A lemon most commonly refers to new cars with a substantial defect that is not fixable even after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Every state in the country has its own lemon laws that protect consumers from lemons. Federal law also provides additional protection by detailing guidelines for coverage by the manufacturer’s warranty. The BIG catch, however, is that the burden of proof is on the owner of the lemon to prove that the car qualifies for replacement or a refund.
How to Make Lemonade from a Lemon in New Jersey
The New Jersey lemon law covers “any nonconformity, which it defines as a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a motor vehicle.” If the consumer reports the problem to the manufacturer or its dealer during the first 18,000 miles of operation (24,000 miles for vehicles purchased after Oct. 1, 2009) or two years following delivery (whichever comes first), the manufacturer must arrange to have the problem fixed. If after three or more attempts to repair the vehicle, or the vehicle is out of service for a combined 20 days or more (or in the case of vehicles purchased after Oct. 1, 2009) the problem is likely to cause death or serious injury, the consumer is entitled to various remedies as prescribed in the law. For more details, download the New Jersey lemon law summary here, or visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Here are the steps you should take if you think you might be the proud owner of a brand new, bright yellow lemon:
1. Learn the lemon laws and how a lemon is defined in New Jersey, what is covered and how much time you have to file a complaint (see above).
2. Collect all records on your car, including purchase contracts, service orders and invoice together with all warranties and the owner’s manual.
3. Take notes on all conversations with the dealer and service technicians, recording any comments along with the time and date of all attempted repairs.
4. Ask the dealer for a copy of all manufacturer’s technical service bulletins on your car.
5. Track how long and how often your vehicle is in for repairs with dates, times in and times out.
6. Call a lawyer that specializes in lemon law to help you understand your options and evaluate your case. Normally the call is free, and all legal fees will be paid for by the manufacturer if you win your claim.
For more detailed information, check out the lemon law page at NOLO.
How to Avoid a Sour Car-Buying Experience
Caveat emptor – let the buyer beware – is really your best defense in avoiding the dreaded lemon. In other words, do your homework before buying a car:
• Several organizations rate cars on reliability, including Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, Edmunds, The Center for Auto Safety and the Car Complaint Index as published in the The Car Book, just to name a few.
• Look up complaints on the car, van or truck you are considering. Start at Safecar.gov and search its national database on recalls, complaints and investigations. Also check for complaints at The Center for Auto Safety. And don’t forget Google and social media: Ask others in your network if they know anything about the cars you are considering.
• Go with a reputable dealer that is authorized to sell cars by the manufacturer.
• Test drive all of your options and be hyperalert for noises or poor handling. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
• Learn your state’s lemon laws so you know what to do if something goes wrong.
And finally, once you have purchased a car, be sure to file away all the maintenance reports and receipts in a safe place (not in the car) just in case you need the documentation later. Learn more here from WikiHow, including tips on buying a dependable used car.
For more information, follow the source link below.
Insight
Know Your Rights and Put the Squeeze on Lemons
A lemon most commonly refers to new cars with a substantial defect that is not fixable even after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Every state in the country has its own lemon laws that protect consumers from lemons.
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