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Lemon Cars Differ with Each State

ryan-frank | Mar 16, 2010 |

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There is a set of lemon law statute behind all defective cars, trucks, or vans. The only stipulation is that it is within the states' right to deem and define a vehicle a lemon, with the consideration of its history. Automobile lemon laws differ in every state, although it is similar to that of the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warrant Act, federal violation breach of warranty.

How to Define a Lemon Car
A lemon car is very specific. Do not get confused between problem cars to vehicles that are starting to show faultiness. For an automobile to be considered a lemon in most states, the car must have a defect that greatly diminishes its use, value, and safety from first purchase.

For example, an automobile with: a malfunction in the brakes, the reverse gear will not start, the rear door open without cause, driver's seat wobbles, an engine that does not start in warm/cold temperature, can be considered as a lemon. A car that has been repaired four or more times for the same defect within warranty and still the problem isn't fixed also qualifies as a defect

Again, lemon consideration specifics vary from state to state. 10 defects under the warranty of a problem car might not be considered a lemon in some states, while others might qualify a single vehicle defect that cause serious injury a lemon. Research your state's automobile lemon law before taking any action. The requirements for a lemon car under the California lemon law Statute are:

18 months or 18,000 miles after vehicle delivery
Serious safety problem that needed repairs at least two times
Repairs that needed four or more times for the same problem
A cumulative out of service total for 30 or more days

Lemon Law for Used or Leased Vehicles
Again, state's used car lemon law summary should be consulted because there could be different set of legislation for used car lemon law. It really does depend on the state. Used or leased cars might be included in some automobile lemon laws, while others might only consider new vehicles.