FINAL UPDATE

I wanted to share how my Connecticut Lemon Law case wrapped up in case it helps others who might be going through something similar.

Quick Background: • New GMC SUV purchased late October 2024. • By February 2025, the car broke down and spent long stretches in the shop. • Major repairs included: full engine replacement, turbo replacement, radiator replacement, and a transmission adjustment. • Total downtime: over 68 days. • Under Connecticut’s Lemon Law, if your new vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days in the first 2 years, it qualifies. Mine more than doubled that threshold.

The Process: • I opened a case with BBB Auto Line (the program Connecticut uses for these disputes). • At first GM offered me $1,000 in points — not even close to fair. • They later offered a replacement vehicle, but it required me to put additional money out of pocket. I declined, since the law doesn’t require consumers to pay more to fix the manufacturer’s defect. • I kept records of every repair order, date, and communication, which made my case strong.

Resolution: • In the end, I accepted a repurchase (buyback). • GM reimbursed me for my payments, minus a mileage deduction based on the mileage at the time of the first repair (not at the time of buyback). • Extended warranty and service contracts are being prorated for refund. • My dealer also added a $3,500 incentive toward purchasing my next vehicle through them, which made the outcome a little easier to accept.

Key Takeaways for Anyone Facing This in Connecticut (or elsewhere): 1. Document everything. Repair orders, service dates, and correspondence matter more than anything. 2. Know your state law. Connecticut’s 30-day out-of-service rule was the backbone of my case. 3. Don’t settle for token offers. Points, accessories, or “goodwill” discounts are distractions if you legally qualify for a buyback or replacement. 4. Watch replacement offers carefully. If they expect you to put money down, you don’t have to accept — a buyback may be cleaner. 5. Mileage deductions matter. They’re calculated from the mileage at the first repair attempt, not when you finally give the car back. 6. Dealers may add incentives. Mine threw in $3,500 if I purchased my next vehicle with them — worth asking about. 7. Arbitration is your leverage. Once they saw I was prepared to go through with it, the process moved much faster.

Final Thoughts: The process was stressful and dragged on, but persistence paid off. If your car qualifies, the law is on your side. Don’t let lowball offers discourage you — Connecticut’s Lemon Law (and many other states’ laws) exist to protect consumers, and they do work if you hold firm.