When you buy a new car, the last thing you want is to find out it’s a lemon. But how can you tell a car is a lemon before driving it off the lot?
What Is A Lemon Car, And How Do You Know If You Have One?
A lemon car is a defective vehicle or does not meet the standards set by the manufacturer. There are many reasons a car may be considered a lemon, but the most common reason is faulty manufacturing. In some cases, a car may be considered a lemon if it has been subject to multiple repairs for the same problem within a short period.
If a car cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, it may also be classified as a lemon. A car must typically meet specific criteria set by state Lemon Laws to be officially declared a lemon. Once a car has been declared a lemon, the manufacturer must provide the owner with a replacement vehicle or a refund.
There are several ways to tell if a car is a lemon. First, check for recalls. You can do this by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website and entering your car’s make and model. If there have been any recalls, they will be listed here.
Next, check for complaints. The NHTSA website also has a database of complaints filed by consumers. You can search this database by make and model to see if there have been any complaints about your car.
Finally, have your car inspected by an independent mechanic. This is the best way to get an unbiased opinion about the condition of your car. Be sure to get the mechanic’s report in writing to have documentation if you need it later.
Signs That Your Car May Be A Lemon
If you find yourself constantly taking your car back to the dealership for repairs or spending more time in the shop than it is on the road, you might be driving a lemon. What is considered a lemon car? Here are five signs to watch out for.
1. The car has been in the shop for more than 30 days.
If your car has needed repairs that have taken more than a month to fix, you might be driving a lemon. Under most state lemon laws, if a car has a serious defect that can’t be fixed within 30 days, the manufacturer must take it back and give you a refund or a replacement vehicle.
2. The same problem keeps coming back.
If you’ve brought your car in for the same repair multiple times and it just won’t stay fixed, that’s another sign that you might have a lemon on your hands. A good rule of thumb is that if a problem occurs three times or more, it’s probably time to consider whether your car is defective.
3. You’ve only had the car for a short time.
You shouldn’t worry about major repairs shortly after buying a new car. Something is wrong if you find yourself taking your brand-new vehicle back to the shop every other week. In most cases, if a car has serious defects, they will become apparent fairly quickly after purchase.
4. The repairs are expensive.
If the cost of repairs is starting to add up and they’re eating into your budget, that’s another sign that you might be driving a lemon. In some cases, manufacturers will reimburse owners for repair costs if it’s determined that the car is defective.
5. The car isn’t safe to drive.
If your car has safety defects that make it unsafe to drive, that’s definitely grounds for returning it under most state lemon laws. You can sue the manufacturer for undisclosed defects like frame damage. In some cases, manufacturers will even provide rental cars while yours is being repaired so that you’re not left stranded without transportation.
What Are My Options If My Car Turns Out To Be A Lemon?
Dealing with a lemon car can be frustrating and time-consuming, but it’s important to know that you have options. If you think you have purchased a lemon car, your first step is to reach out to the manufacturer and try to negotiate a refund or replacement vehicle.
If that doesn’t work, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or through arbitration. Finally, you can report the problem to your state’s attorney general or consumer protection agency. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
