Buying a new or used car is a major purchase and you should make sure that you are happy with the product before settling a deal. However, there is a chance that you could accidentally purchase a lemon car.
What is a lemon car and what can you do if you purchase one?
While ending up with a defective car is unfortunate, there are protections put in place to help you. Here's a guide to help you understand lemon cars, how you can spot a lemon, and what you should do if you purchase a lemon car.
What is a Lemon Car?
A lemon car is defined as a vehicle that has extensive damage that the dealer or seller can't fix at an auto shop within a reasonable amount of time. What exactly qualifies as a "lemon" may vary from state to state. If you are trying to determine whether a defect with a used car could qualify it as a lemon, you will have to study your state's lemon laws.
Understanding Federal Lemon Law
Fortunately, there are laws set in place to protect you from purchasing a car with a substantial defect. Federal lemon laws protect car buyers if they were to accidentally purchase a lemon car. Both used and new cars are protected under lemon law, so you won't need to worry whether you're buying from a dealership or a random stranger.
Filing a claim under lemon law is the equivalent of telling the seller that the car you purchased didn't line up with its warranty. You will require a warranty in order to move forward with a claim, so study your car's warranty in detail.
A warranter will be given a set amount of time to make any car repairs with the vehicle before the buyer is compensated. These car repairs must be completed within a reasonable amount of time, and whatever issues the car had will need to be fixed to the buyer's liking. If the substantial defect remains, then the buyer is subject to compensation.
Warning Signs of a Lemon Car
Even with protections in place, you should be wary when buying a car. Here are a few warning signs to look out for when purchasing a new or used car.
Poorly Written Ads
No matter where you are purchasing a car from, the ads you see should be professional and accurately describe the car's price and any important information about the vehicle. Pay close attention to the ad; it should include the make, model, and year of the car being sold. The seller may also choose to jot down some of the vehicle's features as a bonus.
If the ad is written poorly or doesn't include the necessary information about the car, there is a good chance that the seller is trying to hide something. Use caution when speaking with the seller and ask plenty of questions about the vehicle before purchasing it.
Worn or Mismatched Tires
You can easily gauge how well a car has been maintained by taking a closer look at the tires. A car owner that hasn't cared for a car's tires is unlikely to maintain other aspects of the vehicle.
Check around the car to see if the tires are all the same brand and size. This is crucial to keep the vehicle stable while driving; if the tires are not uniform, they can become worn faster and drive poorly.
Study the tread on the tires and figure out if they are worn or damaged in any way. Not only are worn tires dangerous to drive on, but they can point to a more pressing issue with the car, such as issues with the breaks or suspension. Ensure that the tires are well maintained before making a purchase.
Poorly Maintained Exterior
Chipped paint, dents, and scratches show that the previous owner didn't care for the car as well as they should have. While these minor issues will not affect how the car runs, neglecting exterior maintenance can point to neglect elsewhere.
Scan the car for rust and structural problems. These types of issues may cause the car to run poorly. If you are unsure whether the car has a dent, try using a kitchen magnet over the area; if it doesn't stick, then the car is likely dented.
Poorly Maintained Interior
Just like the exterior, pay close attention to how well the interior of the car was maintained. Are the seats grimy with peeling leather? Is there trash all over the floor?
Write down any damage within the car that would need to be fixed before it would be good to drive. If the damage is too substantial, you may want to search for a different vehicle.
You should also take note of a vehicle that has recently been reupholstered. While it may seem nice, this may be an attempt by the seller to cover up previous damage from flooding or burns. Ask about the car's history and the reason for the reupholstery before jumping into a sale.
Amateur Modifications
Car enthusiasts are well known for modifying their cars in unique and interesting ways. However, amateur modifications can easily go awry, leading to a car that doesn't handle well. Take a close look at any vehicles that have been modified, especially modifications done by an amateur.
While amateur modifications may be fun, they can make a car unsafe to drive. If you notice any major modifications that weren't done by a professional, it's best to search for a car elsewhere.
Offers that Seem Too Generous
Many of the above warning signs are easy to spot in used cars, but may not be applicable to new cars. However, the price of a car can point to a lemon for new and used cars.
If you notice that a car's offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure you ask about the car's history and the reason for the low cost; there's often a hidden meaning behind a low sale price. It may be a seller's attempts at getting rid of a car that they know is a lemon.
What to Do if You Buy a Lemon Car
Unfortunately, you may not spot the signs of a lemon car before it's too late. If you are unlucky enough to purchase a vehicle that doesn't run as it should, you do have steps you can take to make up for the loss.
First, you will need to determine whether or not your car is considered a lemon by your state's lemon laws. There may be defects that your state's lemon laws won't cover, so take the time to look into the laws in detail.
Once you have determined whether or not your car is a lemon, you can move forward with a claim. Start by contacting the manufacturer where you purchased the vehicle and notify them of your dissatisfaction. If you are unsatisfied with the manufacturer's settlement offer, then you will be able to move your claim to a court of law.
In order to have the best chance in claims court, you may want to hire a consumer law attorney for assistance. Focus on attorneys that have experience dealing with lemon law in your state; that way, your lawyer will already possess the knowledge needed to help you with your case.
An attorney will be especially helpful if you are required to go through an arbitration program before you can go to court. These programs are decided on by the car manufacturers of your car, and you will be put up against the company's lawyers to prove that your vehicle is a lemon. These lawyers are lemon law experts, so it's crucial that you have an expert of your own to back your claims.
It is your legal right to receive a refund or replacement vehicle from the manufacturers where you purchased your car. With the right consumer law attorney, you will be able to replace the defective car with a properly working vehicle.
Buy a Used Car with Confidence
Now that you know what is a lemon car, buying a new or used car doesn't have to be a game of chance. Know your options when it comes to purchasing your vehicle and take great care to avoid purchasing a lemon. If you are unlucky enough to wind up with a defective car, remember that you have options and are liable for compensation!
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