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CAR WATCH - Nothing feels worse than driving off the lot in your new car, only to discover problems a few days later. Excitement can quickly turn into frustration when strange noises, warning lights, or constant trips to the mechanic arise. If this sounds familiar, it’s possible that you have purchased a “lemon”, a vehicle with serious defects that affect its safety, value, or use. Most states have specific lemon laws to protect consumers from being stuck with defective cars. If you’re not sure what to do next, here are some steps that you should take:
1. Spot the Signs Early
Start by paying close attention to how your car behaves. Keep a notebook or a note-taking app handy and jot down every issue. Record the date, time, mileage, and a description of what happened. Some questions that you should reflect on include:
- How often does this problem occur?
- Can it be reproduced consistently?
- Does this problem affect the car’s safety or ability to function properly?
The answers help determine if your car qualifies as a lemon under your state’s law.
2. Review Your Warranty
Most lemon laws work during a specific period, usually within the first twelve to twenty-four months or before hitting a certain mileage limit. Grab your warranty paperwork and owner’s manual. Look for sections detailing defect coverage and repair obligations. You should check for the warranty start date, coverage limits, and repair requirements. Understanding these details helps you move confidently when speaking to the dealer or manufacturer.
3. Notify the Dealer or Manufacturer
Contact the dealership or authorized service center as soon as possible. Report the issue clearly and ask for a repair appointment. Keep records of every phone call, email, or text. Note the names of the people you speak with and the dates. When dropping off your car, ensure that you describe the problem in writing, request a copy of the repair order, and check if the repair description matches your report. All these details are essential to build your case if the problem persists.
4. Research Your State’s Lemon Law
Lemon law rules vary by state. For example, South Carolina's lemon law covers new cars only, while others, such as Minnesota, protect certified pre-owned or leased vehicles. Search for your state’s lemon law online or visit your local consumer protection office. By doing so, you can find the repair attempt limit, types of covered vehicles, and how to file a claim.
If you are looking for professional help, you can search for attorneys in your area who can help you understand your state’s lemon law or how to file a claim. For example, if you’re based in Los Angeles, you can search online for a Lemon Law Attorney Los Angeles and find firms that specialize particularly in dealing with lemon cases.
5. Give Dealers Time to Fix the Issue
Most lemon laws require manufacturers to attempt repairs a reasonable number of times. This usually means three or four visits for the same issue or a total number of days the vehicle stays in the shop.
For example, under the California Lemon Law, the “reasonable number of repair attempts” is capped at four or more attempts, or if your vehicle has been in the shop for more than thirty days. However, after each repair, you must test your car thoroughly, noting any improvements or recurring issues and saving all receipts and work orders. A persisting problem may indicate that you officially have a lemon at hand.
Endnote
Buying a lemon feels stressful, but you have options. Stay organized, document everything, and act quickly. The sooner you start the process, the better your chances of getting a refund, replacement, or repair. If you suspect your car qualifies as a lemon, don’t ignore it. If you are unsure of how to deal with the case yourself, it is preferable to seek professional help that can help you with your research, claim filing, and ultimately help protect your investment.
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