Buying a car is one of the most important purchases we make in life. When we purchase a car, we trust that it will function and perform properly. However, there are many cases when dealerships commit fraud and leave new car owners with a vehicle requiring endless repairs.
Thankfully, California's lemon laws can protect car owners from dealership fraud. Our Orange County lemon law attorneys explain what lemon-aid is available for you if you think you’ve purchased a lemon car.
Protections Under California Lemon Law
California lemon law protects new car owners who have purchased a defective vehicle that cannot be repaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts. If you believe a dealership has sold you a lemon car, you have the right to seek compensation for their negligence.
Compensation for a lemon car includes having the manufacturer or dealer:
- Replace or buyback the vehicle
- Reimburse you for repair, towing, and rental car costs incurred as a result of vehicle defects
- Pay a civil penalty if it can be proved they willfully sold a lemon vehicle
You may be covered by California lemon law if your vehicle purchase or lease is still under a manufacturer’s new car warranty. If you purchased a used vehicle, you are still covered by lemon law if the vehicle is still under a manufacturer’s new car warranty. Members of Armed Forces stationed in California are also covered by lemon law, even if their vehicles were purchased outside of California.
How Do Lemon Law Buybacks Work?
In some cases, dealers buy back lemon vehicles and then resale them. When dealers resale lemon cars, they must identify them as “lemon law buyback” so that buyers are aware that it is a lemon car.
If you purchased a lemon law buyback car that was not adequately disclosed, you might still have rights under lemon law—even if the vehicle is no longer under a manufacturer’s warranty.
What If Lemon Law Doesn’t Apply to Me?
If the vehicle you purchased isn’t under a manufacturer’s warranty, there are still other laws that may protect you. For example, dealership fraud and other deceptive practices may still help your case. Whether dealing with dealership fraud or lemon law cases, it’s best to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you think you have purchased a lemon car, you need an experienced attorney on your side. For legal guidance, contact our Orange County lemon law attorneys today at (949) 390-9695 to schedule a virtual consultation!