You would think that today’s car buying process would easily protect you from ending up with a lemon, what with all the data you can find online. You can look up every aspect about a vehicle and be well-prepared when it’s time to choose. That’s what you would think…but with vehicles as sophisticated as they are now, trying to avoid buying a lemon is still a challenge. Cars and trucks are rolling computers these days, with a lot that can go wrong.
What goes into all this prep before a purchase? Are there a few strategies a person should go with to at least minimize the chance you’ll buy a lemon? You’ll need to do plenty of research, call in some experts, test drive and be sure to understand the warranty. Our tips will point you in the right direction. But if things don’t work out, you can rely on the skill and knowledge of a lemon law attorney to help you protect your rights should you end up with a lemon.
Please note: Allen Stewart, P.C.’s lemon law attorneys will fight for your rights if you get stuck with a lemon vehicle. Don’t wait. Have our attorneys review your claim. Schedule your free case evaluation. Call 866-440-2460 or contact us online.
Six Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Buying a Lemon
1. Research the Vehicle Model
Research the specific make and model of the vehicle. Some cars have well-documented histories of recurring problems. Some of these issues include faulty transmissions, electrical system failures, or premature engine wear. Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports, and online forums have some good pointers and offer research so you can check out if the car you want has a good rating. For instance, if a particular sedan is notorious for brake issues after 50,000 miles, you might want to check out a more reliable alternative. These sources and more online sites can help you check for any outstanding recalls or technical service bulletins issued by the manufacturer. The main point is to narrow your search to vehicles known for their long-term reliability.
For more information on arbitration and other frequently asked lemon law questions, click here.
2. Get a Comprehensive Vehicle History Report
Check services like CARFAX, AutoCheck, or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), for vehicle history reports. They compile data on accidents, title status, odometer readings, and ownership history. While a clean report isn’t a guarantee that problems won’t crop up later, it serves as a way to eliminate vehicles with problematic backgrounds.
3. Engage a Mechanic for a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Even a new vehicle that appears just fine may have hidden flaws. Independent (not employed by the dealer you’re buying from) mechanics are your best bet to detect issues that could otherwise go unnoticed. Have them go over every inch of the car. What they find could foreshadow a costly engine repair, or on a used car, uneven tire wear could signal suspension misalignment. Pay for a comprehensive review rather than a cursory check, and request a written report detailing the findings.
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4. Test Drive the Vehicle
Take your time test-driving the vehicle; you’ll want to test it against several conditions. Drive on highways to gauge acceleration and stability at higher speeds. Drive through city streets to see how it brakes and handles. Go over bumpy roads to test suspension response. Does the car make vibrations or noises during your tests? You’ll want to try out the air conditioning, heating, windows, lights, and infotainment; make sure they operate correctly.
5. Verify Warranty Coverage Details
Take your time with this step: One of the most important things you can do before your purchase is thoroughly review the warranty. For new vehicles, manufacturer warranties typically cover major systems for a set period, often three years or 36,000 miles (bumper to bumper), or 5 years/60,000 miles or longer (powertrain). Used cars may come with limited dealer warranties, extended manufacturer warranties, or certified pre-owned (CPO) warranties. Be sure you know what components are covered. Are there mileage or time limits? Does the warranty transfer if you sell the car later? Have your warranty questions answered and review everything carefully.
Lemon laws are confusing. Read our guide to the lemon law complaint process.
6. Upon Delivery of Your New Vehicle: What to Watch For
If you’re taking delivery of a new vehicle, you need to be especially vigilant for any damage that could have occurred before you take possession. This can include, but isn’t limited to:
- Electronics issues (test everything while you’re still at the dealership)
- Missing transport protective coverings
- Inability to verify the battery manufacturing date
- Get written confirmation of any promised firmware updates
Keep an eye out for anything that looks out of the ordinary, and refuse delivery if you think there is something wrong.
What If You Do Buy a Lemon? How a Lemon Law Attorney Can Help?
Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with a defective vehicle. If you own a vehicle with a significant, uncorrectable defect impairing its use, safety, or value, consulting a lemon law attorney can help you potentially recover compensation. State lemon laws provide consumer protections. These laws typically apply when a vehicle, under warranty, exhibits a persistent issue that the manufacturer or dealer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts (often three or four, depending on state regulations). Remedies may include a refund, a replacement vehicle, or compensation for diminished value, but eligibility hinges on meeting specific criteria.
A lemon law attorney specializes in guiding you through the claim process, at first determining if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Then the attorney builds your case and works to ensure the manufacturer is held accountable. Fighting for your rights is the benefit a lemon law attorney provides. Retaining such expertise maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome.
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Please note: While there is no federal lemon law, your attorney can also potentially use the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to help you win your claim. Even if certain states’ laws may not provide the ability to seek compensation, often the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act can protect your rights. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also requires that manufacturers pay the claimant’s attorney’s fees if the claimant prevails against the manufacturer. State lemon laws don’t always make this provision.
Allen Stewart, P.C. Protects Your Rights in Lemon Law Cases
It’s great to be prepared, especially when it comes to buying a vehicle. But what if you follow all the tips we’ve provided, and you still end up with a faulty vehicle? Allen Stewart, P.C. can represent you for your lemon law claim so you can gain the compensation you are due.
When you’re looking for a lemon law attorney, you want a firm that is known for winning cases for its clients. Allen Stewart, P.C. is a top lemon law firm that has won cases in California, Texas, New York and across the country. We aggressively fight for our clients’ rights and offer expert knowledge and experience in all aspects of lemon law, including the latest cases involving EVs and other new technologies.
Some people might wonder if they need a lemon law attorney. You can be sure that the manufacturer will bring its legal team to bear, and try to evade or dismiss your claim. Allen Stewart, P.C. is well-versed in these manufacturer tactics. We have one goal: holding manufacturers accountable so you get the compensation that you deserve.
What about cost? There are no upfront costs associated with having Allen Stewart, P.C. represent you. Thanks to federal law, our clients pay nothing out of pocket, so contact us now for a free consultation.
Schedule your free case evaluation and have us review your claim. Call 866-440-2460 or contact us online.