There arent many accomplishments that feel more fulfilling than buying yourself a brand new car and driving it straight off the lot. The sense of gratitude and success is almost euphoric.
But those feelings of happiness quickly subside when that same car turns out to a defective car, otherwise known as a lemon.
There isn’t much you can do to save your car from being a lemon, but there are many things you can do with a lemon car due to lemon car law. If this is you, here are five things to remember about lemon car law.
What’s a Lemon Car Anyway?
It seems like it’s a slang term, but calling a car a lemon is actually commonplace.
When a car is considered a lemon, it is saying that your car suffers from various defects that essentially cannot be fixed and the manufacturer cannot fix it in a reasonable amount of time.
Because of this, there are a few things to be mindful of when you have a lemon on your hands.
1. Not All Cars Qualify as Lemons
For your car to be considered a lemon, it has to have possessed substantial defects that the deal and/or manufacturer of the vehicle have not been able to fix after several attempts to do so.
These defects are usually things that can impair the vehicle’s usage, such as faulty brakes or dashboard failures. The defects have to have occurred within the warranty period.
Any structural damage done by the owner doesn’t qualify the car as a lemon
2. Reasonable Number of Repairs
Your car will go through some reasonable repairs over time, however, with a lemon, the vehicle should have gone through several repairs within a reasonable amount of time, or within the warranty.
these repairs should be documented and you should have proof of the repairs.
3. Laws Vary By State
Lemon laws are subject to the state you reside in. Although many of them are similar, they might have subtle differences that can mean a different outlook for your case.
It is important to know your state’s lemon law and how they differ from other out-of-state laws. When you know how it works, then you will be able to make them work for you.
4. You May Be Compensated
Sometimes if your car has been qualified as a lemon, you might be entitled to compensation. As long as you notify the manufacturer/dealer, it is your legal right to demand a refund or a replacement car from them.
5. Leased Vehicles Are Covered Too
Because leased vehicles have a warranty, leased vehicles qualify to make lemon law claims. However, private vehicles are not protected. The reason for this is because private owners bought them for little to nothing.
Know Your Lemon Car Law
When you learn lemon car law, the car that you bought and drove off the lot might make you back your money or even afford you a brand new car. Don’t give up hope, get your car claimed as a lemon and get your compensation today.
For other articles with informative information about lemon laws like this one be sure to browse the rest of our blog.