Buying a new car can be a major expense, and one that every motorist hopes will be a good investment. However, in many cases, drivers inadvertently end up buying a defective vehicle that requires significant and costly repairs to make it roadworthy. In addition to the stress and inconvenience of dealing with repeated problems, owners of these vehicles also face significant costs in trying to remedy the issues as they appear.Â
According to current figures, approximately 150,000 cars each year have repeated and unfixable problems coining them “lemon” cars. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect the consumer rights of individuals who find themselves with such defective vehicles.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows consumers to file a claim for breach of warranty in relation to a lemon car, helping them receive the right remedy such as financial compensation or a replacement vehicle. This article offers guidance on how to navigate a lemon law claim to ensure a swift and successful outcome.
Know Your Rights
Lemon laws can differ from state to state so it is essential that claimants understand the criteria they need to meet before filing a claim. For instance, the number of unsuccessful repair attempts made by the owner may be three in one state but four in another. Also, lemon laws may cover used or rental cars in one state but only extend to new cars in another.
To ensure your chances of succeeding in a lemon law claim it is essential to be clear on the requirements imposed by the laws in your particular state. For this reason, it is helpful to consult with lemon law attorneys who can review your case and advise you of the specific criteria you must meet.
Keep Records
Good record-keeping is key to a successful lemon law claim. By gathering information such as diagnosis of faults, quotations and receipts for repair work undertaken on your car, test results, and correspondence with dealerships or mechanics regarding vehicle defects you can create a detailed timeline that evidences the history of problems experienced with your vehicle. This type of record-keeping can help you or your attorney build a robust case in support of your lemon law claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Â
Understand Your OptionsÂ
The remedies available under a lemon law claim can differ according to the state. Some may offer a full or partial reimbursement of the purchase price of the vehicle and associated costs while others may offer a replacement vehicle. In many cases, the claimant can choose which remedy they prefer. By fully understanding your rights and options you can make a well-informed choice regarding your preferred remedy.
Note Deadlines
The statute of limitations imposes a deadline in which to file a claim. While this is typically four years, the timeframe can vary according to state, as can the date from which the clock starts ticking. For instance, in some states, it will begin from the date the vehicle was purchased, while in others it will begin when a defect or issue was first discovered. Being aware of the relevant timelines in your state is essential to filing a successful claim.
By following the guidance outlined, consumers can receive the protection they are entitled to under their state’s lemon laws.