We all heavily rely on our vehicles, whether we use it commute to work, for travel, to take the kids to and from school, or run errands. Having a vehicle is a major necessity for most of us and, when you buy a car, you expect it to be in good condition, so you can rely on it to help you get to where you are going. In California, the Lemon Law is designed to protect you when you purchase a new vehicle and requires a vehicle manufacturer that is unable to repair a vehicle to conform to the manufacturer’s express warranty after a reasonable number of attempts repurchase or replace the vehicle.
Under What Circumstances Does a Vehicle Qualify Under California Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law applies to all new, used, or demonstrator vehicles sold in this state with a manufacturer’s written warranty. The Lemon Law provides protection for the purchaser of a vehicle when there is a nonconformity covered by the written warranty which is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. In such a case the manufacturer must promptly repurchase or replace the vehicle. A manufacturer may not require the consumer to accept a replacement in lieu of a repurchase.
Caliofrnia’s Lemon Law applies to more than just passenger cars. It also applies to trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, and all consumer goods sold with a manufacturer’s written warranty.
What Happens if I Purchased My Vehicle Outside of California?
This can be a very technical issue. Purchase outside the state alone does not mean your vehicle does not fall within the California Lemon Law. The question becomes where did title to the vehicle pass and what was the intent of the parties at the time of the transaction If you purchased your vehicle outside of California you may still have protection under the federal law, which is known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Does the California lemon Law cover my vehicle if I use it for business?
California’s Lemon Law does apply to business use vehicles if the business has five or fewer vehicles registered in its name in California and the vehicle has a Gross vehicle Weight of less than 10,000 pounds. Many professionals such as Real Estate agents, salespeople, and construction workers often use their vehicle’s for business. In most cases those vehicles would be covered unless it fall within one of the exclusions mentioned above.
Lemon Law Attorneys in California
If you think you just purchased a lemon, you need to speak with an experienced lemon law attorney who can assist you in determining your next course of action. At Barnes Law Firm, our Lemon Law attorneys in Orange County have the experience, knowledge, and insight to help you navigate the complexities of your predicament.
To further discuss the nature of your case, call our law office today at ((949) 446-1668 to request a free and confidential consultation with one of our skilled lemon law attorneys.