How Does The Used Car Lemon Law Can Help You? | Expert Guide

Published On: 2022-03-22 | Lemon Law

Finding the bought car to be a lemon maybe a nightmare for used car owners! Thankfully, there are lemon laws for used cars that help to save their rights.

Used Car Lemon Law

You bought a used car but there are some underlying issues either with its brakes, engine, tires, windows, locks, or any other parts. As of the defect present in the car, you assume it to be a lemon. However, barely believingyour assumption of it “…being a lemon…”  is not enough. Rather, you need to prove it according to the lemon laws of your state.

If you live in California, you will need to go through the used car lemon law of California. If you live in Florida, you will need to deep dive into the Florida used car lemon laws, and in the same way, you will need to take action for any other state you may be residing in as well.

Here in this blog, we will be talking about California Lemon Laws. Other than this, we will be discussing about what is considered to be a lemon car, how does a car qualify for lemon law, and similar questions.

What is the definition of a “lemon”?

According to the California lemon law, a vehicle is considered to be a lemon, if a “substantial” defect arouses in it after a certain time from the moment it was purchased and is during the dealer’s warranty period which is usually 30 days or 1,000 miles since it was purchased. There may also be an extended manufacturer’s “Certified Pre-Owned” warranty applying which is even better. Moreover, the defect tends to linger in the vehicle even after multiple repair attempts.

What is meant by Substantial Defect?

Substantial Defect

A substantial defect in a used car affects the car’s use, safety and value. Moreover, this defect is not caused by the actions of the car owner. Some of the substantial defects in the car include:

  • Airbag Defect
  • Brake Defects
  • Steering Defects
  • Seatbelt Defect
  • Safety-System Defects
  • Electrical Defects
  • Engine Defects including Stalling
  • Acceleration Defects
  • Paint Defects
  • Cruise Control Defects
  • Air Conditioner Defects
  • Defective Locks

What is meant by a reasonable number of repair attempts?

lemon laws

In regards to the California used car lemon law, the reasonable number of defect attempts is typically a parameter that defines the number of times the car is taken in for repair.In general, 4 repair attemptsis considered reasonable but may be as few as 2 if the issue affects the safety of the passengers and vehicle.

The lemon law of some states also states that if the car is kept in the repair shop for a certain time, it may also be considered as a “lemon” and qualifies for compensation.

How do lemon laws work?

Once you have the required set of evidence that proves your used car to be a lemon, you can file a case against the manufacturer or the dealer from which you have purchased the car. Then, the lemon law will give you the right to get a replacement car or a refund from the dealer.

If the dealer or the manufacturer of the car agrees to give you a limited refund or replacement of the vehicle but you don’t find it satisfactory, then you can raise the arbitration, and if it fails, the matter may go to court.

FINAL WORDS

Now that you know what is considered a lemon, what qualifies a vehicle for lemon law, and how Lemon Law works, please spread the word about it by sharing this blog.

In case you endup buying a lemon new or used car in California and are facing certain sorts of troubles, then you can readily schedule a car inspection from Car Inspectors. We will provide you with comprehensive aid to take you out of this terrible situation.