Buying a new car can be life-changing to some, but a major liability to others who unknowingly bought a lemon. It can be frustrating to deal with a vehicle that has engine problems that weren’t disclosed or were not obvious during your test drive. If this happens to you, it’s important that you know you have rights as a consumer.
It’s only a matter of knowing what to do if you notice issues with your new car. The best possible outcome is either you get a replacement or a refund. Whichever the case, there are steps you need to take to help you recover your losses and ensure you end up with a vehicle built to last. Here’s a guide to get you started.
It’s one thing to notice that there’s something wrong with your new vehicle, and it’s another to prove it to the manufacturer. Every brand of vehicle has terms that allow refunds and replacements, provided there’s sufficient evidence that the issue is preexisting and not caused by post-purchase factors. In addition to securing the vehicle’s warranty, it’s also important to document every instance your car underwent servicing.
This usually indicates a permanent defect that requires replacement of the entire vehicle. It’s also important to get your discussions with customer support in writing and take photos of the defects, especially loose panels and condensation behind the headlamps. Collect receipts and never miss a single detail that could affect your claim.
Manufacturers are obligated under warranty terms to diagnose and treat issues in your vehicle, but you can’t expect them to be objective. It’s possible that they could downplay damages and perform repairs that hardly provide permanent results.
Getting a reliable third-party mechanic to do the job will help uncover the issue with your vehicle and determine whether it’s permanent or requires a specific solution. Their help will reinforce your claim and compel the manufacturer to do the right fix.
Every car manufacturer offers programs aimed at compensating buyers for defective products, so you must already be familiar with the terms before finalizing your purchase. For instance, the Ford Buy Back Program allows the brand to repurchase the defective vehicle, among other settlement options.
On the other hand, Nissan offered special settlement arrangements for buyers of its Murano and Maxima models, which were the subject of major recalls due to their faulty CVT transmission system. These arrangements included reimbursements of up to $5,000 for repairs and replacements undertaken by the buyers and extended warranties. Whichever the case, be sure to review the fine details of your purchase so you can avoid legal pitfalls that would disqualify you for better settlement deals.
Dealing with a defective product doesn’t end with providing your manufacturer with receipts and documents. Keep in mind that they are capable of downplaying your claim and insisting that the issues were caused by you. You need to be prepared for disputes that could take a long time to settle, so it’s crucial to get a lawyer with experience in Lemon Law by your side.
Their expertise helps you navigate the process of filing a claim for refund or total replacement. More importantly, they can challenge the manufacturer’s unjust settlement offers and prevent you from making costly technical mistakes that could lead to a denial. Be sure to get a lawyer with an impressive track record in dealing with Lemon Law cases involving the same manufacturer.
Buying a defective car can be frustrating and expose you to risk. It matters to take action as soon as you notice an internal or performance issue that should be addressed urgently.
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