F.A.Q.

Q. My car has problems. Can the Lemon Law help me? The California Lemon Law applies to new and used vehicles purchased with the original factory warranty still in effect.

Q. Does the Law cover just cars?
No. It covers pickups, RV's, boats and motorcycles, as long as the vehicle was purchased primarily for personal, family or household use. In fact, most consumer goods are covered, including appliances, electronic products, even pianos. This web site is limited to vehicles, however.

Q. What if I leased my car?
Leased vehicles are covered as well.

Q. If my car proves to be a lemon, what do I get?
You are entitled to your money back, or a replacement vehicle, and certain other expenses. The choice is yours, although taking the cash is usually faster and easier.

Q. How do I know if my car qualifies?
The law states that if the problem you are having substantially affects the use, safety or value of the vehicle, and the manufacturer hasn't been able to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, you qualify. In most cases you will need an experienced attorney to review your repair history to determine the likelihood of success.

Q. My dealer tells me my car doesn't qualify because I didn't have four repairs in the first year. Is that right?
No. That's not right. The law gives you an advantage if you have four repairs for the same problem in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (or 30 days of total repair time). But, it's just an advantage for you, it's not a requirement. Your dealer should know this.

Q. I bought my vehicle for business. Am I out of luck?
No. There is a federal warranty law similar to California's Lemon Law that covers business vehicles. The California Lemon Law covers small business use as well on vehicles up to 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Q. How can I get an appointment to discuss my case?
Call our office at (707) 545-6370. We are located in Santa Rosa, California. If you are not in this area, contact the Center for Auto Safety in Washington D.C.. They can refer you to a lawyer in your area.

Other Helpful Sites for Consumers:
New product information: www.ConsumerReports.org
Automobile defects: www.nhtsa.gov
Used car values: www.kbb.com
www.OhioLemonLaw.com

Disclaimer
The information contained in this web site is of a general nature and pertains only to vehicles purchased in California. You are advised not to rely on this information for legal advice, but to seek specific advice regarding your particular circumstances from an attorney.

Santa Rosa Attorneys

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