Orange County Used Car Lemons

Get Legal Help for Your Lemon Law Claim in Orange County

Used vehicles can also qualify for lemon law protection. This includes:

• Certified Pre-Owned vehicles
• Vehicles sold with a dealership warranty, such as CarMax or Carvana
• Other used vehicles may apply under certain conditions

Purchasing a used car can be a major financial decision. Buying a lemon can be an incredibly frustrating and expensive experience, especially after you have put so much effort and expense trying to buy the right used vehicle. When someone buys a used vehicle, they do so with the reasonable expectation that they will get reliable transportation and a good deal on their purchase. But when the vehicle that they purchase turns out to be a lemon, problems start to pile up – from mechanical issues such as brake failure or transmission failure, to costly repairs that just keep coming.

The emotional toll of buying a lemon can also be quite high. If you’ve been in this situation, you likely feel frustrated, even deceived. After all, you were understandably hoping for an affordable and dependable vehicle. It can feel like there is no recourse and your hard-earned money may have been wasted on something that does not work as intended. However, it’s important to realize that you may have protections under California’s Lemon Law.

At O’Connor Law Group, we understand the financial and emotional strain that buying a lemon can cause. We are here to help you recover your losses by taking action against dealerships or manufacturers who sold you a defective used car. We can help you understand if your car is eligible under the law, and we will work hard to make sure that you get reimbursement for your purchase, as well as repairs, replacement costs, and many other expenses.

When Does a Used Car Qualify Under California's Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law protects consumers from being taken advantage of when purchasing a used car. To qualify, the vehicle must be covered under warranty. This can be a manufacturer's warranty, a dealer's warranty, or even an implied warranty that constitutes an unwritten promise that the car will function as it was intended. It must have been presented for repair more than one time under warranty.

At O'Connor Law Group, we can help you determine whether your used car qualifies under the lemon law and help you seek compensation for your losses. Our knowledgeable lemon law attorneys will review all documents pertaining to your case, including the purchase contract, maintenance records, and repair invoices to evaluate whether you have a valid claim under the lemon law. Our team has a long track record of success from settlements to trial victories. Our services come at no cost to you. We handle lemon law cases in Orange County and across California – and will work hard to make sure that you get what is rightfully yours from those who wronged you with an unreliable vehicle purchase.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lemon Law Claim For A Used Car?

In California, you generally have four years from the date you first experienced issues with your used car to file a Lemon Law claim. However, specifics can vary based on individual cases. Consulting with a lemon law attorney in Orange County for used cars is crucial. They can provide precise guidance tailored to your situation.

What to Do If Your Used Car Keeps Going Back to the Shop

When a “new-to-you” vehicle has the same problem over and over, the most important thing you can do is start building a clean paper trail. The strength of a Lemon Law claim often comes down to the details—what was wrong, when it happened, how the dealer responded, and how long you were without your car.

A Simple Checklist That Can Protect Your Claim

• Save every repair order (not just invoices). Make sure each one lists the complaint you reported, the mileage, dates in/out, and the work performed.
• Be consistent in how you describe the issue. Using the same wording (“engine stalls at stoplights,” “transmission slips at 45–55 mph”) helps show a repeated defect.
• Track days out of service. Write down each day the car is unavailable, even if you’re waiting on parts.
• Keep proof of your purchase and warranty, including the contract, finance paperwork, and any certified pre-owned or extended warranty documents.
• Document safety concerns immediately. If the defect impacts braking, steering, airbags, stalling, or fire risk, note when/where it occurred and whether it put you or others in danger.
• Avoid “DIY fixes” that muddy the timeline. Aftermarket modifications or undocumented repairs can complicate what the manufacturer or dealer will argue caused the problem.

How O'Connor Law Group, P.C. Can Make the Process Easier

Our team can review your repair history, identify missing documentation, and communicate with the manufacturer or dealership on your behalf. If you’re in Laguna Beach or elsewhere in Orange County, we’ll help you understand your options and what information is most important to gather next—so you can focus on getting reliable transportation again.

Tip: Bring (or upload) your repair orders in date order. A clear timeline can speed up case evaluation and reduce back-and-forth.

Compassionate and Experienced Used Car Lemon Law Attorneys in Orange County

At O'Connor Law Group, we are committed to helping those who have experienced the frustration and financial burden of buying a lemon. Our team of experienced attorneys has successfully handled countless cases of used car lemons in Orange County and other parts of California. We strive to provide our clients with the highest quality legal support throughout the entire process at no cost.

If your used car qualifies as a lemon and the manufacturer or dealer does not provide you with a satisfactory resolution, then you may be able to seek compensation for damages including your down payment, your monthly payments, and the balance of your loan. You may also be entitled to other expenses such as repair and maintenance, towing, registration and insurance, and other costs associated with the vehicle. At O’Connor Law Group, we understand how stressful and frustrating it can be dealing with these types of claims – that's why we charge you nothing and strive to make the process easy and hassle-free for our clients. Our track record speaks volumes – we will work hard alongside you every step of this complex process so that you get what is rightfully yours from those who wronged you with an unreliable vehicle purchase.

Protect Your Rights as a Consumer

Buying a used car can be a significant investment, and it's important to know your rights as a consumer under California's Lemon Law. If you've purchased a used car that is constantly in need of repairs or has significant defects, you may be entitled to legal recourse. Our experienced attorneys at O’Connor Law Group, P.C. can help you navigate the complexities of Lemon Law claims and fight for the compensation you deserve.

When you work with our team, you can expect:

• Thorough review of your case
• Experienced guidance on your legal options
• Aggressive representation in negotiations or court
• Prompt and personalized attention to your case

Don't let a lemon vehicle ruin your investment. Schedule a consultation with O’Connor Law Group, P.C. to protect your consumer rights.

If you are experiencing issues with your used car in Orange County, contact us online or call us at (949) 390-9695 for personalized legal advice about how we can help protect your rights under California’s Lemon Law.