DEAR SUN SPOTS: We had been without a vehicle for six months and finally were able to purchase a truck. The car dealer said it was in great shape, worth much more and had just gotten a sticker. We had it two days, and the brake lines went.

My husband went right back to the dealer because it shouldn’t even have gotten a sticker. He said he couldn’t do anything because of the “bargain” he gave us, and it would only cost us $100 to get it fixed — money we don’t have. But it was worse. I now owe $300, as it was a four-hour repair. When you only have the vehicle two days and it’s a new sticker, is there anything to protect the consumer?

— No Name, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots called the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office and spoke to Jim McKenna. He said that it was difficult to be sure from the information you provided, but that there are rules governing state inspections and used cars. The following appears on the state website (http://tinyurl.com/25kgmbx):

“Maine has enacted a number of laws that deal with consumer protection when it comes to purchasing a used motor vehicle. For example, a used car must always meet the state inspection standards. Further, the inspection sticker must have been put on the vehicle within 60 days of the date of purchase. This law applies even if you are sold a car “as is.” If the car violates this inspection warranty, the dealer must repair it, free of charge, so it can pass state inspection. In addition, any used car must come with a completed Used Car Information Act Window Sticker. Failure to do so can be grounds for returning the car and receiving back the purchase price.”

Jim said if you call him (626-8842; main toll free line is 1-800-436-2131), he will try to help you negotiate with the dealer.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is offering a four-hour training class for anyone interested in becoming a home visiting, grocery shopping or transportation volunteer. The training will be held Thursday, April 21, from noon to 4 p.m. at the AHCH Lewiston Office, 15 Strawberry Ave. For more information regarding the upcoming training please call our Volunteer Department at 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412, ext. 1280. — Bobbi Kimball, Bobbi.Kimball@ahch.org

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy your column every day. I had seen recently that Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends was having a bake sale soon. Can you reprint that information? I’d like to donate. Thank you. — Debbie Summers, debbefordube@aol.com

 ANSWER: The annual Easter bake sale is set for Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Pet Quarters on Center Street in Auburn. Please contact Norm at 650-8374 for more information. Although if Sun Spots knows Norm, he’ll email you before you have time to pick up the phone!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Pastor Howard MacMullen of the Congregational Church of East Sumner invites the public to upcoming Easter celebrations. From Palm Sunday to Easter, there will be services following the steps of Jesus as he fulfilled his destiny. On Palm Sunday, palm branches will be distributed to the congregation, and the Sunday School and choir will sing. The Maundy Thursday service will be an intimate reflection with readings in candlelight, Communion and prayer. Good Friday will start with a prayer vigil from noon to 6 p.m. (by sign-up or drop-in) and end with a service at 6:30 p.m. Easter morning will be celebrated twice with a service at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast, and a service at 9 a.m., followed by coffee hour and a sermon discussion. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner

 NOTE TO READERS: Sun Spots is buried in letters right now, so if you don’t see yours right away, please be patient. She tries to get those letters that are time sensitive in first. It seems like it’s either feast or famine. Hardly anyone writes to Sun Spots in July!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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