New laws introduced by the Queensland Government to help buyers who are sold a faulty vehicle will come into effect as of 1 September 2019.

Under the new laws, anyone who has purchased a car, motorbike, caravan or motorhome that is considered defective will be able to make a claim of up to $100,000 to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, up from the current $25,000 limit.

Buyers will also have access to a 30-day or 1,000km warranty for vehicles purchased that are more than 10 years old or have an odometer reading of more than 160,000km.

Attorney General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said this was a win for consumers and motor dealers who were doing the right thing when it came to buying and selling used cars.

“These measures will build levels of trust in the industry and benefit the majority of motor dealers who are doing the right thing by offering best practice in terms of refunds, replacements and repairs at no cost, when a vehicle is faulty,” said D’Ath.

“People use their motor vehicles for a wide variety of purposes.

“When you invest in a car or a caravan, you don’t expect it to be off the road for a lengthy period with all the stress and inconvenience that can cause.”

These new laws would sit alongside the current statutory warranty, which provides a three month or 5,000km warranty for used vehicles that are less than 10years old and have an odometer reading of under 160,000km.

D’Ath also outlined guarantees in the Australian Consumer Law that protect customers from being sold a lemon.

“Consumers are entitled to a refund if a product has a major failure of the consumer guarantees.

“It is important that consumers are able to have their matter heard through a court or tribunal.

“QCAT [Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal] provides an easier and less expensive avenue to resolve legal disputes, so this reform will enable more buyers to enforce their rights without the need to go to court.”

Original source: Queensland Government | New ‘lemon laws’ to protect buyers taking effect from 1 September

30 July 2019