The used car died and the dealer shrugged. New York's lemon law for used cars doesn't shrug.
Dealers must provide a written warranty on qualifying used cars, tiered by mileage, covering the major systems. Failure to repair after a reasonable chance means a refund, and this letter demands it under the statute's own scheme.
Flat fee $499, signed by a licensed New York attorney, draft within 48 hours, mailed on your approval.
Reviewed by Daniel Hochman, Esq. · Last updated November 1, 2026
Yes, for a qualifying dealer sale. GBL § 198-b gives used cars priced at $1,500 or more with 100,000 miles or fewer a mandatory dealer warranty on the engine, transmission, brakes, steering and other listed parts, tiered by mileage at 90, 60 or 30 days, and an ‘as is’ sticker cannot waive it. If a covered defect isn't fixed after a reasonable chance, you are entitled to a refund of the purchase price, less an allowance only for damage beyond normal wear.
Dealer sales only, within the statute's price and mileage tiers, for covered systems, verified from your uploads at intake. Private sales, new car claims (different statute, arbitration-driven), and wear items are screened out honestly as the terms describe. Background reading from the firm: the New York used car Lemon Law.
The warranty is mandatory
Qualifying cars (price $1,500 or more, 100,000 miles or fewer, bought from a dealer) carry the statutory warranty regardless of 'as-is' stickers; waivers are void.
GBL § 198-b
Covered systems, tiered coverage
Engine, transmission, drive axle, brakes, steering and the statute's parts list, with warranty periods tiered by mileage (90/60/30 days or 4,000/3,000/1,000 miles of driving, whichever comes first). The intake maps your failure to the list and your car to its tier.
The refund remedy
Covered defects unrepaired after a reasonable opportunity entitle you to a refund of the purchase price, less an allowance only for damage beyond normal wear, and the statute's arbitration route through the Attorney General is preserved in the letter.
Questions before you start
What if the dealer says I bought it as-is?
On a qualifying car, the as-is sticker is void as a matter of law; the statutory warranty applies anyway, and the letter says exactly that.
What if I bought from a private seller?
198-b covers dealer sales only. Screening will tell you before you pay, and a GBL 349 or contract path may exist depending on the facts.
Statutes cited on this page
General Business Law § 198-b (General Business Law)
General Business Law § 349 (General Business Law)
Each link opens the official text at the New York State Senate's Open Legislation site (federal sections: Cornell Law School's U.S. Code).