
Los Angeles Used Car Lemons
Understanding Used Car Lemons in California
Purchasing a used car can be a thrilling experience, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you unknowingly buy a lemon. In California, a "lemon" refers to a vehicle that has significant defects or problems that affect its safety, value, or use. If you find yourself stuck with a lemon in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to know your rights and options.
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What is a Lemon Law?
California's Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease new and used vehicles. If your used car has substantial defects that occur within the warranty period, and the dealer or manufacturer is unable to fix these issues after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle.
Signs You Might Have a Lemon
- Repeated Repairs: Your car has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue.
- Serious Safety Concerns: Problems that pose a risk to your safety or the safety of others.
- Nonconformity: The car doesn’t conform to the manufacturer’s specifications, affecting its usability.
Steps to Take if You Suspect You Have a Lemon
- Document Everything: Keep records of all repairs, communications with the dealer, and any other relevant documents.
- Notify the Dealer: Inform the dealer of the ongoing issues and give them a chance to fix them.
- Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: If the problem persists, it may be time to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.
FAQs About Used Car Lemons in Los Angeles
- What qualifies a used car as a lemon?
A used car qualifies as a lemon if it has a significant defect that affects its safety, value, or use and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. This typically must occur within the warranty period. - How many repair attempts are considered "reasonable"?
In California, a vehicle must be taken to the dealer for repairs at least two to four times for the same issue. If the problem remains unresolved after these attempts, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim. - What types of defects are covered under the Lemon Law?
Defects that affect the vehicle's safety, value, or use are covered. This can include issues with the engine, brakes, transmission, or any substantial safety feature. - Is there a time limit to file a Lemon Law claim?
Yes, you typically have four years from the date of the first repair attempt to file a Lemon Law claim in California. It’s best to act quickly to preserve your rights. - Do I need to hire an attorney to pursue a Lemon Law claim?
While you can pursue a claim on your own, hiring an experienced Lemon Law attorney can significantly improve your chances of success. They understand the legal process and can help you navigate any complexities. - What compensation can I expect if my claim is successful?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to a full refund of the purchase price, including taxes and fees, or a replacement vehicle. You may also be eligible for additional damages, such as reimbursement for repair costs. - Can I return a used car for any issue?
Not every issue qualifies for a Lemon Law claim. It’s essential to document the problem and ensure it meets the legal criteria for a lemon in California. - What should I do if the dealer refuses to help?
If the dealer refuses to address your concerns or repair the vehicle, it’s crucial to gather documentation and seek legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your options and advocate on your behalf.
Why Choose Us?
At O'Connor Law Group, we specialize in Lemon Law cases in Los Angeles. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your situation. We offer personalized consultations to assess your case and guide you through the legal process.
Contact Us
If you believe you’ve purchased a lemon, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our FAQ
Have More? Contact Us!
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What Am I Entitled to if My Vehicle Qualifies Under the California Lemon Law?
If your vehicle qualifies under the California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund of your down payment and monthly finance payments, as well as a discharge of your vehicle loan. You may also be entitled to reimbursement of incidental damages such as rental car expenses, repair costs, and towing expenses.
If offered by the manufacturer, you may choose to have your vehicle replaced with a similar vehicle instead of having your money refunded.
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Can I Have a Claim Under the California Lemon Law if My Repair Visits Did Not Occur Within the Vehicle’s First 18 Months and 18,Generally, your issue must have occurred within 18 months or within 18,000 miles (whichever came first). However, major defects that occur outside of this time frame may still present a viable claim. The court may assess situations on a case-by-case basis.
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How Many Times Do I Need to Take My Car Back to the Dealer Before I Have a California Lemon Law Claim?
The California Lemon Law states that dealerships must be given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair a vehicle. The law is fairly broad, leaving room for a variety of different circumstances. Since the law does not require any specific number of repair visits, each matter should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, four visits for the same problem will qualify, but, depending on the defect, fewer visits may suffice. For example, a defect as severe as brake system failure may only require two visits. Moreover, if a vehicle spends a cumulative total of over 30 days in the shop for warranty repairs, it may satisfy the requirement no matter how many separate visits were made.


At O’Connor Law Group, we know how complex and confusing lemon law cases can be. That's why our team dedicates its time and resources to helping clients fight for their rights under California's Lemon Law so they can get the compensation they deserve. We handle all aspects of the process, including court filings, negotiating with manufacturers, and representing our clients in court.
With decades of experience protecting California consumers from unscrupulous and predatory corporations, we know what needs to be done to help ensure our clients get the results they deserve. Our lemon law lawyers are committed to providing personalized attention and creating customized legal strategies for every case we take.
Don't let a defective vehicle ruin your day; schedule an appointment with O'Connor Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you get justice.
If you think your vehicle may be a "lemon," don't wait any longer!
