“Lemon laws” passed by the Queensland Government now give customers who have bought cars with several defects greater legal protections.
The new laws lift the limit that customers can claim from $25,000 to $100,000 through Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
“The Palaszczuk Government has delivered on an election commitment to put the squeeze on ????and give greater consumer protection to Queenslanders lumbered with a newly purchased defective vehicle,” Queensland attorney-general Yvette D’Ath tweeted.
Dealers must provide warranties for vehicles that have clocked more than 160,000km or are over 10 years old under this law.
“Lemon” is a term used for a motor vehicle, generally new, which turns out to have several defects or reliability issues after it has been purchased.
Under Australian consumer law, customers get guarantees for new and used cars bought in Australia.
RACQ spokesperson Paul Turner says the reinstatement of warranty protection for used cars is an important step in defending buyers.
“When you buy a vehicle, you don’t expect, or often you can’t afford, expensive and unplanned repairs shortly after handing over your money. When things go wrong with a purchase – it can be financially devastating,” Turner says.
“We welcome the reinstatement of warranty protection which will protect those buying older or higher mileage vehicles. The change means more buyers are now covered, and this will be a great benefit especially for first car buyers and those buying in the cheaper end of the market.”
Turner says if motorists are affected by a faulty car, the first thing they should do is go back to the dealer or person that sold the car and attempt to negotiate a fair deal.
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