QUEENSLAND has introduced new 'lemon laws' that will protect unwitting car buyers and help those who purchase dealership duds recoup their losses.

The legislation would see the vehicle value owners could take to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) increased from $25,000 to $100,000.

Earlier this year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released findings of a probe into the operations of new car dealers and manufacturers, and called for a tougher stance on off-the-lot lemons.

The state's peak motoring body welcomed the laws which it said would give drivers the ability to claw back tens of thousands of dollars in losses.

RACQ spokesperson Paul Turner said the new laws would also see the reintroduction of statutory warranty for second-hand purchases.

"Cars are one of the biggest costs to Queenslanders and we know the emotional and financial burden for those who are unlucky enough to have bought a defective dud which constantly needs repair,” Mr Turner said.

"There seems to be no rhyme or reason for it.

"These new laws go a long way to protecting car owners who're able to go to court if they bought lemons worth up to $100,000, and we're pleased to see these rights extended to motorcycles, motorhomes or caravans.

"This will dramatically improve the chances for motorists to have their day in court, get rid of the dud car and be able to go out and buy a new one.”

For more than a decade, consumer groups have been campaigning for greater protection for car buyers.

Manufacturers have been accused of shady practices, including making deceptive fuel and emission claims and restricting access to vehicle performance data.

It was suspected that motorists were often forced to return to the dealership for routine repairs because of manufacturers' unwillingness to share technical information with independent mechanics.

Under the legislation, motorcycles, caravans and motorhomes will be reclassified as vehicles, which is expected to massively increase the number of people who can access protection.

It's great news for the hordes of grey nomads who frequent regional communities across Australia, including those who bring much-needed tourist trade to the North Burnett.

"We've seen the boom in grey nomads and the boom in caravanning and camping for families so these changes will also give coverage for what's often a very significant investment,” Mr Turner said.

"Most buyers don't expect, or are often unable to afford, expensive and unplanned repairs shortly after purchasing a vehicle, so when things go wrong, it can be financially devastating.

"This means everyone is covered, even those buying at the cheapest end of the market, which might include those buying their first car.”

Mr Turner said if motorists were affected by a faulty car, the first thing they should do was go back to the dealer or place which sold the car.

"Give them the chance to do the right thing. If they won't do the right thing, you've now got the ability to go to QCAT or small claims court for vehicles up to $100,000,” he said.

"In the long run we'd like an even simpler, formalised mediation process but this is a great step forward.”