San Diego Used Car Lemon Law Lawyers Providing Skilled Legal Representation to Consumers

Purchasing a used vehicle can be a budget-friendly option for a consumer looking for a new car. Unfortunately, if your used car has a defect that cannot be fixed despite the best efforts of certified mechanics, your good deal can rapidly become a hassle. Luckily, some used vehicles are covered under California’s lemon law, which can make resolving the issue much easier.

To learn more about what used vehicles are covered by the state’s lemon law and whether your car might qualify, contact an experienced lawyer from San Diego Lemon Law. We only handle lemon law cases and are here to ensure that the rights of all vehicle buyers are protected. For a free consultation on your unique situation, call 619-434-0819 today.

How Do Lemon Laws Protect Car Buyers?

Every state has lemon laws on the books that provide consumers with a way to settle their grievances if they purchase a defective product. If a vehicle has an issue that impacts its use, safety, or resale value that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, then the manufacturer must replace or repurchase it. While not all states cover defective used vehicles, California does under some circumstances.

When Can a Used Car Buyer in California File a Lemon Law Claim?

Fortunately for California consumers, some used vehicles are subject to the lemon law. However, it’s crucial to understand how eligibility is determined. If the following are true, your used car may be covered by the lemon law:

• It was purchased in California for private, family, or business use.
• You bought the car from a dealer or manufacturer, not an individual.
• The vehicle is still under the original warranty, a new warranty, or an extended warranty.
• It has an issue that substantially impacts its safety, your ability to use it, or its value.
• The manufacturer has had a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue without success.
• You have been unable to use the vehicle for at least 30 days since purchase, although these days do not have to be consecutive.

If you are uncertain whether you may have a valid lemon law case for your used car, take advantage of a no-cost case evaluation with a knowledgeable San Diego lemon law attorney.

What if I Bought a Lemon Law Buyback Vehicle?

If a manufacturer or dealer has to buy back a lemon vehicle, they often repair it and offer it for resale. The title must then show that it is a lemon law buyback car, and state law requires that these vehicles have a lemon sticker on the door to help buyers identify them. Lemon law buyback vehicles cannot legally be sold “as-is” to consumers and must come with a one-year factory covering all defects.

However, sometimes dealers are not aboveboard in their transactions, and the consumer later finds out that they purchased a lemon law buyback car that still has serious issues. In these cases, the consumer has legal rights. Our law firm can help you navigate the system if you have been a victim of a bad dealership or unscrupulous business practices.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In most cases, consumers have four years to file a lemon law claim in California. This four-year period usually begins when the issues with the vehicle are first discovered. Although you technically have four years to file, starting your claim process with a lemon law lawyer as soon as possible is highly recommended to provide yourself with the best chance of success with your case.

Why Hire a Lemon Law Lawyer if You Have Used Car Problems?

The rules governing used cars that are lemons are more complex than for new vehicles. While consumers are free to bring cases on their own, they may be at a disadvantage when negotiating with large dealerships or manufacturers.

The lawyers at San Diego Lemon Law are here to help you get the most for your defective used vehicle. Most clients will owe nothing because we bill the manufacturer or dealer for our costs. Call 619-434-0819 to schedule a free consultation today.