Buying a new car can be a stressful process. Even moreso when there’s a real possibility that the new car you buy won’t be as picture perfect as you expected. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a new vehicle and reduce your chances of ending up with a lemon.
Research, Research, Research
Before making any large purchases, it’s important to do your research. You may know the type of car, features, and price you want, but have you really looked into the possible drawbacks of your preferred make and model?
Take some time to read safety complaints posted on websites like The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) or Consumer Reports, and other vehicle review sites like JD Power. These reviews and complaints come from real drivers like you, and will let you know if the new vehicle you’ve had your eyes on has a history of problems.
Also, pay close attention to any issues with specific parts. Often, manufacturers use the same parts for future years and models, so it’s possible that a consistently bad part will be in your new vehicle.
Kick The Tires
We all know that typical car sales involve the age old tradition of walking around the car and kicking the tires. But what does this actually mean? Simply, take the time to inspect your new car before you sign any papers. Get down, look at the underbody, do you notice any rust or peeling paint? Literally kick the tires a little. Do they seem sturdy and aligned? Hop in and take it for a test drive. Listen for any strange noises coming from the engine. See how the gear shift feels under your hands. Turn on the radio, listen to your favorite song, and roll the windows up and down a few times. It might seem silly, but a thorough inspection of the vehicle before you buy could prevent you from bringing home an obvious lemon.
Lemons are Inevitable
Sometimes, lemons are unavoidable. Robert Harris Frank, an economics professor at Cornell University, states that 10% of new cars sold in the United States are lemons. However, Nolo.com reports that closer to 1% of new vehicles are lemons. Either way, no manufacturer can be 100% perfect 100% of the time. It’s inevitable that a defect will make its way through the factory, to the showroom floor, and, potentially, to your driveway. Unfortunately, in many cases, there’s no way for the manufacturer, dealer, or you to know the vehicle is a lemon until it starts acting like one.
There are no readily available numbers on lemon used cars but the percentage is most likely the same (if not higher) as that with brand new cars. Yes, there is a CA Used Car Lemon Law and as a consumer, you are also protected under the law if you happened to purchase a used car with manufacturer warranties from any authorized dealership in California.
Do Your Part
This is why it’s so important to pay attention to your new vehicle and bring it back to the dealership at the first sign of trouble. Sometimes, it’s just a little problem that the dealer can easily fix, other times it could be a threat to your safety. Common lemon issues can range from simple electrical problems to a car deciding to turn itself off on the highway. You do not want to put yourself or others in a dangerous situation. When your new vehicle begins displaying any problems, take note of the type of issue, what parts of the vehicle seem to be affected, and possible causes. Then, bring it in for repairs. By taking your vehicle into the dealership, you are giving them the opportunity to fix any issues and being a responsible, safe driver.
Don’t Get Stuck With A Lemon
Sometimes, the dealership will not be able to reproduce or fix the issue. This happens, and is what makes a vehicle defective instead of just problematic. But, this does not mean you’re stuck with a vehicle you can’t drive. You are not out of options. If the dealer has tried and failed to fix the issue multiple times, it is your right as a consumer to file a claim against the manufacturer under California’s Lemon Law. By demonstrating, through documentary evidence (repair orders, repair invoices, etc.), that you gave the dealership the opportunity to fix the issues and they were unable to, the manufacturer may have to buy the vehicle back from you, give you a replacement, or a cash settlement as compensation.
Your best option at this point is to seek legal representation from a knowledgeable lemon law attorney. While an attorney is not a requirement, the manufacturer will most assuredly have at least one (as well as other experts). If you want to win your lemon law claim, you don’t want to negotiate on an uneven playing field. A skillful attorney will know the ins and outs of California Lemon Law and be able to guide you through the process. And what makes a good attorney even better? The fact that it won’t cost you a dime. In California, lemon law cases are often taken on contingency. This means that the manufacturer is responsible for any attorney or court costs – not you, or your settlement.
If you’re stuck with a lemon and nearing your wit’s end, give us a call. We’re here to help! Our team of skilled legal professionals are standing by to take the sourness out of your life.
Call us today at (323) 553-7525 for a FREE consultation to evaluate your case and get the process started.
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