A new vehicle is one of the biggest purchases most people make. The idea of a “new vehicle smell” may be an old-fashioned one, but the experience of driving an all-new vehicle off the lot is one that many people haven’t forgotten. Unfortunately, there are plenty of buyers who aren’t able to enjoy that experience. In this article. California lemon lawyer explains what a lemon vehicle is.
It can be frustrating when you buy a vehicle and it turns into a lemon. Your vehicle breaks down frequently and is in the shop way too often. You may be entitled to a refund or replacement, but only if your vehicle meets California’s Lemon Law requirements.
What is a Lemon Vehicle?
In the State of California, a vehicle is considered to be a lemon if it has serious defects that either cannot be fixed or have been unsuccessfully repaired 4 or more times. The lemon law covers new and pre-owned vehicles, including foreign and domestic models; motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and other vehicles used on public roads are also covered by the law.
The first thing you should do if you suspect your vehicle is a lemon is to retain all paperwork related to service and repairs on the vehicle and the attempts to repair any systems that malfunction. This could include receipts, estimates, and anything else that pertains to the purchase of the vehicle and its repair. This can help prove the ongoing nature of the defective vehicle to support a lemon lawsuit.
What Makes a Lemon Vehicle?
The laws and regulations surrounding the term “lemon” vary from state to state. In most states, though, a lemon is a vehicle that has significant defects that the warranty covers. It also must be within a certain time or miles from when you purchased it. If the problem still isn’t fixed after a couple of attempts, then it might be considered a lemon in that specific state.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts
If the lemon law applies, it depends on the type of defect. If it is a safety issue, say your steering system or brakes, you would have to make one attempt and not be satisfied with the repair before the lemon law applies. If it is not safety-related, there are three or four chances depending on the state you live in. If the vehicle has been in the shop for repairs for 30 days or more in a single year, it qualifies. This could be for multiple defects.
Vehicle With Significant Defects
A vehicle’s value, use, or safety could be compromised due to any number of defects. A major defect would be something like a faulty engine, transmission, or brake system. However, some issues are more minor. For example, a defective paint job or bad odor may not meet the criteria for significant defects. What qualifies as “significant” is largely dependent on the person looking at the vehicle.
How to Avoid Buying a Lemon?
It’s hard to know if a car will be a lemon before you buy it. You should think about buying a make and model with high reliability ratings. When considering a new car, be sure to get one with a warranty. All new cars should come with a warranty. If you are considering a used car, you can ask for one.
You might be driving off that lot with a lemon. Unless you check out the car before purchasing, there might be something seriously wrong with it. Leaking fluids, wet spots, and dirty engine parts are some signs to look for. While you’re inspecting the engine, make sure all fluids are clean and at the proper levels. Make sure to test drive it first. A test drive can help you relax and get a feel for the car, as well as make sure that the car meets all your requirements.
Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney San Diego?
If you’re considering hiring a lemon law attorney San Diego for your lemon law case, the best thing to do is to find one that deals with these laws. They know how to work with them inside and out and will take your case on a contingency fee. Additionally, because there are laws in each state, a lemon law attorney will be able to use the appropriate experts and prove your case.
Do You Think You Have a Lemon?
The California Lemon Law is meant to help California consumers who have purchased a defective new car or truck. While this law can be helpful, it is not always an easy process to follow. By having a lawyer on your side, you can be sure to find legal recourse for your lemon problems.
If you’re experiencing continuous problems with a new or leased car, truck, or recreational vehicle and you’re not sure if your vehicle qualifies for alleviation under the law, it’s advised that you speak to our California lemon law lawyer. McMillan Law Group has handled lots of lemon law cases and will be able to help you get closure for your lemon case.