Should you buy a Lemon Law buyback?

Are you in the market for a new or used car but don’t want to spend too much money? You may be seeing “Lemon Law buybacks” being advertised and are curious about what that means. Before taking advantage of these seemingly great deals, it’s important to understand exactly what a Lemon Law buyback is and how it will impact your car-buying experience. 

While these vehicles can offer considerable discounts compared to their conventional retail prices, buyers must understand precisely what they’re getting into before purchasing this type of automobile.  This blog post provides the information you need to make an informed decision about buying Lemon Law vehicles.

What should you look for when buying a Lemon Law buyback?

When looking into whether to purchase a Lemon Law buyback, there are several things to consider. Partnering with a reputable and experienced Lemon Lawyer in Los Angeles should be your very first step.  The other considerations include the following.

The original defect might or might not be fixed.

California law requires that the manufacturer must either repair or replace the vehicle for it to be declared a lemon. However, this does not mean that all the original defects have been fixed. That’s why it is so important to have a California Lemon Law lawyer check it out before you buy.  They can help ensure that the defect has been addressed and repaired correctly. 

The buyback vehicle may have a lower resale value.

A Lemon Law buyback will still have some value, but its resale value will likely be substantially lower than if it had never been deemed a lemon at all. This means that you should be very careful when making an offer to purchase one of these vehicles. Make sure you are getting a fair price for what you’re buying and that you understand the depreciation risks associated. 

The warranty may be void or limited.

Another important factor to consider when purchasing a Lemon Law buyback is the warranty. California law requires auto manufacturers to provide an express written warranty on all vehicles purchased in California, and this applies to Lemon Law buybacks, as well. However, the manufacturer may choose to void certain parts of the warranty due to its previous lemon designation. So again, it’s best to speak with a Los Angeles Lemon Law lawyer before buying so that you know exactly what type of warranty coverage you have (or don’t have). 

Verify manufacturer requirements.

Always remember that the California Lemon Law has certain requirements that must be met for a vehicle to be declared a lemon and eligible for buyback. However, individual manufacturers may have their own separate requirements, as well. According to the California Lemon Law, all manufacturers must meet the minimum requirements below—and immediately following the purchase of a Lemon Law vehicle:

• Provide a notation on the vehicle title of ownership that states, “Lemon Law buyback.” This notation must also appear on the vehicle registration document.
• Change the vehicle’s title to the manufacturer’s name before selling it to a new owner—you.
• A decal stating “Lemon Law buyback” must be adhered to the appropriate location on the vehicle—either to the frame of the driver’s door or the frame of the primary entrance to the vehicle.
• For motorcycles, the decal must be placed on the left side of the vehicle.

Verify dealership requirements.

California law also requires dealerships and retailers to disclose certain information about a Lemon Law buyback. California legislation states that if the dealership was responsible for making repairs, they must provide written documentation saying so when a new owner purchases the car. 

The dealership is also required to tell you that all prior repairs have been completed correctly and are covered by an express warranty from the manufacturer. If not, they must offer a full refund on the vehicle or replace it with one of similar value. The dealer must also provide the buyer with the following:

• The automobile’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, and year of the vehicle
• Written documentation stating that the automobile’s title is labeled with the “Lemon Law buyback” notation
• A description of all defects that originally qualified the vehicle as a “lemon.”
• A list of all repairs (and their results) made to the vehicle in response to California’s Lemon Law.

Purchasing a Lemon Law buyback can be tricky. Make sure you know your rights under California law.  Understand the risks associated with such purchases and get legal advice from a reputable and experienced Lemon Lawyer in Los Angeles.

Hiring the best Los Angeles Lemon Law lawyer

Not all attorneys are alike. You will need a lawyer who is well-versed in California’s Lemon Law, especially if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. The best lawyers will be experts in California’s Lemon Law and extremely knowledgeable about the pros and cons of purchasing these buybacks. 

A reputable attorney will help ensure that you get a fair deal and that you fully understand all the associated risks.  Be sure to check out their website, online reviews, and legal credentials. With an experienced California Lemon Law lawyer on your side, you can be confident that you are making the right decision for both yourself and your wallet. For more information on hiring the best Los Angeles Lemon Law lawyer, contact The Point Law Group today.