Using Mathematical Logic To Interpret Lemon Laws

What is a Lemon Law?
A "Lemon Law" is a law that gives car buyers specified rights in the case that their car is a "lemon" i.e. a car with repeated mechanical defects.  Each state in the U.S. has it's own version of a Lemon Law for new and used cars, if it has one at all.

Why Would One Need Mathematical Logic?
The wording of a lemon law may contain many different legal clauses, which are the equivalent of logical conditions.  By understanding these clauses, one can know what protection is offered when purchasing a car.

The Minnesota Lemon Law For Used Cars
Many mistakenly assume this law applies to all used cars sold by a dealer or private party.  It does not.  The Minnesota Lemon Law for used cars has two levels of coverage, and may be summarized from The Autopedia Description with these statements:

IF the vehicle you purchase has an odometer reading of under 36,000 miles at time of purchase
  and you are not using the vehicle for business use more than 49% of the time (like delivering pizzas)
  and you are purchasing through a dealer (as opposed to a private party)
  and you notify the dealer of a defect covered within 60 days
  and the price paid for the vehicle is ≥ $3000
  and the engine is not designed to use diesel fuel and the weight of the vehicle is ≤ 9000 pounds
  and the age of the vehicle is ≤ 7 years
  and the vehicle manufacturer makes more than 10000 vehicles per year
  and defects do not occur due to collision, abuse, or negligence
  and the vehicle was manufactured in compliance with applicable federal emission standards in force
  and the vehicle was not issued a salvage certificate
  and the part covered was not excluded by a clearly stated and acknowledged waiver
  and the vehicle has not been custom-built or modified for show or for racing,
THEN the dealer must, in the event of a malfunction, defect, or failure in a covered part at the (0 to 36,000 mile) level, to repair or replace the covered part, or at the dealer's election, to accept return of the used motor vehicle from the consumer and provide a refund to the consumer.

IF the vehicle you purchase has an odometer reading from 36,000 miles to 75,000 miles at time of purchase
  and you are not using the vehicle for business use more than 49% of the time (like delivering pizzas)
  and you are purchasing through a dealer (as opposed to a private party)
  and you notify the dealer of a defect covered within 30 days
  and the price paid for the vehicle is ≥ $3000
  and the engine is not designed to use diesel fuel and the weight of the vehicle is ≤ 9000 pounds
  and the age of the vehicle is ≤ 7 years
  and the vehicle manufacturer makes more than 10000 vehicles per year
  and defects do not occur due to collision, abuse, or negligence
  and the vehicle was manufactured in compliance with applicable federal emission standards in force
  and the vehicle was not issued a salvage certificate
  and the part covered was not excluded by a clearly stated and acknowledged waiver
  and the vehicle has not been custom-built or modified for show or for racing,
THEN the dealer must, in the event of a malfunction, defect, or failure in a covered part at the 36,000 to 75,000 mile level, to repair or replace the covered part, or at the dealer's election, to accept return of the used motor vehicle from the consumer and provide a refund to the consumer

IF the vehicle you purchase has an odometer reading > 75,000 miles,
THEN the Minnesota Lemon Law does not apply.

What is important to note is that you must meet ALL conditions of the If-Part in order for the Lemon Law to apply.

Note that the information on this page is not intended, nor does it constitute, legal advice, but it published solely for educational purposes. Consult an attorney for qualified legal assistance.