Buying a new car can be exciting, but it can quickly turn into a hassle and a disappointing time if the car is having trouble. Though new cars should not have problems right away, it does happen. In fact, there have been recalls in the past for brand new cars that have major problems. For this reason, there are laws about what a consumer can do if they purchase a car that ends up having a lot of issues from the start.
Talk to Dealership About Repairs
The first step is to have the repairs done at the dealership, as the Lemon law does state that a reasonable attempt needs to be made to repair the issue before further action can be taken. Any issues that happen soon after the car is purchased should be covered under the warranty, though it is important to read the warranty carefully to see what is covered. The dealership should handle the repair in a timely manner. If the repair is not successful for any reason, it’s time to start looking into what else can be done.
Keep Track of All Issues and Repairs
The laws for most states do say that car repairs need to be attempted a reasonable number of times before further action can be taken, though the exact amount can vary based on the type of issue, the repairs, and more. It’s best for new car owners to keep track of all the issues they experience and the repairs that are done, as well as dates. An inexpensive journal dedicated to this is the perfect option and allows the car owner to track everything so they don’t forget any pertinent details. Keep all receipts, work orders, and other paperwork with the journal so it’s all in one place.
Look into the Laws for the State
Different states do have different laws when it comes to how to handle a car that’s a lemon. Car owners should take the time to familiarize themselves with these laws so they know when to look into further action and what action is available to them. They can also look into how to make a complaint about a lemon or whether there are any recalls for the vehicle that might have something to do with their situation so they can be fully informed when they take the next step. If the vehicle cannot be repaired, they will need to consider what they want to do next.
Consider Refund or Replacement
When a car is not able to be repaired after a reasonable attempt, the next step is to request a refund or replacement. It is necessary for car owners to understand what their options are and to go through the appropriate steps to request a refund or replacement. Whether they accept a refund or replacement is up to the car owner and their decision may be based on the problems they’re facing with the vehicle as well as whether a replacement is likely to have the same issues.
While new cars should work properly when they’re driven off the lot, there can be issues that can be difficult to repair. This is covered under state laws, and every state has options for a car owner who is experiencing this. If your new car is not working properly, learn more about your options for handling the issue today.
