Buying a used car in Indiana can feel like an uncertain investment. Unlike new vehicles, used cars often come with fewer protections, making it tougher when problems arise. Thankfully, the Indiana Lemon Law offers a lifeline for qualified used car buyers to get compensation like refunds and replacement vehicles.
However, a proper understanding of how this law works is the defining factor that separates endless repairs from tangible relief. That’s where a Lemon law attorneys come in. If your used car is still under warranty and keeps breaking down, you may have legal rights you didn’t know existed.
Easy Lemon is a trusted Lemon law firm skilled at helping used car buyers navigate warranty claims, fight back against stubborn dealers, and pursue refunds, replacements, or cash settlements. Book a free consultation with one of our Indiana Lemon law attorneys today so we can review your case, explain your rights, and start building a strategy to get you the outcome you deserve.
This article covers everything you need to know about how Indiana’s Lemon law applies to used cars, steps to take if you’ve bought a defective vehicle, and when to contact a Lemon law attorney for help.
What Is the Indiana Lemon Law?
The Indiana Lemon Law is a consumer protection law that offers relief, in the form of a refund or replacement vehicle, to Indiana consumers who are victims of factory vehicle defects. Also known as the Motor Vehicle Protection Act, this law takes effect when a new motor vehicle develops a recurring problem that substantially impairs its use, safety, or market value.
The problem must defy a reasonable number of attempts to fix it and must occur within the first 18,000 miles or 18 months of the vehicle’s original purchase, whichever comes first.
A notable example of serious defects is the “death wobble” observed in certain Jeep models, where the front suspension violently shakes at high speeds. The Indiana Lemon Law applies only to new passenger vehicles, including cars, light trucks, and SUVs, that are sold, registered, or leased in Indiana.
However, it does not apply to motorcycles, conversion vans, farm tractors, road tractors, semi-trucks, road-building equipment, off-road vehicles, motorhomes, travel trailers, and other types of recreational vehicles.
Does Indiana Lemon Law Cover Used Cars?
Indiana does not have a dedicated used car Lemon Law. However, the state’s Lemon Law applies to both new and used cars as long as they are still within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of the original purchase.
Once this timeline has elapsed, any other issue that occurs in a used vehicle can no longer be addressed under the Indiana Lemon Law. One notable mistake people make is buying used cars from Indiana dealers “as-is.”
This is tantamount to waiving your rights to any implied warranty coverage from the dealer. However, if you’re still within your car manufacturer’s warranty period, you can seek relief through the Federal Lemon Law.
Also known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the law offers more flexible requirements than the state Lemon Law. If your claim is successful, you may receive cash compensation or the dealer/manufacturer may be mandated to repair the defect.
When Does a Used Car Qualify as a Lemon in Indiana?
As with every new or leased vehicle, the basic criteria that qualify a used car as a lemon stay the same. The used car must suffer a nonconformity or defect that persists despite a reasonable number of attempts to resolve it.
As mentioned earlier, the defect must occur within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, whichever comes first. As such, any used car outside of this window is automatically disqualified.
According to the law, four repair attempts satisfy the “reasonable number of attempts” clause. The second ground for Lemon Law qualification is if the vehicle has been out of service for 30 cumulative days due to repairs for any covered defect. Meeting either of these two requirements is sufficient to consider your car a lemon.
Defects that are a direct result of the vehicle owner’s negligence, non-adherence to routine maintenance practices, or unauthorized modification of the vehicle are not considered under the state’s Lemon Law. Similarly, minor issues such as cosmetic scratches and wear and tear on brake pads are excluded.
What to Do If You Bought a “Lemon” Used Car in Indiana
You can start by contacting the authorized dealer immediately. Don’t wait or assume the issue will go away. Inform them about the problem in writing; email is best, so you have a time-stamped record. If they promise repairs or support, ask them to put it in writing. If the car is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty or a limited dealer warranty, request repairs through that coverage. You must patiently allow them to try and resolve the issue.
During this period, document everything, the symptoms, when they started, how often they happen, and any visits to the repair shop. Save receipts, written repair orders, text messages, and any other documentation that shows you authorized them to fix the issue. Also, take photos or videos of the issue when possible. The more proof you have, the stronger your case. If the same problem persists after four repair attempts or if the car remains inoperable for a cumulative total of 30 days due to one or more defects, you may proceed to the next step.
Before filing a Lemon law lawsuit, Indiana law mandates you send the manufacturer an adequate written notice informing them of the defects and all efforts you made to seek a peaceful resolution.
This step is not mandatory for all manufacturers. So, consult the owner’s manual to see the steps for conflict resolution that they provided. The manufacturer has 30 days to accept the defective vehicle and give you a replacement or a full refund of your purchase price and finance charges.
Failure to do so, you may proceed to apply for arbitration. You would have to check the owner’s manual to confirm if your manufacturer offers informal dispute resolution channels of this nature.
If it does, you must go through it before filing a lawsuit. However, you’re not bound by the arbitration’s decision and must institute a civil action if you’re not satisfied. The compensation for a successful claim is either a total refund or a replacement vehicle with a comparable value to the defective one. You may also get a cash-and-keep settlement, depending on the relief you seek.
For leased cars, you can get a refund of the total contract price paid or rental costs, as the case may be. However, the manufacturer will deduct a reasonable allowance in tandem with the mileage driven in the car before the manufacturer’s acceptance. If there is any trade-in vehicle involved in the transaction, your Lemon law attorney will help you strike the best deal to recover the vehicle or its monetary value.
When Should You Contact a Lemon Law Attorney in Indiana?
You need to contact a Lemon law attorney the moment you suspect that your car is a lemon. A lawyer understands the nitty-gritty of the Lemon law process in Indiana and can help you navigate the technicalities that your vehicle manufacturer or dealer may leverage to discredit your claim. If you suspect your car is a lemon, the attorneys at Easy Lemon can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
In cases where a manufacturer or dealer keeps brushing you off, dodges repairs, or claims your warranty doesn’t apply, a Lemon law lawyer can step in and compel them to act. They know what to say, what to demand, and how to apply pressure where it counts.
If you’re overwhelmed by paperwork, unsure of your rights, or don’t want to risk making a costly mistake, legal guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls. A lawyer can keep you from missing important filing deadlines or signing away your rights.
Many people unknowingly agree to “repurchase offers” or repair settlements that leave them worse off. An experienced attorney can also help you fight for compensation, whether that’s a full refund, a vehicle replacement, or even a cash-and-keep settlement, where you keep the car and still receive money for the trouble.
Alternative Protections for Used Car Buyers in Indiana
Not every used car in Indiana qualifies under the state’s Lemon Law, but that doesn’t mean buyers are left without protection. Several alternative laws and rules exist to help shield consumers from getting stuck with a bad vehicle.
The Federal Used Car Rule requires dealers to provide a Buyers Guide on every used car they sell. This guide must clearly state whether the vehicle comes with a warranty or is being sold “as is”.
If it’s covered under a warranty, the document must clearly list the parts or systems included, the duration of the coverage, and who is responsible for repairs. If it is “as is”, you’re buying the car with no promises, and the dealer isn’t obligated to fix anything after the sale unless fraud or misrepresentation occurs.
Even if a vehicle is sold “as is”, federal law may still apply. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers who purchase vehicles with a written warranty, no matter whether it’s new or used.
If the dealer or manufacturer fails to honor that warranty, the buyer can take legal action and may be entitled to reimbursement for attorney’s fees if they win the case. Dealer warranties, while less comprehensive than manufacturer warranties, still carry legal weight.
When a dealer advertises or promises a warranty, they are legally bound to follow through. Any violation can give buyers grounds for a claim, even if the car was sold used.
Documentation is crucial. Always get promises in writing, whether it’s a repair agreement, warranty terms, or verbal assurances made during the sale. Keep a copy of the sales contract, financing agreement, repair orders, and any communication with the dealer.
Without documentation, your options shrink fast. While Indiana doesn’t offer full Lemon law protection for used cars outside the time and mileage limits, these alternative protections, strengthened by proper record-keeping, can still provide meaningful recourse when a deal goes wrong.
How to Avoid Buying a Lemon Car in Indiana
One of the ways to avoid buying a lemon car in Indiana is to conduct a thorough inspection of the used vehicle before purchasing. Start with a checklist. Look for obvious red flags such as uneven tire wear, mismatched paint panels, dashboard warning lights, strange smells, or leaks under the vehicle.
Verify that all lights, windows, locks, and electronic devices function properly. Take your time inspecting everything, inside and out. Also, request a vehicle history report from reputable providers like Carfax or AutoCheck, and review it thoroughly.
These reports can reveal prior accidents, flood damage, salvage titles, odometer rollbacks, or repeated ownership changes that suggest chronic problems. A clean report isn’t a guarantee, but a bad report is a strong reason to walk away.
If the seller refuses to provide one, that’s a red flag in itself. Take the car for a thorough test drive, ideally on both city streets and public highways. Listen for unusual noises, vibrations, or sluggish performance.
You can also take the car to a trusted independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Finally, read the Buyers Guide posted on the vehicle. Determine whether you’re buying the car “as is” or if it comes with a warranty.
Need an Indiana Lemon Law Lawyer?
The Indiana Lemon Law is intended primarily to protect Hoosiers with new vehicles who have become victims of a lemon. However, you may also pursue a Lemon law claim if your used vehicle is not more than 18,000 miles or 18 months old from the date of its original purchase.
However, the truth is that navigating a Lemon Law claim can be quite frustrating and complex. Between unclear qualifications, dealer pushback, and strict filing deadlines, many consumers find themselves overwhelmed or misled. That’s why working with an experienced advocate matters.
Easy Lemon helps Indiana drivers hold manufacturers and dealers accountable for defective vehicles. With a success rate of 99%, our attorneys bring experience, competence, and a deep understanding of both state and federal warranty laws to every case. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
FAQ
Can I Return a Used Car in Indiana?
In Indiana, you generally can’t return a used car once the sale is final, and there’s no automatic return or cooling-off period. The only exceptions are if the dealer fails to deliver the title within 21 days or if they promised a return policy in writing.
What Does “as is” Mean Legally?
“As is” means you’re buying the car with no warranties. The seller isn’t responsible for repairs after the sale unless they lied or hid problems.
What Are My Options If a Dealer Sold Me a Defective Vehicle?
If your car is still under warranty, you may qualify for repairs or compensation. If it was sold “as is”, you could still have a case if the dealer hid defects or committed fraud.
Can I Sue a Dealership for Selling Me a Lemon?
Yes, you can sue a dealership if they sold you a lemon, but only under certain conditions. If it were a repurchased vehicle, the dealer had a legal obligation to inform you that the car was returned due to a Lemon law claim. If they hid that information from you, you can easily win your case against them.
On the other hand, if the car was not previously returned as a lemon, but became one under your ownership, you can explore the Indiana Lemon Law to seek relief. You can also explore other consumer protection laws. Either way, consult your Lemon law attorney for the best action to take.
What Is the Return Policy for Cars in Indiana?
Indiana does not have a general return policy for cars. Once you buy it, it’s yours unless the dealer fails to deliver the title within 31 days. You are likely to receive a refund. If it’s a new lemon, you may return it under Lemon law rules. Used cars are not returnable unless there is fraud or a warranty issue involved.
