Used Vehicles Under Missouri Lemon Law
Used vehicles are NOT covered by Missouri's § 407.560 Lemon Law. Magnuson-Moss, MMPA (post-SB 591), and UCC remain available.
Missouri’s Lemon Law (§ 407.560) does NOT cover used vehicles. Missouri relies on Magnuson-Moss + MMPA + UCC for used-vehicle defect cases.
Why used vehicles are excluded
§ 407.560(7) defines a covered vehicle as a “new motor vehicle” — explicitly excluding used vehicles.
Alternative protections for used-vehicle buyers
For used-car defect cases, Missouri consumers rely on:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — applies where factory or dealer warranty is in place. 4-year UCC SOL.
- MMPA (§ 407.010 et seq.) — applies to deceptive used-car practices. 5-year SOL, post-SB 591 pleading required.
- UCC § 400.2-313 / § 400.2-314 — express and implied warranties under Missouri UCC. 4-year SOL.
- Common-law fraud — for willful concealment.
MMPA for used-vehicle deceptive practices (post-SB 591)
MMPA covers used-vehicle deceptive practices:
- Misrepresentation of vehicle condition / history.
- Failure to disclose salvage history, prior accidents, odometer rollback, known defects.
- Deceptive warranty representations by dealer.
- F&I deceptive add-ons.
Punitive damages + mandatory § 407.025(1) fees + 5-year SOL — but post-SB 591 ascertainable loss specificity required.
”As-is” sales
Missouri permits “as-is” used-vehicle sales — typically with disclaimer in the buyer’s guide.
Practical advice for used-car buyers
- Get pre-sale inspection by independent mechanic.
- Check Carfax / AutoCheck for prior damage.
- Confirm warranty in writing — factory or dealer.
- Save the buyer’s guide required by FTC.
- Document any defects immediately.
- Document ascertainable loss specifically for MMPA pleading.
Bottom line
Missouri’s Lemon Law doesn’t cover used vehicles. Used-car claims rely on Magnuson-Moss + MMPA + UCC. MMPA’s 5-year SOL provides solid runway, but post-SB 591 pleading requires ascertainable loss specificity.
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