Showing posts with label lemon law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lemon law. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

State Lemon Laws

By Stuart Simpson

If you are fortunate, you can purchase a brand new car. If your fortune takes a turn after you purchase the car and problems arise with the car, what can you do? Are you covered under the state lemon law? Can you just return the car? Will the dealer talk to you? What requirements must my car fit in to be called a "lemon"?

Do you have a lemon? You may not like something about the car, but that doesn't qualify it as a lemon. Now, if the brakes don't work or the car won't go into gear or it won't run over 30 mph, then you might have a lemon. But, you must give the manufacturer an opportunity to fix the problem. In most states, 10 different defects during the warranty period do not constitute that the car is a lemon. In some states, a single defect that might cause serious injury makes your car a lemon if the manufacturer cannot fix the problem within 1 attempt. First rule: Keep up with all of your receipts and repair history.

State laws vary, but a rule of thumb is if the car problem can't be fixed with 4 tries or the car has been out of commission for more than 30 days during the first year or 12,000 miles.

Before you buy the car, you should have checked out the car's repair history. Did you check the VIN number on some popular websites to see if the car was in an accident?

The manufacturer doesn't have to replace or refund the car if the defects do not impair the use and value of the car or the condition of the car was due to customer's abuse, neglect, or unauthorized alterations. Be careful, as you can get yourself into a pickle.

A lawyer that is familiar with state lemon laws can help you determine a variety of problems like whether the car was damaged at the time of delivery. Was there fraud or deception in your financing paperwork? Were repairs attempted beforehand to cover up defects? Lawyers go through an extreme investigation on your vehicle to make sure how these items affected your value, safety, or use.

The lawyer will submit a detailed account to the manufacturer, usually after hiring an ASE certified mechanic to go over the car. Did you know that the auto repair shops use several work orders? They have one for you to look at, but they also have one for the technician. If the problems are too hard to fix, they may be told not to fix the car. Your lawyer will drag all of this out in front of the manufacturer or judge, if necessary.

In summary, you understand now that if your paint is peeling, then you don't have a lemon. If your brakes aren't working and the dealer can't fix them, then you may have a lemon.

Stuart Simpson [http://www.state-lemon-law.info]

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

What is the Federal Lemon Law?

By Bernice Eker

The federal lemon law protects you from faulty vehicles. Lemons are deemed such because after you have purchased it; it fails to work, turning out to be sour like a lemon. Every state has a lemon law and there are federal lemon laws as well. If you purchase a car and it does not work after you have purchased it, you may return it to the dealer stating this law. There are lemon law lawyers available in the nation to assist with such claims, should a dealer be uncooperative.

When purchasing a car, especially a used vehicle, be sure to find out what to do should your car turn into a lemon. In some states, it is extremely important to have a well functioning car. States such as Michigan and California almost always require a car to drive to places such as the market or doctor. In these states, and many others, public transportation is not as strong as it is like in New York City or in Washington, DC. Also, many states and cities are not laid out in close proximity to malls, grocery stores, and recreational outlets. Therefore, many people are required to have a car to drive.

Buying a car is the ticket to freedom from public transportation. If you have a car, you do not need to wait for the bus or subway. You can come and go as you please. Of course, if your friends do not have a car, then you may become their chauffeur. Many people would like to own a car, however, car payments, insurance and maintenance can be costly, and hence why many people choose to own a pre-owned car. Depending on the state you live in, auto insurance may be costly.

Insurance rates are based on a number of things, such as the type of car you have, whether it is new or pre-owned, the area you live in and many other factors. If you live in the city that is known for high auto thefts, a new car may not be your best bet when it comes to insurance. Therefore, choosing a used car that is a few years older would probably be more economical. Owning a used car, however, can put you at risk for finding a lemon. Sometimes, it is possible to find a new car that is a lemon. Either way, it is important to know your rights should your car be a lemon.

Cars that turn out to be lemons are a serious pain to handle, especially if you are the type of person that needs a car. But again, discussing the procedures to deal with a lemon is the best thing to do before you take the car off the lot. Particularly with used cars, the previous owner may not have disclosed everything to the dealer about the car. Also, individuals who sell their cars personally may not have shared all the cars faults with you. In both cases, knowing your rights about lemon law is always best.

Bernice Eker is an expert on the Lemon Law and wants to help people by sharing her expertise.

For more information on the Lemon Law visit: http://www.legallemonlaw.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Lemon law- How Do You Know Your Car Is A Lemon?

The California lemon law applies to any vehicle with a warranty, including used cars that come with a warranty from a dealership or seller. The law also extends to all types of motorized vehicles, including cars, trucks and the chassis portion of a motor home. In fact, any vehicle acquired for personal, family and sometimes even business use, whether purchased or leased, falls under the jurisdiction of the California lemon law.

Also covered in the story was the point that if you have had repeated repairs for the same problem during warranty, and your vehicle has just recently left the factory warranty, that is an evidence that your car is a lemon.

A major component of the California lemon law is the terms of the warranty. Under the Lemon law, violation of that warranty occurs when a defect in the vehicle substantially impairs its use, value, or safety.

The California lemon law provides you with a powerful tool for avoiding getting stuck with a lemon. Under the California lemon law, if a manufacturer cannot repair a vehicle's problems after a reasonable number of repair attempts, it must replace the vehicle or refund the price paid for the vehicle - whichever one you choose.

The manufacturer will certainly not tell you that they are obligated to buy-back or repurchase your automobile, SUV, motor home or motorcycle. And of course, no automobile dealership is going to tell you that they defrauded you.

Lemon law is created to protect you from having to deal with a vehicle that is considered to be a lemon or faulty. Lemon law encourages a private seller or a dealership to be honest. If you were informed that the car sold to you was in good working order before the sale and the vehicle breaks down soon after the deal was closed, it is apparent that the previous owner had had the knowledge of the fault existed and had broken the lemon law.

The lemon law would remedy your grievances by bringing the dishonest car dealers to book. To discourage the sellers or the car dealership from selling lemon vehicles to people 'Lemon laws' have been brought into effect by both the states and the Federal governments.

The California lemon law says that if a manufacturer cannot repair your vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, it must either replace the defective product or refund the consumer's money.

The California lemon law applies not only to cars and pickup trucks, but also to motorcycles and motor-homes.

Get more helpful tips HERE


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Some Tips to Buying a Used Car

By Ryan Frank

Buying a used car can save you a lot of money, and if you know how to shop around for a used car, you can get a great vehicle that will last you a while. The trick is to take as many precautions as you can to make sure you're not getting a faulty car. Here are some tips that should help you out.

Read the Reviews

Checking online for car reviews will let you know what car publications and car owners think of the make and model of car you're thinking of buying. Keep a special eye out for a car's crash test rating and economy rating.

Check the History

There are many companies that can provide you with the history of a car if you give them the VIN number. Always ask for the VIN number of a car your seriously considering buying and get a history report before you make the offer. A history report will let you know if the car has been stolen, repossessed or been in any major accidents in the past that could signal that it's a potentially bad buy.

Check the Blue Book

The Kelly Blue Book will let you know what the average price of any make and model is. This is useful to know when you're shopping around and bartering. You'll know when the seller is asking too much or too little, which makes it easier to get a fair deal.

Test Drive

Test drive the car before you buy it. Take it to various different kinds of roads to see how it feels. Pay attention to the noises and check that all features work well. To test the breaks and handling, go to an empty parking lot, if one is available.

Get it Inspected

Even if the car seems fine and you've looked it over and test driven it, it's always a good idea to get it inspected by a professional mechanic. If you offer to pay for the inspection, no reasonable seller should refuse. It's not that expensive to get it checked and it could save you a lot of dough in the long run

Don't Shop Alone

Bringing someone along with you when you go car shopping is always a good idea. It will give you a second perspective and help keep you level-headed.

For more tips on buying used cars and avoiding purchasing a lemon, please contact [http://www.california-lemonlawyer.com]http://www.california-lemonlawyer.com, the most knowledgeable [http://www.california-lemonlawyer.com/CM/Custom/TOCAttorneys.asp]California Lemon Law attorney.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Friday, September 24, 2010

How Do the Lemon Laws in California Work?

by Daniel L Mcqueen

If you have got bought a automobile or intend to shop for simply concerning any automobile, you must be glad to hear that there exists lemon laws in California that defend the rights of shoppers who are duped into shopping for a malfunctioning automotive that has inherent mechanical or structural anomalies that the manufacturer has not been able to handle even when numerous attempts.

Lemon laws in California were lapsed the state legislators underneath the Song-Beverly Shopper Warranty act in order to safeguard the interests of shoppers who purchase problematic vehicles that begin malfunctioning within the warranty period. But, once the warranty lapses the court can no longer order a refund or a replacement.


For folks who are not responsive to the term lemon and its connotations; this is simply a vehicle in which serious defects occur at intervals a brief time of purchase from the manufacturer or dealer. Because the lemon laws in California not solely cope with cars but also alternative sorts of vehicles and also boats, several lawyers within the state concentrate on lemon law cases.

These attorneys guide individuals on their rights as the consumer and the way to assert these rights in the court of law. They explain all the problems concerning lemon laws to the client thus that customers can be higher informed regarding what they will and can't do.


A client ought to approach the court in case of defective vehicle purchases solely when all other legal recourses are exhausted to attempt and acquire the manufacture or dealer to determine reason. While not all folks get a replacement, you'll be positive that moving court is the only approach to make sure that a single person is heard against an organization like an automobile giant. If you have got a string case; there ate terribly sensible chances that you will get a replacement or a full compensation as you need; but most corporations select to settle out of court as a result of they simply cannot afford the ignominy of producing unhealthy vehicles and bad customer service.


Once you approach a law firm or an attorney about the difficulty; they can sometimes be in a position to advise you on whether or not you qualify for a lemon law case. The same old necessities to qualify for such a case include proof of the very fact that the vehicle was indeed purchased from a dealer or manufacturer; that while the warranty was still valid the vehicle started to malfunction and despite all efforts the manufacturer failed to supply a concrete resolution to the matter and rectify the vehicle.

You will conjointly want to own some evidence in your possession showing where you took the vehicle for repair and what you were told to strengthen your case. The court can then verify if your claims give enough grounds to order the manufacture to refund the acquisition amount or to replace the car. If found at fault, the manufacturer can typically have to relinquish a full refund to the consumer.


However, you need to understand that your lemon isn't a blank signed check from the manufacturer, in different words, don't expect to get rich on the compensation, quite merely because the lemon law in California were designed to confirm that the client gets back what he/she has lost and no more. So even if you have a terribly strong case, the compensation can seldom exceed the purchase amount.

You can't expect the court to just accept your claims for an exorbitant amount of cash on the grounds of the emotional distress that the lemon caused you. Thus it's certainly not practical to make any claims that exceed the acquisition amount; doing so will merely destroy the credibility of an otherwise strong case.


However, you'll be able to expect to induce back not solely the acquisition price however conjointly expenditures that you may had to incur so as to shop for the vehicle like the registration charges, finance charges, down payment, incidental expenses, lease or monthly loan payment and even the attorneys fees. A lemon law case is usually wrapped up in three months tops; however, there have been cases when the decision came out early


Daniel L Mcqueen has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in How Do the Lemon Laws in California Work? You can also check out his latest website about FurnitureMoving Pads Which reviews and lists the best Furniture Moving Blankets

Monday, September 20, 2010

Talking With California Lemon Law Attorneys - What You Should Be Asking

By Victor C. Ocampo
Hiring a lawyer is always an expensive undertaking, and the same goes for California Lemon Law attorneys. Most lawyers and law firms will tell you their services are so high because they are working in a specialized field and it takes time to wade through the legal red tape. And, since you don't have a degree, you would probably agree with that explanation. After all, it is their field.

California's lemon law is also known as the Californian Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. It was created so that buyers and sellers are offered protection in used automobile sales.
Basically, the Californian lemon law protects car owners from unscrupulous warranty practices of certain car dealers by making sure that any work that has been or is needed to be done on a vehicle is disclosed before it is re-purchased. If a dealer by-passes or tries to hide this type of information, then they are liable and can be reprimanded because of the California lemon law. And thus, the Lemon Law Lawyer is born.

When a car dealer breaks this law, they then have to finds a good California Lemon Law attorney to make sure they don't lose too much money. The California Lemon Law states that the car manufacturer has to reimburse a car owner for the charges they incur when they have to hire a lawyer because they have a lemon. And there are some things you should consider before you hire an attorney.
This is what you think about before you contact a California lemon law attorney and decide to pursue a lawsuit. How do you know a vehicle is a lemon?

A car, truck or S.U.V. would be considered a "lemon" under the California lemon law if it has been sold to a buyer without full disclosure that it has had any mechanical issues or problems. This is very important because a car dealership might be tempted to not repair a vehicle within a given amount of time even though a vehicle warranty is still valid. This violates that law.

An owner can sue a dealership under the law if that dealer does not fix the car or make any types of repairs within a month of the vehicle being in the dealership repair shop. After this happens, it's advisable that the owner gets in touch with a California Lemon Law attorney and start lawsuit proceedings. Remember to document all your trials and tribulations so you have that ready when you speak with a California lemon law attorney.

And if you meet all the prerequisites under the law, then the dealership will have to pay the finance charges for your monthly payment, what you paid for a down payment and they will be fully liable for the complete amount of the loan. You could also get monetary damages for things like stress, repairs, costs associated with a rental and any other applicable charges you had to pay out of pocket. That is why it is so important to keep all of your documents well situated.

If you win your lemon law case, you might have the option of getting a brand new car instead of having to take the cash back option if the car manufacturer offers that as a settlement. If you choose the new car option, then the auto manufacturer is given a little lee-way and it would be acceptable to give you a car that has been test driven before. And as long as you get the transportation you need, what do a few miles matter?
If you find yourself in this situation and you are at wits end, then it is time that you contacted a California Lemon Law attorney and see what can be done for you. If you are not sure who to go with, do an internet search and find one that has a good reputation. The internet is also a great resource if you need more information about whether or not you and your particular situation qualify under the law.

Most car owners are either oblivious to the benefits offered under the California lemon law or are just ignorant of the conditions that qualifies them for claims under the California lemon law statutes, prior to consulting with the California lemon law attorneys, check out at AttorneyLemonLaw.net for information regarding this much miss-understood topic.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

California Lemon Law

By Ray Walker

Although all fifty states now have a lemon law on their books, not all of them are the same. Many differ in the requirements, documentation, and benefits that will be covered by the law. In California, the California Lemon Law is pretty cut and dry.

The California Lemon Law allows the purchaser to have an out if the car they purchased turns out to be a "lemon". First, though, the car has to come with the manufacturer's warranty (it can also be a used car as long as the car still has some of the manufacture's warranty attached to it). The car needs to have substantial amounts of warranty defects with reasonable attempts to fix those said defects. In California, the amount of reasonable attempts equals four attempts (two if it's a safety issue) or more than 30 days of loss of service in an eighteen month period.

Since the law is written so clearly, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out if your car falls under the California Lemon Law. Deciding you have a case, though, is just the first step. Since your vehicle has been in the shop and experiencing ongoing problems for some time, this process will feel as if it is taking forever to complete. In actuality, once you have reached the point where you qualify to pursue the lemon law, the process from that point on should only take about 30 to 45 days. If you choose to, you could even hire an attorney who specializes in this type of action and the process may go a bit more smoothly. This is up to you, though, since California does not require you to obtain one.

Once you realize that you are going to have trouble with your new car, there are steps that you should take to make sure you meet the requirements you will need to pursue the California Lemon Law. Documentation of any and all repairs will be necessary, including invoices, time spent in the shop, and any conversations you have had with personnel regarding your car.

Once you have proven that the California Lemon Law covers your vehicle, you should be able to recoup all your expenses. These include the license fees, registration fees, tax, car rentals, and any monthly payments you have made so far; less a usage fee for the miles you've put on the car.
By Ray Walker
Lemon Law Information [http://www.e-lemonlaws.com]

Monday, September 13, 2010

Getting the Most Juice in Your California Lemon Law

By Terry Dunn

It is a consumer's right to return a defective product that he has purchased. The US legislative and justice system through the California Lemon Law recognizes this right in auto buyers, who may risk life and limb for one defect in their car.

The California Lemon Law allows new and used car buyers to demand for refund or replacement when the cars that they have purchased have been proven to be defective. Here are some tips that will help you get the most "juice" from your "lemon."

1. Never let the manufacturer or dealer discourage you

The California Lemon Law provides guidelines by which you can determine if your car qualifies. A car is considered a "lemon" under the California Lemon Law if it has been repaired four times and the defect has not been fixed within the period of 18 months or 18,000 miles whichever comes first. Two repair attempts are given to defects that may cause injury or death.

2. Know your rights

Research the guidelines provided by the California Lemon Law and decide for yourself if what you have is a "lemon. Don't let some scrupulous salespersons fool you into not filing a complaint or selling your car to them at a loss. There are a lot of websites in the Internet that could provide you with relevant information on California Lemon Law.

3. Read your manual

Don't let that manual gather dust in one of your drawers. Know everything about your car especially the things that you cannot do with or to it. Take care of your car and follow the manual to the letter. Otherwise the manufacturer could blame the problem on your poor use. Remember that though the California Lemon Law protects your right, you have to prove that the defect has not been caused by you.

4. Don't waste time

Remember that the California Lemon Law provides a deadline for complaints. Don't wait for the last minute to file yours.   

5. Take it to authorized service center

In having your car repaired, make sure that you go only to authorized service centers to ensure that the car is repaired properly. Under the California Lemon Law, buyers should have the defect repaired by the manufacturer through its service centers and at least inform the manufacturer of the need for repair.

6. Keep records

Never fail to ask for proper documentations, even if the center has not seen anything wrong with your car. Those are needed when you file a complaint under the California Lemon Law. So, it is important that your complaints be documented from the onset. Make sure also that when they do give you a receipt or record, the information is complete and accurate.

7. Put it in black and white

Send a letter of complaint. This is one way to legally give notice to your problem under the California Lemon Law. Inform them of the problem and outline the number of repairs that you have done. If possible, send it over through certified mail to make sure that they did receive it.

8. Know your options and seek advice

Most car companies have arbitration program that take care of Lemon Law complaints in California. If arbitration does not work, you can always seek legal counsel. Remember that arbitration decisions are not final and some companies even give a quick refund when a lawyer gets involve.

Terry Dunn is webmaster of http://www.Lemon-Law-Explained.com - an informational resource that explains what Lemon Laws are and how they can help you.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-the-Most-Juice-in-Your-California-Lemon-Law&id=65080] Getting the Most Juice in Your California Lemon Law
Bookmark and Share