Consumers don’t know much about the California lemon law until they run into problems with their vehicle. To sum it up, the lemon law was created in the United States to protect consumers from defective goods especially vehicles. The California lemon law applies to faulty vehicles which are still under warranty.
A lemon is what a vehicle is called with some underlying problems. This happens when a vehicle is manufactured with bad practice and it also applies to used vehicles. If the vehicle you leased or purchased turns out to be a lemon, you can be covered under the California lemon law.
Today, we will talk about the California lemon law and how can a lemon law lawyer San Diego help you.
Lemon Law: What is It? How Does It Work?
The California lemon law protects consumers who have leased or purchased a vehicle with underlying problems which cannot be fixed after a “reasonable” number of attempts. In these cases, the manufacturer either has to replace or buyback the vehicle – whichever the consumer prefers.
- The California lemon law applies to most vehicles that are purchased or leased in California and still under the manufacturer’s original warranty. If residents of California are Members of the Armed Forces and they bought the vehicle outside of California they will still be protected under the lemon law.
The lemon law applies to used vehicles when they are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. The law protects the new vehicle owner till the warranty ends.
The defective vehicles that are bought back by a dealership have a sticker on the door of the vehicle. If the vehicle is sold “as is,” the buyer can still have Lemon Law Buyback rights under the lemon law.
When Does a Vehicle Qualify for the Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act has a set of qualifications. California has the lemon law presumption which means that the vehicle can be presumed a lemon if these following things apply.
- If the vehicle has one or more defects which impairs the use, value or the safety.
If there have been more than 4 or more repair attempts covered under warranty.
If the vehicle is in the repair shop for more than 30 days for repairs.
If the vehicle has any problems that existed before the vehicle was leased or purchased.
Does the California Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?
Yes, the lemon law applies to used cars as long as it was sold with a warranty from the manufacturer or the dealership. These warranties are sufficient even if you do not have the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Does the Law Apply to Vehicles with No Warranty?
If you are buying or leasing a vehicle “as is” there is a disclaimer on the buyer’s guide for you to see. Without the disclaimer, the seller violates the consumer rights that you have and you will be entitled to a refund, replacement or other expenses.
The buyer’s guide needs to be clear and should mention that the vehicle is being sold “as is” and the performance of the vehicle and its quality is the buyer’s sole responsibility. The document should also mention that in the event of a defect or multiple defects in the vehicle, the buyer will be responsible for the repairs.
If you purchase an “as is” vehicle that ends up a lemon, you may be able to file for a lemon law. If the consumer knows that they were fooled by a dealership into buying or leasing a lemon vehicle, then you should talk to a lemon law attorney San Diego CA.
Filing a Lemon Law Claim
If you believe you have a lemon and are in need of help, a lemon law lawyer San Diego is the best option for you. They will help you file the paperwork and also make sure that you get more out of the claim yourself.