DEAR SUN SPOTS: We would like to purchase a wide-screen TV to replace our outdated tube TV. Marden’s currently has some for sale. My friend told me that if I buy anything at a salvage store like Marden’s and I should need to have it serviced under warranty that the manufacturer would not honor the warranty because it wasn’t purchased at a “new” store. Is that true? Thanks! — Scott Hebert, Leeds

ANSWER: Sun Spots cannot answer this question with a simple yes or no, but she does have some information for you.

She started by speaking to a representative from Marden’s, who said the warranty might or might not be in force, depending on a variety of factors, including the manufacturer. It was suggested that when you fill out the warranty card you indicate that the TV was a gift, which Marden’s rep said usually suffices.

He also said that Marden’s has its own 30-day warranty and that in the case of a large purchase like a TV that goes bad the store would not leave a customer to “hang out to dry.”

Sun Spots also looked into the implied warranty offered by the state of Maine and administered through the Maine Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division. This warranty protects consumers from products with serious manufacturer’s defects for the life of a product or up to four years.

This warranty calls on both the retailer and the manufacturer to rectify the problem. Sun Spots called and spoke to someone at the Consumer Protection Division, who said the implied warranty would still apply. (She said the only products that can be exempted from this warranty are used cars — an exemption to the warranty can be written into the contract when you buy a used car.)

So it seems like it might be safe to buy your TV. There’s no guarantee, of course, but the usual one-year-or-less warranty you get with most products these days is no real guarantee either.

Speaking of warranties, Sun Spots had to look into hers recently when a lightning strike took out the TV she got for her visiting mom. There was a surge protector on the electrical outlet, but in this case the surge traveled through the coaxial cable and into the DVR.

Considering the prevalence of electrical storms lately, a surge protector on your coaxial cable as well as the electric plug could be a very good idea and might save your new TV.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have an antique table lamp that needs to be rewired and would like to find someone who could help with that. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots knows of a couple of possibilities:

* Dan Poulin, Orphan Annie’s, 96 Court St. Auburn, 780-0638.

* Dale Honaberger, Lamp & Shade Shop, 209 Main St., Bridgton, 647-5576

Others may write in and offer their services as well.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a Cardioglide exercise machine — not a treadmill. They came out in the 1990s.

If someone has one they would be willing to part with at a reasonable price, please call between 8 am and 8 pm. — Dana, 713-9153

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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