California's lemon law also may provide rights to purchasers of a used car.
How the Lemon Law Differs for a Used Car
New vehicles are covered from the moment they are purchased or leased, and if you buy a newer vehicle, even if it's used, you'll have protection if the auto's original manufacturer warranties are still in place. The bumper to bumper warranty period is often:
- 3 years, or
- 36,000 miles
Or longer. And the powertrain warranty period is often:
- 5 years, or
- 60,000 miles
Or longer.
California's Lemon Law allows a used car owner to enjoy the remaining balance of a car's original warranty upon purchase. If the original owner sold a vehicle with a year warranty left, you would have a one-year manufacturer warranty transferred at the time of sale.
Some manufacturers will even offer longer warranty periods if you purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle. that offers varying levels of coverage.
Resold Lemons and the Law
When a manufacturer repurchases or buys back a lemon, the lemon vehicle can be resold, but California law provides additional protection. The vehicle's title must state that the vehicle is a "lemon law buyback," so all buyers know that the vehicle had a defect or defects that needed a number of repairs. On the inside of the vehicle's door, there must be a "lemon" sticker to notify any consumers that the vehicle they're purchasing has been classified as a lemon.
If you purchase a vehicle that should have been branded as a lemon and the dealership never told you in writing that the vehicle was identified as a lemon, you still have rights under the state's Lemon Law. A lawyer will be able to help you seek a legal remedy in this scenario.
Personal and Commercial Vehicle Protections
For the Lemon Law to apply, a used car must be for use as a:
- Personal vehicle
- Family vehicle
- Household vehicle
Commercial vehicles are only covered under the law if they weigh under 10,000 pounds and the business owns no more than five vehicles.
What to Do If You Think You've Purchased a Lemon
If you think your vehicle is a lemon, you must allow the dealership or manufacturer to try and repair the vehicle a "reasonable" number of times. If repairs under warranty are denied, contact a lawyer immediately. Otherwise, the following may be considered to be a reasonable number of times:
- The vehicle has been in the shop for repairs for 30 days or more
- Four or more repair attempts were made
- Two repair attempts were made for an issue that can cause death or serious bodily harm
"Even when the Lemon Law does not apply in your case, other state and federal laws may protect you. These include laws that prohibit deceptive practices and require vehicles to meet minimum safety standards," states the California Department of Justice .
If you're dealing with a lemon car and want the best chance of a favorable outcome, contact us right away.
Gayle Law Group, Your California Lemon Law Firm
We care about every one of our clients and work hard to get impressive results for them. We are as dependent on our vehicles as any Californian – we know how it feels to have a vehicle that won’t operate the way it should.
We pride ourselves on keeping our clients advised every step of the way. You will never be in the dark wondering what’s happening in your case. You’ll know every step of the way.
Our goal is to get you out of your lemon vehicle so you can get a safe and reliable one as quickly as possible. We know how important it is to you, how you are hamstrung without a reliable vehicle.
Contact
Based in Los Angeles and serving all of California, The Gayle Law Group has successfully represented numerous clients throughout the state over the years. Our experience spans across various vehicle-related cases, including those involving cars, electric and hybrid vehicles, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and more. No matter where you reside in California, we are here to provide the necessary legal support.