Buying a new car is an exciting process! It’s something you will use daily and you want it to wow you. You’ve done your research, test drove a few cars, and have found the perfect fit–until it isn’t.
You’ve bought what you think is a lemon car and now you’re stuck. Purchasing a “lemon” happens more often than you might think and cannot be driven with the assurance of safety. If this has happened to you and you suspect you’ve purchased a lemon, there are certain things you should do to help your cause.
In this article, we’ll tell you “what to do if you bought a lemon car.”
Table of Contents
Find Out If Your Car Falls As a Lemon Car
The first thing you should do is find out if your car falls under the lemon law. There are a few signs that your car may be a lemon. That includes if it has been in the shop for 30 days or more within the first year, or if it has had four or more car repairs for the same problem.
Another sign is if your car keeps breaking down. If your car meets these criteria, you may be able to get a refund or a replacement car.
Note the Issues You’re Experiencing
If you purchase a lemon car, the first thing you should do is take note of the issues you’re experiencing. What to note includes the problem, when it happened, and how often it occurs. If possible, take photos or videos of the car problems.
This will help create a stronger case against the manufacturer or dealership. Once you have all the evidence you need, reach out to the manufacturing company or the dealership and request a refund or replacement.
Look Up the Laws
Lemon laws are state laws that provide protections for consumers who buy or lease cars that turn out to be lemons. Each state has its lemon law, so it’s important to know what the law is in your state. Among the first things you should do is look up the laws in your state to see what your rights are.
In some states, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement car. In other states, you may only be entitled to a refund of your down payment or a partial refund of your monthly payments. If you think you have a lemon car, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lemon lawyer in your state to find out what your rights are.
Write the Manufacturer for a Buyback
You can try to negotiate with the manufacturer on your own. If you are not able to agree, you can contact your state’s consumer protection agency or attorney general’s office to see if they can help.
If you are still not able to get the manufacturer to buy back your lemon car, you can file a lawsuit. The BBB should mediate the situation and help you get your money back.
Know What to Do If You Have a Lemon Car
It’s important to know what to do if you have a lemon car so that you can get the most out of your lemon law rights. If you think you have a lemon, keep track of all repairs and attempted repairs, document everything, and contact an experienced lemon law attorney.
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