Lemon Law for California

The risk of getting a lemon is higher when you are eager to buy even a slightly used car. Not to end up with a lemon, try to have a little car knowledge.

1. Before you decide to buy a car, first of all research vehicle reliability reports online for the different models you are interested in. Learn what other people say is the best vehicle in the type you are interested in. Also take into consideration what others think is the worst. Before you ever go shopping, on the lot or online, decide what type of vehicle you want and what models you will look at.

2. If you are eager to have more information about that car you’re considering, then check all four of the federal government’s databases for any recalls or service bulletins or safety investigations and owner complaints on the exact model vehicle. Service bulletins are notes that the manufacturer sends out to their dealerships to inform them about problems that have been discovered in particular model vehicles and how to try and fix them.

3. Federal law require every used car on any dealer’s lot to have placed in the window this one page form that clearly discloses whether the car is being sold “as is” or with a warranty. The car dealer is claimed to fill it out correctly. and to hand over a copy of the form to the buyer in the sale. When a motor vehicle is sold “as is” it could mean that you have no recourse against the selling dealership if problems or defects arise later on. Normally, problematic cars are those that are often sold “as is” so be careful.