Public Affairs Home

A major responsibility of the Idaho Automobile Dealers Association is public affairs - working with state and local governments, the public and other institutions to provide objective information about our industry. IADA takes a proactive position on all legislative matters that affect our membership and works actively to protect their interests and position within the community at large.

Advocacy Resources

Visit the web site below to enter your zip code to find your legislators (state and federal):
www.votesmart.org/

Visit the Idaho Secretary of State's office for election and voter registration information:
www.sos.idaho.gov/

The Idaho General Assembly's official webpage:
www.legislature.idaho.gov/

Idaho Governor's office:
www.idaho.gov/

Visit NADA Legislative Affairs for more information on federal legislative issues.
www.nada.org/Advocacy+Outreach/LegislativeAffairs/

Consumer Resources

There is NO AUTOMATIC RIGHT TO CANCEL a vehicle purchase within three days. This often misinterpreted law applies only to goods purchased on an security agreement order form from a door-to-door salesperson.

Most used vehicles are sold "AS IS", without any guarantee or warranty. It is important that you or a qualified mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle before buying.

The Idaho Warranties Act, or LEMON LAW, applies only to motor vehicles purchased new and less than one year old. Motorcycles and motor homes are not included. The law requires a manufacturer (not the dealership) to replace a vehicle that has been repaired under warranty at an authorized repair facility for the same problem four times within one year of purchase. If you feel your vehicle is a lemon, carefully document the four repairs and contact the manufacturer representative listed in the owner’s manual for the vehicle under Motor Vehicle Warranty.

Dealers are required to post a BUYER'S GUIDE on all used vehicles. This window sticker will tell you if the vehicle is being sold "As Is" or with a warranty, and the terms of that warranty. It will also indicate if a service contract is available for the vehicle, and whether or not there is an extra charge for that contract.

Federal law requires that new cars, station wagons and vans display a label showing the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). This label provides a benchmark for comparing prices between makes and models. Dealers are allowed to add a supplemental label for dealer-added equipment, handling charges, profit and similar fees.

There are various publications that quote relative values for used vehicles. These so-called "BLUE BOOKs" price can be used as guidelines for pricing. However, many factors, including mileage, condition, equipment, market demand and age affect the price for a specific vehicle.

GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING. To avoid misunderstanding, get all promises in writing on the contract that you sign. If repairs or accessories are promised, specify a date of completion and have it written in the contract.

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT before signing. Do not sign anything that has not been filled out completely. Get a copy of everything that you sign when you sign it.

Read each section of the "Disclosures As Part of a Motor Vehicle Sales Contract" form before signing.

Idaho law requires a dealer to sell vehicles in a safe condition (tires, brakes, lights, horn, muffler, wipers, etc.)

New vehicles are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Make sure you receive a copy. You are responsible for the maintenance to keep the coverage in effect.

Extended service contracts are usually available for purchase. Study the policy or contract carefully.

If you make a deposit on a vehicle and want it to be refundable, make sure that this is written into the sales contract or purchase option that you sign.

Lease or Buy? Leasing is comparable to renting. You are paying for the use of the vehicle, but you do not build any equity (ownership). Again, do your homework to determine which is best for you.

A "high pressure" sale, by itself, is not illegal.

Automotive Supplier Groups

Aluminum Association
American Iron & Steel Institute
Association of American Railroads
Rubber Manufacturers Association

Coalitions & Councils

American Highway Users Alliance
National Safety Council

Sport Utility Vehicle Owners of America
U.S. Council for Automotive Research

Industry Groups

American International Automobile Dealers Association
Automation Hall of Fame, Inc.
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
Automotive Recyclers Association
Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association
Diesel Technology Forum
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association
Electric Drive Transportation Association
Engine Manufacturers Association
Equipment and Tools Institute
Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association
National Automobile Dealers Association
OICA Information
Society of Automotive Engineers

Related Organizations

American Legislative Exchange Council
California Air Resources Board
Council of State Governments
National Association of Counties
Governors Highway Safety Association
National Conference of State Legislatures
National Governors' Association
National League of Cities
State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators (STAPPA) Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO)
State Government Affairs Council
U.S. Conference of Mayors

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