8/26/2005  Does the Lemon Law apply to vehicle that have in excess of 18,000 miles, or 18 months?
Yes. As long as the vehicle is having warranty problems, the Lemon Law may apply no matter what the odometer reading is on the vehicle..

8/26/2005  Is there a specific number of repair attempts that must be completed in order to have a valid Lemon Law claim?
No. There must be a reasonable number of repair attempts. The definition of what constitutes a reasonable number of repair attempts will vary given the vehicles particular problem(s). In general, if a problem has been subject to at least four separate repair attempts at the manufacturers authorized repair facility, or has spent more than 30 days cumulative in the shop, this is sufficient to establish a reasonable number. .

8/26/2005  Does the Lemon Law apply only to passenger cars?
No. The Lemon Law applies not only to passenger cars, but also to trucks, SUV’s, vans, motorcycles, and all consumer goods that are covered by a manufacturers warranty and are used primarily for personal, family or household use. .

8/26/2005  Does the Lemon Law apply to vehicles that are purchased used?
Yes. The Lemon Law can apply to a used vehicle. The vehicle must be covered by a warranty..

9/1/2005  Am I required to go through Arbitration before pursuing a Lemon Law claim?
No. The California Lemon Law does not require the consumer to participate in arbitration that may be offered by the vehicle manufacturer in order to pursue a Lemon Law claim. .

9/30/2005  Don't I have three days to return a car I bought and don't like?
NO. There is no period in which you can return the car. Once you have signed your name on the contract, the car is yours with a few exceptions. .

9/30/2005  The salesman sold me an "extended warranty". Is that like the manufacturer's warranty for a new vehicle?
NO. When the salesman says "extended warranty" he usually means a service contract. A service contract just means that someone will try to repair the vehicle if it breaks down. If it can's be repaired you do not get a replacement. The car may be in the shop for weeks. The service contract does not give any time limit on how fast the car has to be repaired. Generally a service contract is no better than the dealer selling it..

9/30/2005  Can I can turn in a leased car in any time I want without paying anything more?
WRONG. You have to buy out the lease. You will be paying penalties and the value of the lease. The lessor and the dealer make money from leases..

9/30/2005  Does a lease cost less than buying?
Not usually because people do not understand leases. A lease is just another form of financing except you have all the obligations of ownership (must make payments, must keep insurance on the car and must maintain the car) but you do NOT have all the privileges of ownership (you cannot sell the car without buying the lease out first; you cannot drive it as much as you want without paying extra for each mile over the designated miles per year). At the end of a lease, you have no equity and you may owe money. Leases are complicated. Be sure you read and understand the lease document. .

10/24/2005  Am I required to notify the vehicle manufacturer and give them a opportunity to repair a problem before pursuing a Lemon Law claim?
No. So long as the manufacturer’s authorized warranty repair facility has had a reasonable number of opportunities to repair a warranty problem, the manufacturer need not be given notice or a opportunity to repair the problem. .