A car is considered a lemon in California if it has a serious defect that is not able to be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The Lemon Law in California is designed to protect consumers from being stuck with a defective car. If your car is found to be a lemon you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement car.
There are a few things that you need to know in order to determine if your car is a lemon. First you need to make sure that the problem with your car is covered by the warranty. If the problem is not covered by the warranty then the car is not a lemon. Second you need to make sure that you have attempted to have the problem repaired by a qualified mechanic. If you have not attempted to have the problem repaired then the car is not a lemon.
Third you need to make sure that the problem has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The number of attempts that is considered reasonable will vary depending on the nature of the problem. For example if the problem is with the engine then two or three attempts to repair the problem may be reasonable. However if the problem is with the paint then a reasonable number of attempts may be ten or more.
Fourth you need to make sure that the problem has substantially hindered your use of the car. If the problem has not hindered your use of the car then the car is not a lemon.
If you believe that your car is a lemon you should contact an attorney who specializes in lemon law. An experienced lemon law attorney will be able to review your case and determine if you are entitled to a refund or a replacement car.
When is a car considered a lemon in California?
Answer: A car is considered a lemon in California if it has a defect that substantially impairs its use value or safety and which is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
How long does a car have to be in the shop before it can be considered a lemon?
Answer: A car has to be in the shop for at least 30 days before it can be considered a lemon.
How many attempts does the manufacturer have to fix the car before it can be considered a lemon?
Answer: The manufacturer has four attempts to fix the car before it can be considered a lemon.
What type of defects can make a car a lemon?
Answer: Any type of defect that substantially impairs the use value or safety of the car can make it a lemon.
What if the manufacturer is unable to repair the car after the fourth attempt?
Answer: If the manufacturer is unable to repair the car after the fourth attempt the car is considered a lemon.
What are the options for the consumer if their car is considered a lemon?
Answer: The consumer has the option to either receive a replacement car or a refund.
How long does the consumer have to make a decision on whether they want a replacement car or a refund?
Answer: The consumer has 18 months from the date of purchase to make a decision on whether they want a replacement car or a refund.
What if the consumer decides they want a refund?
Answer: If the consumer decides they want a refund they are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price plus any taxes license fees and other fees paid.
What if the consumer decides they want a replacement car?
Answer: If the consumer decides they want a replacement car they are entitled to a car of comparable value.
What if the manufacturer is unable or unwilling to provide a replacement car?
Answer: If the manufacturer is unable or unwilling to provide a replacement car the consumer is entitled to a full refund of the purchase price plus any taxes license fees and other fees paid.
What if the defect in the car is not covered by the warranty?
Answer: If the defect in the car is not covered by the warranty the consumer may still be entitled to a refund or replacement car.
What if the car is no longer under warranty?
Answer: If the car is no longer under warranty the consumer may still be entitled to a refund or replacement car.
What if the car is leased?
Answer: If the car is leased the consumer is entitled to a refund of all lease payments made plus any taxes license fees and other fees paid.
What if the car is financed?
Answer: If the car is financed the consumer is entitled to a full refund of the purchase price plus any taxes license fees and other fees paid.
What if the consumer wants to keep the car?
Answer: If the consumer wants to keep the car they are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price plus any taxes license fees and other fees paid.
