Purchasing A Car In Illinois

Buying a car is the biggest purchase most of us make with any regularity. Therefore, it makes sense to use care whenever it is time to replace your vehicle.

The most important decisions are the ones you make even before you start to look, such as what kind of car you need and how much you are willing to pay. Once you have decided these things, you should arrange any financing you may need in advance. This way, you know what you can afford and you may be able to avoid high-pressure tactics that some car dealers use to get you to take out a loan.

If the car you want to purchase is used, take the time to check it out, because it is legal to sell a used car "as is." If you have time, you can get a history of ownership from the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles. (Go to www.cyberdriveillinois.com and click on "Title and Registration Inquiry.").

Also, both state and federal law require accurate odometer disclosures, which should allow you to rely on the mileage showing. If you choose to buy a new car, you are protected from a potential lemon by the "Lemon Law," which can result in the price paid being refunded if the car suffers from serious defects.

If you do have problems with a car that you have purchased, you may have legal recourse. Depending on the facts, you could have a claim for breach of contract, or you may be able to bring a claim under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. If you believe that you might have a claim, you can contact either the Illinois Attorney General's Office or a private attorney.

This website is not intended to constitute legal advice or the provision of legal services. By posting and/or maintaining the website and its contents, Lucas Law does not intend to solicit business from clients located in states or jurisdictions outside of Illinois wherein Lucas Law or its individual attorney(s) are not licensed or authorized to practice law.