Wisconsin Lemon Used Vehicle Law

Read the fine print before buying a used car.

If you buy a used car from a Wisconsin-licensed dealership, it is covered under the Motor Vehicle Trade Practice Laws. A used car purchased from a private party is not covered under the law.

Wisconsin Buyers Guide

1. Dealerships are required to thoroughly inspect used cars before they sell them to consumers. They must test-drive the vehicle; inspect the exterior, interior and engine; and review all paperwork regarding the vehicle, such as the title. The dealer will then create a window label for the car called the Wisconsin Buyers Guide. The Wisconsin Buyers Guide must list all existing problems or important history about the car that the dealer discovered during the test drive, inspection and paperwork check. The Wisconsin Buyers Guide does not tell whether the car will have problems in the future due to its current age or condition.

Vehicle Condition

2. The Wisconsin Buyers Guide should accurately describe the car you are purchasing. If the dealer does not list a problem with the vehicle that it should have discovered during a test drive or inspection, you may have a legal case against the dealership. It is legal for the dealership to sell a car with general problems, or even one that is not legal to operate on the road, but it must document the problems on the Wisconsin Buyers Guide.

How to File a Complaint

3. If your used car has a problem, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Dealer and Agent Section may be able to assist you. Before calling the Department of Transportation, you must give the dealership an opportunity to resolve the situation. If you are unable to resolve the dispute with the dealer, contact the Dealer and Agent Section at 608-266-1425. You can also mail a MV2338 Dealer Complaint form to:
   Wisconsin Department of Transportation
   Dealer & Agent Section
   4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 201
   P.O. Box 7909
   Madison, WI 53707-7909

Tips

4. Keep accurate records and be sure to get promises made by the dealership in writing. All promises should be on the purchase contract. Oral promises are extremely difficult to enforce.

Considerations

5. The dealer is not required to tell you if the car has been in an accident. However, it is required to tell you about any existing structural damage discerned from the vehicle inspection and test drive.