Buying or leasing a vehicle is a significant investment, and you’re hoping the vehicle will serve as reliable transportation. If you’re looking for a vehicle in California, buyer beware! Over 150,000 estimated vehicles sold in California are lemons, and many more vehicles on the road in California have unrepaired safety recall defects. According to CarFax, there were 6.3 million unrepaired vehicles on California roads in 2021.
If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle in California, follow these tips to narrow your chances of purchasing a lemon.
Table of Contents
- Tip 1: Research Your Vehicle
- Tip 2: Check Your Vehicle History
- Tip 3: Inspect The Vehicle
- Tip 4: Take It For A Test Drive
- Tip 5: Read The Warranty
- Tip 6: Purchase From A Reputable Dealer
- What If You End Up With A Lemon Vehicle Anyway
Tip 1: Research Your Vehicle
Before making a purchase, research the make and model of the vehicle you’re interested in. Look for reviews and ratings from other consumers, as well as any known defects or issues with the vehicle.
Tip 2: Check Your Vehicle History
Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any accidents, repairs, or other issues with the vehicle. That way, you can identify potential red flags before buying or leasing a possible lemon.
Tip 3: Inspect The Vehicle
Have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. The inspection can uncover hidden defects or issues with the vehicle that otherwise would not be immediately apparent.
Tip 4: Take It For A Test Drive
Make sure to take the vehicle for a test drive and pay attention to how it handles, any unusual sounds or vibrations, and any dashboard warning lights.
Tip 5: Read The Warranty
Make sure to check if the vehicle comes with any warranties or guarantees. This can provide added protection in case the vehicle turns out to be a lemon.
Tip 6: Purchase From A Reputable Dealer
Purchasing from a reputable dealer can provide added protection and support in case there are any issues with the vehicle. In any case, purchasing from a licensed dealership in California (as opposed to an auction or private sale) would preserve your California Lemon Law rights.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce the risk of purchasing a lemon vehicle in California.
What If You End Up With A Lemon Vehicle Anyway
If you do end up with a lemon, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights under the California Lemon Law. Our team of lemon law specialists is here to help you understand your options and pursue a claim for compensation.
If you have any questions or concerns about the California Lemon Law, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our lemon law attorneys offer free consultations at 877-217-7676.
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guides on the California Lemon Law and Used Car Lemon Law for more information.
