Have you recently bought a used car in California from a dealer and it is now having issues? Even if you purchased it “as-is” you may be entitled to relief under the California Lemon Law, you still have rights. In California, as long as your purchase is within 18,000 miles or 18 months of delivery, you have the right to have the car repaired by the car dealer; and if your car keeps having issues, you may be entitled to a full refund or replacement of the vehicle.
To get started, you need to contact an experienced lemon law attorney, like our team of lawyers at Lemon Law Associates, who can provide the assistance you need to take action against the used car dealership which sold you the vehicle.
We are experienced in protecting consumer rights and helping you get a full refund or replacement of your car if it turns out to be a lemon. Don’t worry about upfront expenses, as our lawyers offer free initial consultations and take on all cases at no cost to you – because when we win, the manufacturer pays for your legal fees!
Lemon Law Requirements in California
In order to qualify for the California Lemon Law, and receive a full refund or replacement for your vehicle, there are a few requirements that must be met:
- The new or used vehicle must be dealer-sold; not a private individual.
- It does not apply to motorcycles and off-highway motor vehicles.
- The car must have an issue or defect covered by a dealer or manufacturer’s warranty.
- The problem caused a substantial impairment in its safety, use, or value.
- The car was either returned for repairs a minimum of 3 times and the problem has not been corrected, or the vehicle has seen an unreasonable amount of time for repairs.
Have a Used Car Problem Within 30 Days?
If a consumer experiences used car problems within 30 days of purchasing a vehicle, they may be protected by the “implied warranties” of the sale in California. California’s lemon law provides consumers who have purchased vehicles from car dealers with additional protections which allow them to get a refund of the purchase price plus any associated collateral costs, including taxes, registration fees, down payment, finance charges, and possibly other types of dealer compensation.
Contact Lemon Law Associates
If you have purchased a used car in California from a dealer and are now experiencing problems with it that cannot be fixed, contact us at Lemon Law Associates today. We will provide you with an initial consultation free of charge and represent your case at no charge.
The Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights in California
The Car Buyers Bill of Rights impacts the rights of a consumer who purchases a used car in California from a licensed dealer.
There are several rights that a consumer has when purchasing a used car from a dealer in California including the right to receive disclosures about the vehicle, have an opportunity to inspect the car, and obtain written warranties. The car buyer’s bill of rights requires the dealer to display in their showroom a clear and conspicuous notice that states these consumers’ rights.
The dealer also must provide you with a written statement at the time you take delivery of your vehicle that discloses any known major defects that would materially affect its value. It also gives car buyers the option to cancel a sales contract and return the vehicle within two days if they are not completely satisfied.
If you are obtaining financing for a vehicle, the dealer is required by law to give buyers a Notice to Vehicle Credit Applicant form, which shows the credit score calculated for you, the range of possible credit scores, your personal information, how your monthly payments are calculated, and the contact information of the credit reporting agency that calculated the score.
If anything in the purchase or use of your used car does not meet the terms of the Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights, you may be able to recover damages from the used car dealer for any losses suffered due to their failure to comply with it.
If you’re having a problem with your new or used car, don’t just take it to get repaired – contact an experienced lemon law attorney first who can help protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation or replacement you deserve. Our team at Lemon Law Associates can provide you with the assistance and guidance needed to ensure a successful outcome for your claim.
Most Cars Come With Car Warranties
Usually, there is also a warranty that comes with a new or used car purchase, so it is important to be educated on what kind of warranty you have and what rights you may be entitled to if something goes wrong. Below, we’re going to discuss some of the more common types of warranties.
Express Warranty
This type of warranty is an explicit promise from the manufacturer that the vehicle will be free from defects for a certain amount of time, usually up to three years or 36,000 miles. It also may include specific parts of the vehicle such as the engine and transmission.
Powertrain Warranty
This type of warranty covers the main components of a vehicle such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles. It is usually good for up to five years or 60,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer.
Dealer Warranty
A dealer warranty is a service contract where the dealer offers to cover repairs for a new or used car. Many dealers offer their own warranties and they can vary in length and what is covered under them. It is important to read the fine print before signing as some may have hidden fees or specific terms that could limit your rights if something goes wrong with the vehicle.
Extended Warranty
Service contracts like extended warranties can usually be purchased from the dealer, or aftermarket, and provide additional protection beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty. These are usually more expensive than a manufacturer’s warranty but may cover more items for longer periods of time this is especially useful if you plan on keeping a vehicle for many years or if it could need frequent repairs.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
A manufacturer warranty is the most common type of warranty on a car. Manufacturer’s warranties usually cover repairs for certain parts and services under specific conditions and terms- each manufacturer has its own set of rules which you should read thoroughly before signing any contract.
Implied Warranty
An implied warranty is a promise by the seller that a product or service will meet certain standards. In California, this extends to used cars as well and dealers are required to provide an implied warranty of merchantability on all used vehicles sold in the state.
We Specialize in Used Car Lemon Law
If a dealer sells you a used car that does not meet the requirements of California’s implied warranty of merchantability, then you may have a claim under the state’s lemon law. Lemon Law Associates specializes in helping consumers who bought used cars from dealers with problems in California. Contact us today for your free consultation and get the compensation or replacement vehicle you are entitled to.
Lemon Law Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about car lemon law and what rights you have when purchasing a used car in California from a licensed dealer by reading some of the most common questions below:
Start Your Lemon Law Case
To get started with Lemon Law Associates, just give us a call at 1-877-955-3666. We’ll ask you a few questions to get an understanding of your situation and then provide you with advice on the best solution for your needs.
