Lemon Law Check Your Buyer's Guide
Before Leaving A Dealer Lot Ensure Your Vehicle Is Fully Warranteed
Aug 4, 2009
The state of Pennsylvania recently joined the 36 other states in objecting to the latest General Motors bankruptcy case. In a similar manner to other state actions, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has stated that state officials have serious concerns about consumer and business rights, ranging from lemon law claims and warranties to state laws regarding car dealerships. Corbett noted that the Attorneys General who joined in this filing do not necessarily oppose the planned sale of General Motors, but they have
expressed a big concern that the current agreement is unclear or ambiguous about many such issues.
Car Manufacturers
Since many car manufacturer and dealer practices with regard to defective vehicles today continue to be unfavorable to consumers, it is very wise for consumers to know from the beginning how well they are covered as regards vehicle warranties.
“When buying a used vehicle, a consumer should be absolutely certain to check the Buyer’s Guide where the type of warranty for the car he or she wants is shown,” said Norman Taylor, leading California lemon law attorney. “The Buyer’s Guide clearly states what type of warranty the buyer can expect: as-is, limited or a full warranty.”
Taylor has repeatedly seen the dangers of not being sure if there is an actual warranty or if the salesman is confusing the consumer by using the term warranty when he is actually talking about a service contract. A service contract does not confer the same rights to a consumer as does a warranty.
Vehicle Warranty
In addition to knowing if there is a warranty versus a service contract, a consumer should also follow up and obtain in writing the extent of any limited warranty. The conditions should be clearly stated, such as what percentage of labor and parts the dealer will cover, for exactly which systems within the vehicle, and for what duration.
A solid warranty is, of course, the consumer’s primary protection in case he or she ends up with a defective vehicle—a lemon. “At the heart of every lemon law is the manufacturer’s or a dealer’s breach of warranty,” said Taylor. “It is this broken promise that gives consumers the right to receive a replacement or refund if the vehicle is a lemon.”
Be Certain
The moral of the story: be certain of your vehicle’s coverage right from the beginning. And if you suspect you might be driving a lemon, it is best to contact a qualified lemon law attorney right away.
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