Consumers assess their rights when they purchase or lease an automobile that doesn’t operate properly. Consumer rights laws prevent manufacturers from selling faulty vehicles to consumers. Under the laws, the manufacturer must complete steps to rectify the situation if a buyer proves the vehicle is a lemon.
What Doesn’t the Law Cover?
The laws do not apply to commercial vehicles purchased through auto dealerships or through manufacturers. The buyer cannot file a lemon application for auto accident damage, vandalism, or their own improper auto maintenance. If the auto buyer didn’t bring the automobile back to the dealership for repairs, they cannot file a claim for any defects caused by a mechanic that doesn’t work for the dealership. Auto owners cannot cite these laws for defects caused by modifications made to the vehicle by another party.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Lemon?
The first step is to contact the dealership if the auto buyer suspects that the automobile is a lemon. The auto dealership must complete at least three repair attempts before they consider the automobile a lemon or faulty. The dealership will take steps to correct the issue. If they don’t, the auto buyer must contact the manufacturer through certified mail. If manufacturer may offer repairs to correct the issue. However, the three attempts still apply before the automobile is a lemon.
How Can a Manufacturer Correct the Situation?
They file if a legal claim, the manufacturer could provide a replacement vehicle to correct the situation for the auto buyer. The replacement vehicle must be new, just like the automobile purchased or leased by the consumer. It must be the same make, model, and color. The replacement vehicle must have all the same features as the original vehicle.
How Much Do You Get Through a Refund?
If the buyer purchased the vehicle outright, the manufacturer will provide the full price the consumer paid. If they financed the automobile, the manufacturer provides a refund to the buyer according to how much they have paid toward the loan, and they provide the remaining balance to the lender. Some courts may require the manufacturer to refund the down payment, too. Auto owners can learn more about the local Lemon law by contacting a local attorney.
Can depreciation of Value Alter Your Settlement?
Yes, the depreciation of value can alter how much the consumer receives in a court settlement. A reduction in value occurs according to how much the buyer has used the vehicle. The manufacturer is not responsible for a depreciation of value. They must settle the dispute according to the current value of the vehicle. Consumers have up to two years to take legal action. During this time, the depreciation of value could have a serious impact on the case.
Consumers review lemon laws when they purchase a faulty automobile. According to the laws, the consumer’s rights must be protected, and the manufacturer must provide an automobile that operates as expected. Consumers can learn more about their rights under these laws by contacting an attorney right now.
