When a consumer buys a car in California, it is expected that the car is in good working order. Most car sales are completed without issue, leaving the dealership and the buyer feeling good about the transaction. However, when something does go wrong and the car has mechanical issues, the consumer often blames the dealership for selling a bad car. Auto dealers can protect themselves in these situations by understanding the state’s lemon laws and knowing their rights.
Lemon laws usually put the blame on the manufacturer
Not all mechanical issues constitute a vehicle being called a lemon. Under California law, a car is considered a lemon when the defects cannot be repaired in a reasonable number of attempts by a qualified mechanic. Not all vehicles are covered under the state’s lemon laws and not all sales allow a consumer to act when it’s claimed that a bad vehicle was purchased.
When consumers feel like they purchased a lemon, they often want to seek compensation from the dealership since that is who facilitated the transaction. But lemon laws usually apply to vehicle manufacturers, rather than dealerships. When a dealership is accused of selling a lemon, it’s understandable to protect the interests of the business.
Legal help
Auto dealerships rely heavily on their reputation and word-of-mouth to gain new customers. If a dealership is accused of selling lemons, the negative publicity could lead to a loss of sales. Auto dealers should be aware of their rights when it comes to California’s lemon laws and should seek legal advice when needed to protect themselves and their reputation.
