Does Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?

Since not everyone can afford the price of a new car, you may have opted to buy a used car as many people in Los Angeles do. If you ended up purchasing a lemon vehicle, you’ll want to know if used cars apply to the Lemon Law that is effective in the State of California.

The answer is two-fold. Yes. The Lemon Law does apply to used cars but the second part of the equation is that the used car must be under warranty when you buy it and when the problems begin. The Lemon Law can get complicated but at the same time, it can be your saving grace.

It’s wise to consult with a Lemon Lawyer Los Angeles to see how the Lemon Law applies to your faulty vehicle or if it even does. An attorney who specializes in the Lemon Law can help you navigate through the details and if your vehicle qualifies, can assist you in coming to a resolution so you’re back behind the wheel again.

The Used Car Lemon Law in California

In the State of California, the Lemon Law does apply. This law is used to protect buyers from used cars that are under warranty that are defective but cannot be fixed or cannot be fixed properly within a reasonable amount of time.

This law is only active for used cars purchased from a dealer or retailer. If you bought yours from an individual, it isn’t applicable. If you are a California resident and bought your vehicle out of state, you are covered as long as the qualifying criteria are met…even if the car you purchased is used. 

Another important fact is that if you do have a lemon and it qualifies under the Lemon Law, your Lemon Law Lawyer California can help you not only recover the full purchase price of your used vehicle, but also additional expenses incurred and your legal fees. That’s why you want an excellent attorney who excels in Lemon Law. Otherwise, your attorney may get your problem solved but not come out with additional recovery money for you like paying his or her fees.

It is not unusual for manufacturers and dealers to try to evade being held responsible under the Lemon Law. If you don’t hire a Lemon Law Attorney to represent you, you very well may get pushed around. It is common practice for the “big dogs” to take advantage of consumers and to try to bully them into taking whatever they offer such as a fraction of the amount of money you’re out or a car that is less than the one you are replacing.

Things can get confusing when dealing with warranties because there are many types. There are used car warranties, implied warranties, extended warranties, and more. An attorney who is seasoned in Lemon Law and how it applies to used cars will help you sort it all out.

Buy Here, Pay Here dealers can be really rough to deal with because sometimes there’s a lot that is hidden in the fine lines you signed when you purchased the vehicle. If you have hired an attorney, that’s one more area he or she will tend to for you.

The Lemon Law Process

The process for a used car under California’s Lemon Law is the same as it is for a new car. You are able to enter into arbitration with the manufacturer if you choose to. That’s when the two of you try to reach and agreement. A third party will be available to help the negotiations. It is typical to end up being offered far less than you’d get in court if you have a good case so the manufacture and his or her legal team are usually anxious to get you to make an agreement in arbitration. Any formal agreement made is binding for the manufacturer but not for the consumer. If you went to arbitration already and have changed your mind in a reasonable time frame, seek the counsel of a Lemon Law Lawyer Los Angeles. You may be able to relent and take the matter to trial.

If the case does go to trial, you can rest assured that the manufacturer will have a legal team representing him or her. You should have one too and the one you choose should have a fantastic track record in the real of Lemon Law.

What is Included Under the Lemon Law?

There are things that are covered in the Lemon Law such as windows, seats, mirrors, acceleration, and other things that would be difficult not to have in good use. In addition, some details that may fall under “compromised value” include dents, bad paint job, torn seats, stains, missing carpet, bent hood or grill, and other things that aren’t hazardous but could diminish the car’s resale value. Safety is a main concern under the lemon law. Defective brakes, broken headlights, malfunctioning airbags, faulty steering, and more can make the car unsafe to operate.

If your transmission doesn’t shift right or your engine doesn’t start or run properly, you may have a lemon. If your battery continually runs down and nothing the certified mechanic does can fix it or your steering is off kilter, you very well may have a lemon.

There‘s no reason that you should continually be without a running vehicle while yours is in the shop, time after time. You can’t be without a running vehicle and be out all the money it takes to keep taking the car in with the problem never solved. It’s time to stand up for the rights that were afforded to you in one of the most significant laws ever, the Lemon Law of California. The only catch to the law is that you have to activate it by following the steps and ultimately setting the case for trial if all else has failed. No one is going to come to your door and just hand you your money back. You have to take action but once you do, you are covered if your car and your situation qualify.

If you have any of the problems above and you have taken it in to be repaired to no avail, be sure to contact a California Lemon Law Attorney so you can exercise your rights under the Lemon Law.

Best Lemon Law Lawyer Los Angeles

If you have a lemon, you are protected under California’s Lemon Law. You’ll be required to file a case and maybe even take it to trial. You need an experienced attorney who is well-established in Lemon Law in Los Angeles like the lawyers at Point Law Group. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation – (310) 560-0606.