Bought a Lemon Used Car in Utah? Your Options and Next Steps
Plain-English decision path, checklists, complaint routes, and small-claims options
Utah Law Explained helps you turn a frustrating used-car purchase into a plan. Utah’s lemon law mainly covers new vehicles, not most used ones. If your used car turns out to be defective, your strongest tools are the paperwork you signed, any warranty or service contract, Utah consumer-protection rules, and small-claims court.
Below is a clear decision path followed by step-by-step checklists so you can take action confidently. This is legal information, not legal advice.
Quick Utah Basics
New vs. Used
Utah’s lemon law applies mostly to new vehicles. Used buyers rely on warranties, service contracts, or the FTC Buyers Guide.
FTC Buyers Guide
Dealers must display it on every used car. It shows if the car is sold “as is” or with a warranty. Keep a copy.
Misrepresentation
If the dealer lied or hid damage, you can file complaints with Utah consumer agencies even on an “as is” sale.
Small-Claims Limits
Utah small-claims court can award up to $20,000 for money losses, repairs, or refund claims.
Decision Path for Used-Car Buyers
Follow these checkpoints in order. Track dates, what was promised, and what was done.
Step 1 – Who Sold It?
Dealer sale: Review your Buyers Guide and contract. Use any warranty or service contract. Even “as is” does not shield deception.
Private sale: Narrower options. Look for misrepresentation, odometer fraud, or broken written promises.
Step 2 – Warranty or Service Contract?
Yes: File a repair claim immediately in writing. Give a reasonable chance to fix. Track dates and results.
No: Focus on evidence and any misrepresentation.
Step 3 – Factory Warranty?
Yes: Use the manufacturer’s repair network. Keep every invoice.
No: Use your evidence plus state consumer-protection rules.
Step 4 – Remedies
Free repairs or reimbursement, partial refund, full refund in deception cases, or a small-claims judgment up to $20,000.
What You Can Ask For
Repairs or Reimbursement
Partial Refund
Rescission (Return for Refund)
Small-Claims Judgment
Step-by-Step: Checklists
Gather and Organize Evidence
[ ] Purchase contract and all pages you signed
[ ] Copy of the FTC Buyers Guide
[ ] Warranty or service-contract documents
[ ] Ads, listings, texts, or emails from the seller
[ ] Vehicle history report or pre-purchase inspection
[ ] Photos, videos, warning lights, or OBD code screenshots
[ ] Repair estimates and invoices
[ ] A dated log of calls, visits, and promises made
Notify the Seller in Writing
Call first, then send an email and a certified letter summarizing the problems, what you want (repair, reimbursement, refund), and a clear deadline – usually 7 to 10 days. Keep copies and proof of delivery.
Allow a Reasonable Repair Attempt
If there is a warranty, let the shop try to fix the issue. Track each visit and how long the car is out of service. Ask for notes if the issue cannot be replicated. Even without a warranty, you can pursue a claim if facts were misrepresented.
Write a Utah Demand Letter
Title it “Demand for Repair Reimbursement or Refund.” List each problem and attach proof (ads, texts, invoices, photos). State what you want and a short deadline to respond. Say you will file complaints and may use small-claims court if ignored.
File Complaints with Utah Agencies
Utah Division of Consumer Protection: consumer-sales complaints.
Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED): investigates licensed dealers. Both can pressure sellers to resolve disputes or refund buyers.
Take It to Utah Small-Claims Court
If losses are under $20,000 and the seller refuses to fix or refund, file where the seller is located or where the sale occurred. Bring:
[ ] Contract and Buyers Guide
[ ] Ads and text messages
[ ] Photos and repair invoices
[ ] Demand letter and proof of delivery
[ ] Complaint confirmation numbers
Need Help Applying This To Your Situation?
If you are unsure how to present your claim or whether your facts add up to misrepresentation, a short consult with a Utah consumer-law attorney can help you avoid mistakes and recover faster.
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Key Takeaways
Utah’s lemon law mainly covers new vehicles. Used buyers rely on warranties, the FTC Buyers Guide, and consumer-protection rules.
Dealer sales allow deception claims even with “as is.” Private sales require strong proof of misrepresentation or broken written promises.
Document everything, send a proper demand letter, use state agencies, and file in small-claims up to $20,000 if needed.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you file.
Next Step
Start by organizing your documents and sending written notice with a clear deadline. A short consult can help you choose repair, refund, or court.
Book a Used-Car ConsultWe will help you structure your demand, choose the right complaint path, and prepare a small-claims packet if needed.