Expert Advice When You Need It Most

How to Ask a Lemon Law Question and Get the Right Answer

Written by: Ronald Lee Burdge

Reputation Level 17

Fraud Lemon Law

Posted over 2 years ago. 3 helpful votes, 0 comments

Save

Share with:

Where do you live and where did you get your vehicle?

Every state lemon law is different so where you live can make a big difference. Some state lemon laws only cover you if you acquired the vehicle in the state where you live, so where you got the vehicle matters too. We need to know what state you live in and if you got your vehicle in a different state.

Did you buy it new or used? And, if used, how many miles were on the vehicle?

Some state lemon laws only cover vehicles acquired in new condition and some laws cover both new and used. Even if you bought a used vehicle though, there are special state laws in every state that can still help you, so it's important to know if you bought it new or used and how many miles were on the vehicle when you bought it. If your real problem is with a repair shop or a used car dealer, then explain why.

What are your vehicle's problems?

State lemon laws usually only cover defects that substantially impair a vehicle's use or value or safety. Some defects are not covered by every state lemon law, so knowing what defects your vehicle has experienced is important to whether or not your state's lemon law can cover you. Knowing the list of your problems matters a lot; knowing the history of each problem, not so much.

What defects were worked on multiple times?

Some states require the owner give the dealer 3 chances to fix a defect while other states require 4. Some kinds of defects only get one chance for a successful repair. Knowing how many times each different kind of defect was worked on can help you get a quick answer.

How many days was your vehicle out of service?

One of the easiest ways to spot a lemon vehicle is to count the number of days the vehicle has been out of service because of repair work. Most state lemon laws have a limit on the total number of days that a vehicle is allowed to be in the repair shop for repairs but the limit is different in different states.

Have you complained?

A few state lemon laws require you to give notice to the manufacturer, sometimes in writing, and all state lemon laws require you to at least complain to your franchised dealer. Knowing whether or not you have complained, who to, and how often, can help an attorney better determine what you should do next.

What's your question?

An attorney can best answer your question if you ask it plain and simple. Tell us everything you want to tell us, but be sure you tell us what you want to know.