Legal Guide

California Lemon Law For Used Cars - Everything You Need To Know

The California lemon law is a consumer protection statute that gives consumers the right to receive a replacement car or a refund for a vehicle they have purchased that has not met their expectations due to various mechanical problems. The lemon law applies to new and used cars and covers vehicles manufactured or sold in California.

The California lemon law for used cars provides legal protection for anyone who purchases or leases a used car, or any other used vehicle that still has a manufacturer's original factory warranty, from being stuck with a lemon.

It also covers demonstrator (demo) vehicles, vehicles previously repurchased under the lemon law and resold with a manufacturer s warranty, and any vehicle that has been certified and given an extended increase in the length of the manufacturer s original warranty. Lemon law California used cars allows the owners of damaged vehicles to obtain reimbursement, a replacement for their vehicle, or a cash settlement.

Does California Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?

It is often expressed that an auto, truck, or recreational vehicle needs to be purchased brand-new in a car factory in order to have legal protection under state consumer protection laws. This is not the case. Many used vehicles may still be covered by the previous owner's warranty, or a new one may be offered in the situation of a vehicle accredited by a dealership's mechanics.

Vehicles Covered Under California Lemon Law Used Car

Vehicles of the same class are treated similarly whether they are new or used. Specific conditions for lemon law for used vehicles insurance claims include:

  • Cars, trucks or SUVs bought for personal or family usage or by a business with less than five vehicles
  • Vehicles whose gross weight is less than 10,000 lbs. (5,000 lbs.)
  • A manufacturer or the dealership may refuse to service certain repairs that were due under a written warranty.

California Lemon Law Qualifications

Lemon laws typically protect new vehicles from the resale, as manufacturers often attempt to resell lemons. Since these laws have been enacted, a new car must be just as capable as buying a new one. That includes:

  1. An express written warranty that lets you verify whether there are issues with your vehicle.
  2. Issues did not arise as a result of your choice of driving habits or style.
  3. You allowed the manufacturer sufficient time to deal with the concern.
  4. The vehicle has the exact same problems as you first observed them.

Aside from the legal advantages, working with lemon law attorneys helps as well since some manufacturers often try to adjudicate your claims about the faulty vehicle. You will have the legal right to ask them to purchase you back the vehicle except in regard to the value of the time you used it or to ask for a new vehicle.

If you were unable to use your motor vehicle because of an accident, you're also permitted to gain compensation for any expenditures you had to spend as a consequence, including rent-a-car expenses, towing fees, getaway rates, and other costs.

While your purpose for seeking damages may be sufficiently simple, you would need to have help understanding what kinds of damages you may be qualified to acquire via lemon law for used vehicles. Your attorney would be able to help you.

Hire a Qualified Lemon Law Lawyer

If you have been the victim of a lemon law lawsuit, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible.  A lemon law lawyer can help you make sure that your case is strong and that you are getting the most out of your lemon law rights. There are many factors that go into deciding whether to pursue a lemon law claim, so it is important to have an attorney who can assist you in making the decision.


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