July 30, 2019
New laws to help buyers who purchase defective motor vehicles will come into effect on September 1.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the new laws would provide greater protection for people who have bought a defective car, motorbike, caravan or motorhome.
She said the “lemon laws” lifted the level for claims able to be handled by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) from $25,000 to $100,000.
As well, 30-day or 1000km warranties for motorists buying a vehicle more than 10 years old – or with 160,000km or more on the odometer – were being restored.
The reinstated protection would sit with the current statutory warranty, which provides a three months or 5000km warranty for secondhand vehicles bought from a motor dealer that are no more than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160,000 km.
Mrs D’Ath said the law changes meant buyers could buy vehicles with greater confidence and peace of mind.
“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,” she said.
