Lemon Law Buyback Calculator

California lemon laws were designed to protect consumers who buy
defective cars. Primarily, lemon laws require manufacturers to either
refund/buyback or offer a replacement to affected vehicle owners.

The buyback process begins when the vehicle owner has attempted to have the defective vehicle repaired by the manufacturer or dealer. Despite the repair attempts, the car continues to have problems that impact its use, value, and safety.

An aggrieved car owner can use a lemon law buyback option to mitigate their losses. More importantly, it’s always a good idea to consult a
knowledgeable California lemon law attorney familiar with the buyback
process to better understand your rights and options.

Determining Eligibility for
a BuyBack

First, an attorney can determine whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon car under California Lemon laws. Generally, lemon laws apply to new and used vehicles under a new manufacturer’s warranty.

Here are vehicles that can qualify as lemons:

• Demonstrators and dealer-owned vehicles
• Vehicles leased or purchased for family, household, or personal purposes
• Vehicles hired or bought for business purposes
• SUVs, pick-up trucks, cars, and vans
• Drive train, chassis, and chassis cab of a motor home.

A car can become a lemon if the manufacturer or dealer cannot repair or fix a serious warranty defect after “a reasonable number of repair attempts.” Moreover, the issue should be substantial and often presents a serious safety concern.

Supporting Documents For
the BuyBack

Although gathering supportive documents is time-consuming, it’s a crucial process that helps to build a solid lemon law buyback case. Ensure you have the following documents to enhance the success of your case:

• Repair orders: Anytime you drop your car off for repairs at your dealership,
  request a printout of the repair order document. It bears crucial details like vehicle defect, date, and mileage.
• Repair Invoice: It is similar to a repair invoice but has the repair amount.
• Original Vehicle Documentation: You’ll also need the documents you were issued when buying or leasing the vehicle. Whether a sale or a lease contract, it contains vital details like the cost of the vehicle, date of purchase, trade-in, after-sale, and rebates.
• Warranty Information: You’ll also need a warranty booklet to prove that the manufacturer’s warranty covers the repairs.
• Additional documentation: You’ll need supplement documentation to strengthen your case. Examples include maintenance and repair history, vehicle registration, history of accidents, and timeline of repair attempts.