While most car dealerships do not mislead people, the sad fact is some do. Sometimes automakers will try to fool customers into thinking that they are not covered by the California Lemon Law. An auto dealership might even lead someone to believe that the best way to resolve a defective car is to trade it in or buy a new one. That works great for the dealership, two sales instead of one.
Don’t take their word for it, check to see if you qualify for the California Lemon Law first!
California Lemon Law: Used Cars and New Cars
As a good rule of thumb, any car (used or new) that is under a new or extended warranty in covered by the California Lemon Law, this also applies to purchased and leased vehicles. Keep in mind, the California Lemon Law doesn’t just apply to cars, but to applies to all consumer goods, including motorcycles, boats, and RVs (recreational vehicles) that have a defect.
What qualifies as a “defect?” This has to be a substantial problem such as: engine, transmission, electrical, brakes and suspension or even air conditioning/heating system. For the California Lemon Law to apply, the car dealership must be given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair the vehicle within the warranty period. A reasonable amount of opportunities to fix a car is generally recognized as four times.
CA Lemon Law: Facts vs. Fiction
Sometimes car dealerships will tell customers that the repair visits have to happen within vehicle’s first 18 months or 18,000 miles of use. However, the truth is you may have strong case even after the first 18 months and 18,000 miles. The important issue is, are you still under the warranty?
If your car isn’t fixed and is still defective, sometimes dealerships will claim that you have to go to arbitration first. No, in fact, it could even weaken your case. It’s a much better idea to contact a California Lemon Law Attorney. Please call our office at 1-877-702-7274 or email us at info@arashlaw.com for a FREE consultation.
