I Wish I Got Any Vehicle Instead of This 2019 Chevrolet Colorado

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 44 – September 2022 | Owner of A Lemon

Dear Suzanne, 

Before purchasing this vehicle, I never knew a vehicle could have as many problems as mine did. I own a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado which I purchased new. In the few years that I have owned it, it has been one complaint or the other. But I only took it to the Chevrolet dealership for the issues I considered major, which was just three times. 

Note that I was never involved in an accident during the period I used this vehicle. As a result, I do not see any reason that should warrant this much trouble. Moreover, the car currently has a mileage of 59,000 so I don’t really understand the problem. 

The first time I took it in was about two or three years ago due to an engine leak. I think the mileage then was probably at 35,000 to 40,000 miles; I’m not so sure though. When I took it to the dealership, the first guy at the dealership said it was just a leak, then another guy at the same shop said it had to do with an engine compartment. 

As such, I don’t know what part exactly was defective, but I know they had my car for almost three weeks. Whatever it was, they said they fixed the seal, but they didn’t give me a comprehensive report of what exactly was wrong and I didn’t check the repair order.

The second time I took it in was because the car kept jolting and I was getting problems with the transmission. What happened exactly was that the car would shudder violently whenever I tried switching gears. Upon taking it to the dealer the first time it happened, they couldn’t find the cause. Then, later on, I had to take it back in, but once again they claimed there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. 

Furthermore, I took the car to the dealership for the third time because it developed a leak problem once again. I dropped my car off this morning at the dealer to fix this issue so it is still there at the shop. 

Moreover, they said I do not qualify for a rental until they diagnose whatever problems the car has, which is probably going to be another 2 weeks. So until then, I am left immobile. I wonder how they expect me to go about my daily activities. 

Additionally, they did not give a specific date that my car will be available. All they said was that they will get back to me on Tuesday or Wednesday. I just hope they keep to their word this time. 

Another issue that I haven’t really paid much attention to is the backup camera that does not connect. It has basically been defective since I got the car, but since I have more serious problems with the car, it isn’t much of an issue. 

Also, for some reason, my truck resets itself anytime I plug my iPhone in. In addition, the first time I took it in, the dealer discovered that all my tail lights went out for no reason. I mentioned all of these to the dealership on my first visit, but nothing came out of it as I’m still facing these same issues with the vehicle. 

At this point, all I want is a respite from all these car troubles. Is that possible and what are the chances? I do not wish to keep the vehicle, I just want to get rid of it. I am done with continuously taking my car in for repairs – it’s just so tiring! 

Also, I am not so familiar with how lemon law works so I might need a little guidance. To show how defective the car is, there’s a co-signer on the vehicle who is also in support of going ahead with the lemon case. 

Owner of A Lemon 

You Own A Defective Vehicle

Dear Owner of A Lemon, 

The way lemon law works is that to qualify, you need at least two visits to the dealership while under the warranty period concerning the same issues. Otherwise, you could have three or more visits for different problems, all within the manufacturer warranty. To be honest, vehicles like yours are highly defective so even if you just had one visit, your lemon law attorney would still be able to work something out with your car manufacturer.

Unfortunately, the issues with these vehicles keep coming up even after the dealer fixes the problem or says nothing is wrong with the car. In instances like that, all they can do is try to patch up whatever mistakes the automakers made when they built the vehicle. It is more or less something like putting a band-aid around the car waiting till when the issues come back up once again.

The good thing now is that your vehicle definitely qualifies as a lemon law case considering you have three visits already. Also, not only that, you are still within the manufacturer warranty period at least for another 1,000 miles. This is because the warranty period for your vehicle’s powertrain is 5 years or 60,000 miles. 

So, if after this visit, you still need to take it in for repairs, you are more than welcome to do that. And to be honest, your lemon law attorney will encourage you to do that because the more visits you have, the stronger your lawsuit and the higher the cash settlement. But since your warrant expiry date is coming up, you’re very okay to begin proceeding with the lawsuit as soon as possible. 

Now, since you qualify for a lemon law case, two options are open to you. They include the buyback and the cash and keep. Firstly, the buyback – which you most likely are interested in – is basically about the manufacturer buying back the vehicle and they will be paying out everything you’ve spent on the vehicle. 

So, this involves your monthly payments, any down payment, and any taxes and interests accrued on the vehicle. Moreover, if you took a loan on the vehicle, the automaker is bound by law to pay that off for you. The good thing about this is that your credit goes up as they do so.

With the buyback, the only deduction the automakers can take is known as the mileage offset. This simply means that the automakers have the right to charge you for the miles you drove the vehicle without issues. The mileage offset is usually based on the number of miles you were at during your first visit. 

But this doesn’t matter too much as your lemon lawyer should be able to waive this fee in full or half considering you bought a defective vehicle. The main goal is to get as many pennies as you can as compensation for them selling you a lemon.

The second option on ground is called the cash and keep. This option allows you to keep the vehicle and your warranty remains valid while receiving cash compensation for any issues your car has had in the past. Also, if you later wish to sell the truck, you do not have to deem it a lemon to the next owner. 

This cash and keep offer is based on a couple of different conditions. Among these conditions are the mileage, the number of visits you’ve had, and the type of problems you’ve been experiencing with the car. So, the settlement offer varies depending on these conditions but your lawyer should be able to get as much as $10,000 to $15,000. This is besides any other compensation that your lawyer can get you in addition to the original settlement offer. 

You should also know that the good thing about purchasing your vehicle in California is that any lemon law case concerning such a vehicle is taken on contingency. This means that any attorney fees are paid in full by the manufacturing company. Not only that, the total settlement gotten would be going over to you. 

Furthermore, if you’re not yet in possession of all the necessary documents like repair and purchase orders, you can use the opportunity of your next visit to request all these from your dealer. However, it is important you are cryptic about it to the dealership as they would be reluctant to release the papers if they discover the main purpose behind it. It is also important to send over these documents to your attorney as soon as possible so as to begin your case promptly.

Suzanne

Free Legal Advice About Your 2019 Jeep Wrangler Law Claim

Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about California’s lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (323) 553-7525 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.

DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about California Lemon Law or how to file a claim in California, please write to help@lemonlawyers.org. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.

Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a California Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

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Featured Image:

• 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ©RL GNZLZ (CC BY-SA 2.0 License)