SWEETEN YOUR "LEMONS" WITH THE AUTO LEMON LAW

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Legal )



You're driving home in your new car, excited about your purchase. The next day, your car refuses to start. Several trips to the repair shop later and your car continues to break down on you. Bad news, you might've just purchased a lemon!

"Lemons" are new cars that continue to have defects that prevent you from safely driving and using them, even after a "reasonable" number of repair attempts. Don't fret! The auto lemon law exists to protect customers' rights.

About two-thirds of the states have their own auto lemon law that wil help you seek compensation for your defective car. Under most state auto lemon laws, the buyer of a lemon can seek a refund or replacement when a substantial defect cannot be repaired in four attempts or if the vehicle is unusable for thirty days within the first 12 to 24 months. Here's how you can seek protection under the auto lemon law.

What to Do

Be informed - Make sure your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under your state's auto lemon law, as laws vary from state to state. California lemon law can be different from North Carolina lemon law or Virginia lemon laws. Look up your state's auto lemon law on the internet, or contact your attorney general or your state's consumer affairs office.

Keep all documents related to your car - Make sure you keep all your receipts, repair orders, service contracts and all documents related to the repair of your vehicle. Ask your mechanic to write down your concerns exactly as you describe it.

Take notes - Write down all conversations - whether in person or on the phone - with your dealer and with the repair personnel about your car. Be specific. Include the date, time and topic of your discussions.

Seek advice from competent lemon law attorneys - Consult a specialized lemon law lawyer who can advise you on your rights as a consumer and who knows the specific guidelines in your particular state. Some lemon law lawyers give free consultations, don't be afraid to ask for one.

Entering Arbitration

Most states require that you undergo arbitration with the dealer before you can seek a replacement or a refund. A competent lemon law lawyer can help you a lot during the whole process.

During arbitration, prepare an outline about the vehicles problems to help your arbitrator sort through repair orders and other paperwork. Ask an independent mechanic to appear at the arbitration to support your contentions about your car's defects.

Getting Compensation

If you successfully win an auto lemon law claim, you might get a refund of what you paid for the car or a replacement car. Make sure that the compensation satisfies you completely and that it is about the same value as what you have purchased.

Buying a defective vehicle can be a tiresome and tedious experience. If you are informed about your rights under the auto lemon law, you can find ways to turn your sour buying experience into sweet victory.


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