the dealer four attempts at fixing the problem. A life threatening problem, such as faulty brakes, only allows the dealer one attempt to fix the issue. If the vehicle, for any reason, is out of commission for 30 straight business days, the consumer is entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle.
  
  

Buying Used

• Consumers who wish to purchase a used car in Illinois are also offered a level of protection in the event that vehicle needs repairs. The Illinois Warranty Law states that any used vehicle that needs repairs in regards to the power train, such as work needed on the engine, oil pan, gaskets, or transmission, shall be covered in part by the used car dealer for 30 days after the date of delivery. The portion of the cost of repairs the dealer is liable for depends on the age of the vehicle. Any car that is two years old or less requires the dealer to cover 50 percent of the repair cost. Vehicles that are between two and three years-old requires the dealer to pay for 25 percent of the repair cost, and vehicles between three and four years-old require the dealer to cover 10 percent of the repair cost. Dealers, however, are not liable for repair costs on vehicles that are older than four years.