Feeling The Squeeze
With A Potential
Car Lemon?

Author: Earl Powers

No one buys a new vehicle expecting it to break down time and
time again. However, these days consist of corporate
finger-pointing and not wanting to take responsibility for any
potential problems. Consumers have to take care and trust no one
but themselves when it comes to a car lemon and they have to arm
themselves with the latest on their state's car lemon law.
Unfortunately, that means always being diligent about
documentation and keeping paperwork, no matter what is involved.

According to most lemon laws, a vehicle is considered a lemon
when it has a defect or malfunction that continually pops up
despite repairs and could be a potential hazard to the driver's
safety. Every state is different and has special requirements on
the number of times a vehicle should be brought in for service
for the same defect before it is considered a car lemon. The
lemon law of California states that four attempts should be made
to repair the same defect. However, the lemon law of Florida
states that it is three attempts.

It is every man for himself, so that is why documentation is so
important. Sometimes, the vehicle you bought new is not presumed
a lemon until the warranty is out of date or the number of miles
on the odometer is over the limit specified in your state's
lemon law. The documentation you keep - repair visits, routine
maintenance, etc. - will help uphold your rights under the car
lemon law.

When you are getting warranty work done on your car, make notes
on each and every person you talked with about your maintenance
and repairs. Ask for quotes as well as actual work done in
writing. Just because some repair work may have been done under
warranty and therefore covered by the manufacturer does not mean
you are not entitled to an invoice. The burden of proof lies
with you.

Another tip is to have the authorized repair center make note of
your complaint on your invoice. Make sure that every time you
receive a receipt or any piece of paper with your car statistics
that it has your car's odometer reading listed too. Write down
the date and time of all of your phone conversations. Sometimes,
managers and other decision makers will claim that they did not
receive any messages from you. Be sure to get last names and
employee titles where applicable. It will be harder for anyone
to 'pass the buck' with your documentation.

As a consumer, you have certain rights under your state's lemon
laws. If you have any trouble with the manufacturer making good
on your car, you can consult with lemon law attorneys. They will
help you understand your rights. The lesson to be learned when
buying a new car, is always expect a car lemon. That way you
will be prepared for anything that happens.

About the author:
Earl Powers, US Lawyer and Lemon Law In expert - focusing on
State Lemon Laws and Lemon Law Attorney