| So...what exactly is an automobile "lemon | | | | include first attempting to resolve the situation with the |
| law"? These are laws designed to protect | | | | dealer or party who sold you the vehicle. Next you |
| consumers and allow them to get a refund or a similar | | | | might want to contact the manufacturer or its |
| replacement automobile when their car initially turns out | | | | representative directly. Make sure if you contact them |
| to be much less than expected or advertised. The | | | | by mail you send it certified so you'll have records of |
| general definition goes something like this: A lemon is a | | | | all your dealings. Keep detailed paperwork of |
| car that doesn't operate reasonably within the period in | | | | everything you do. The next step would probably be |
| which it has been owned. | | | | to pursue arbitration. Typically you can purse arbitration |
| Question that come up often include "do lemon | | | | if you meet the following requirements: |
| laws cover used cars" and "do lemon laws | | | | - The specific problem is covered by the |
| cover leased cars"? The fact is, most lemon law | | | | manufacturer's warranty |
| detais depend on the state you live in. Your best order | | | | - You have notified the manufacturer directly about |
| of business when it comes to lemon laws is to contact | | | | the problem |
| your state attorney general's office and ask a lot of | | | | - The problem substantially impairs the use, value, or |
| questions. Here are a few you might begin with... | | | | safety of your vehicle |
| - What's the maximum miles and/or number of years | | | | - The problem has not been satisfactorily repaired |
| allowed from date of purchase? | | | | - The manufacturer has an arbitration program |
| - Is there a maximum price allowed per vehicle? | | | | Pursuing lemon laws can be arduous if not handled |
| - Are motorcycles and off-road vehicles covered? | | | | properly. That's why it's important to ask as many |
| - Are only certain parts of the vehicle covered? | | | | questions as you can. The laws after all are designed |
| - Are private sales covered? | | | | to protect the consumer. Quite often, your state |
| - Are used cars covered? | | | | attorney general will have a government website |
| - Are leased cars covered? | | | | detailing what is and isn't covered under their lemon |
| - Are cars purchased at auctions covered? | | | | law and what action you can take as a consumer. It's |
| - Can a dealership limit your lemon law coverage? | | | | very important that you act fast though if you feel like |
| - How is the lemon law warranty transferred? | | | | you're in the middle of a potential case because all |
| So, what steps should I take if in fact I qualify under | | | | lemon laws come with their own time and mileage |
| my state's lemon laws? Some general steps might | | | | limitations. |