How to Determine If Your Car Is Covered by the Lemon Law

The United States has a federal Lemon Law that protects buyers of new and used automobiles. If you purchase a vehicle that was knowingly sold with mechanical and other defects, the sale may be covered under the Lemon Law. Find out here.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Learn the Lemon Law

1. Know that all new car purchases are protected by the Lemon Law. New cars must be free of mechanical problems caused by manufacturing defects, and buyers are entitled to compensation if they are not.

2. Be aware that Lemon Laws vary considerably from state to state. Visit the Better Business Bureau's Web site (see Resources below) to find state-specific Lemon Law information.

3. Understand the two situations in which used cars are protected by the federal Lemon Law. If the used vehicle is still covered under the manufacturer's warranty, it is very likely you can make a case for compensation. If the manufacturer's warranty has expired, you will still be covered under the Lemon Law if the seller fails to fully disclose the vehicle's history. Salvaged and stolen cars are covered by the federal Lemon Law. Cars with an undisclosed history of mechanical problems, used as a police, taxi or rental cars and those with rolled-back odometers are also covered.

4. Protect yourself by putting the seller's claims about the vehicle's history in writing prior to purchase.

Determine Whether Your Car is a Lemon

5. Do a title search on your vehicle. Use one of the many online services, such as Carfax, that perform title searches.

6. Visit an auto mechanic to find out whether body or mechanical work was performed on the car without your knowledge. Keep a copy of the service report in case you decide to take legal action.

7. Consult an authorized dealer for the make of your vehicle. They can find out whether the car has wrecked before. Dealerships can also get mileage records on vehicles if they've been serviced, so you can determine whether the odometer has been illegally manipulated. Retain a printed report of your visit.

8. Get your insurance provider to run a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check. This will determine whether the vehicle's history includes any accident claims made with insurance companies.

9. Take your documentation to an attorney specializing in consumer protection if you determine that your car is a lemon.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that you forfeit your rights covered by the lemon law if you purchase a vehicle in "as is" condition. An "as is" purchase means the buyer accepts the automobile despite its defects.

Who Can Help Sponsored