If you have a pre-owned car that has a persistent problem that no one can seem to fix, the good news is that California’s Lemon Law can apply to used vehicles. However, you must meet certain requirements to have rights under the Lemon Laws, and these guidelines are not as clear as they are with a new car. You should not wait to discuss possible legal action with a Lemon Law attorney.
In recent years, California has amended its laws to require that used car dealers at least offer a warranty for 30 days or 1000 miles. The warranty must cover the vehicle’s essential components. Some used dealers might offer better warranties, especially for certified pre-owned cars. In either situation, however, you have a warranty for the purposes of Lemon Laws.
From there, you must meet the following criteria to qualify for a possible Lemon Law claim:
These criteria might seem fairly straightforward, but determining whether you have undergone a “reasonable” amount of repair attempts can be difficult. In addition, calculating the amount you are owed if you have a lemon is more challenging with a used vehicle than with a new car purchase. You want an experienced lawyer fighting for the full amount you should get for your used lemon.
If you believe you might have purchased a used lemon, most importantly, you should keep all of your records. Every trip to the repair shop, the bills, the time spent waiting, or the time spent without your vehicle should all be clearly documented. The mechanic should document all their work on your vehicle in an attempt to fix the defect.
Then, you should talk to a Lemon Law attorney about your situation. Your attorney can draft a letter to the vehicle manufacturer that documents the issues you are experiencing. This letter should include specific information and details, and you want a legal professional handling this for you.
Your attorney should then advise you on the next steps in your Lemon Law claim, including how much you might expect to receive to replace your lemon. These are complex laws, and car manufacturers often fight hard against Lemon Law claims, especially when they involve a used car. Having the right legal help can mean the difference between ample compensation and getting stuck with a lemon.
If you have a used car with persistent issues and you are wondering about your rights under consumer protection laws, do not wait to consult with our team at LemonLaw123. We handle all types of vehicle lemon claims, so please contact us to get relief today.