Is Your Used Vehicle a Lemon? You Have Rights!
One of the biggest mistakes that Used Vehicle owners make is assuming that because the vehicle was purchased ‘used,’ that they are not protected by the California Lemon Law. This is false. If your Used Vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, then California Lemon Law applies.
To determine what types of Used Vehicles are covered under the California Lemon Law, contact a Used Vehicle Lemon Law Attorney at Bellum Law Group now at (888) 223-5586.
Eligibility Requirements for California’s Used Car Lemon Law
Not all used vehicles are covered under California’s Lemon Law. One of the following must apply:
- The used vehicle has an active manufacturer’s warranty;
- The used vehicle has an express warranty provided by the dealer;
- The used vehicle was sold as a ‘certified pre-owned’ vehicle, which typically comes with an additional express warranty from the manufacturer; or
- The used vehicle had previously been repurchased as a lemon by the manufacturer and resold with new express written warranties covering the defect(s).
Note that your vehicle must also meet the general requirements set forth under the California Lemon Law.
To determine whether your Used Vehicle qualifies under the California Lemon Law, contact a Used Vehicle Lemon Law Attorney at Bellum Law Group now at (888) 223-5586.
What is a “Reasonable Number” of Attempts to Repair the Vehicle?
This is a common question, and for a good reason—the answer is complicated. It all depends on the type of defect and its severity. If the defect affects the vehicle’s safety and could potentially put the driver and/or passengers at risk of injury or death, then the vehicle may meet the “reasonable number” after only two repair attempts by the dealer.
If the defect is not considered safety-related, then the vehicle may meet the “reasonable number” after four repair attempts by the dealer.
Lastly, the vehicle may circumvent the “reasonable number” requirement if the vehicle has been in the shop for 30 or more days – even if those days have not been in a row.
What Happens if Your Used Vehicle is Deemed a Lemon?
If your Used Vehicle meets the eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to a repurchase or a replacement of your Used Vehicle. This includes the down-payment, all of your monthly payments (including tax and finance charges), and a prorated portion of your registration. Note that in either situation, you will be responsible for paying for the use of the Used Vehicle while it was in working order. For example, if your vehicle was ‘trouble-free’ for 30 days before the defects became clear, then you would be responsible for paying for 30 days of use.
If you are a Used Vehicle owner and you think your vehicle may be a lemon, then you need someone in your corner who knows the law and can fight to get you the results you are entitled to. Call a Used Vehicle Lemon Law Attorney at Bellum Law Group now at (888) 223-5586.