N.H., Maine, others seek used-car rule Manager of Orono inn recognized for service

CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire, Maine and most other states are asking the Federal Trade Commission to toughen its rules on selling used cars that have been in floods or collisions.

Under the current rule, buyers must be told if the car has a warranty or is being sold “as is.” The states want more disclosure about damage to vehicles and whether previous owners complained about it under state “lemon” laws.

New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte says fuller disclosure would deter fraud.

“Nothing diminishes the market value of a used vehicle more than a detrimental history,” Ayotte said. “Amending the Buyer’s Guide to require this information would help prevent fraud. Everyone should be able to easily learn about a used vehicle’s history of damage or ‘lemon law’ complaints.” she said.

Ayotte said national Buyer’s Guide requirements should include vehicle history and title information. She said that information is available to dealers through private data sources and through title records accompanying vehicles they buy at auction or take in trade.

All six New England states are among the 40 states seeking fuller disclosure.