It’s exciting to get a new car. There is comfort and security that comes with knowing your vehicle is reliable and safe. Sometimes, through no fault of our own, we can end up with a lemon. A lemon car is a vehicle with chronic problems or defects.
Lemons are far from dependable and can become money pits in a hurry. If you suspect that your new car is a lemon, here are some ways you may be able to tell for sure.
Recalls May Be Your First Clue
Before you invest in an automobile, check to see if the vehicle has any recalls. A recall is a manufacturer defect that affects a large number of cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) records vehicle recalls.
You can check there or the manufacturer’s website for recalls in the car you are considering. The manufacturer will be responsible for replacing the defective part or making the necessary repair. Make sure that is done before you buy the vehicle if you choose to move forward with the purchase.
Test Driving the Car You are Considering is Always Recommended
One of the best ways to see if the car you are considering is a good choice is to take it for a test drive. While you are driving it, note how it handles. Pay attention to whether it pulls, vibrates, or sounds strange. Listen for unusual noises. These can be signs of mechanical problems.
Inspect for Damage
Inspecting for damage is about more than cosmetic issues. Those scratches and dents you see might be signs of an accident. If you spot rust on the car, it could be a sign that it was exposed to harmful weather conditions.
Cars that have been in accidents, storms, and harsh weather conditions are more likely to have mechanical problems that may not be visible instantly.
Check the Car’s Warranty
New cars standardly come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty pays for repairs for an outlined length of time and a prescribed number of miles that the vehicle has been driven. If the car you are considering buying has any defects or problems, it could be covered under warranty.
But, if the warranty has expired, you could be on the hook for paying for necessary repairs out of pocket. Checking the car’s security can save you a lot of money.
Review the Vehicle History Report
It is smart to obtain a vehicle history report before purchasing a used car. These reports are a wealth of information about the car. Ownership history, details about accidents and the damages sustained, and completed repairs can all be found in a vehicle history report.
If a vehicle has been frequently repaired, heed the warning signs. This car may be a lemon.
Wear and Tear Could Signal a Lemon
A well-maintained vehicle may show fewer signs of wear and tear than a car that has been driven roughly without proper maintenance. Areas to examine are as follows:
- Tires
- Brakes
- Suspension
If these parts exhibit noticeable wear, it may also demonstrate that the car was aggressively operated and that maintenance was lacking. All signs that the car may require repairs that end up costing you more money and stress than the car is worth.
Lemon Laws Vary by State
Each state dictates its own lemon laws. These laws protect automobile owners from purchasing defective vehicles. If the flaw is one that was caused by the manufacturer, they are normally required to repair or replace it. If you mistakenly purchased a car that turned out to be a lemon, check with your state’s lemon laws to find your rights.
How to Handle the Purchase of a Lemon With Your Automobile Dealership
Upon purchasing a lemon, you may be concerned about how to handle this problem with the car dealership. Here are some steps we suggest you take to address the situation:
- Take a close look at your paperwork since the fine print could contain crucial details. Your purchase contract may include information about warranties and guarantees about the car.
- Reach out to the dealership with information about your car’s defects and issues you may be experiencing. Present relevant documents and ask for a meeting with the manager to discuss what can be done about your concerns.
- Most state lemon laws require the car dealer to fix the problems with your car. Request repairs with notes about when you reached out and who you spoke with.
- Detailed records about all the communication taking place, including emails, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings may be valuable if resolving the matter requires it to escalate to legal action.
- After making your repair demands, it is essential that you follow up with the dealership. If they fail to do their part, it may be time to file a complaint to your state’s appropriate government channel.
- You may have to consider taking legal action if the dealership does not offer a suitable resolution.
Purchasing a lemon car and not paying expensive consequences for the choice requires taking prompt action. Document all communication with the dealership, request repair payments and follow up to ensure the problem is handled appropriately.
You May Need Legal Help
If you cannot successfully resolve the issues with your vehicle, you may need to pursue the counsel of an attorney. They can advise you about your rights and determine a strategy for the best course to pursue. An attorney may be able to negotiate with the seller or the manufacturer so that you receive a refund or a vehicle replacement.
When You Buy a Lemon, Do Your Best to Turn it Into Lemonade.
Purchasing a lemon can really, pun intended, sour your driving experience. But, by following a few steps, you can avoid lemons from the onset. Test drive the car, inspect it for wear and tear, ensure there are no recalls, and carefully review the vehicle history report.
If you follow these steps and your vehicle still turns out to be a lemon, an attorney experienced with your state’s lemon laws can potentially turn the situation around for you. Reach out to Young & Young APC to discuss issues you may be having with your newly purchased vehicle. Your new vehicle should be long-lasting and dependable, not a headache.