What Happens to Vehicles Repurchased Under the California Lemon Law?

Gavel And Blue Car Near Law Book Over The Wooden Desk

At Shainfeld Law, P.C., our Los Angeles lemon lawyer knows that car prices are higher than ever, and that interest rates are equally as steep, making it a significant investment to purchase a new vehicle.

Because of these substantial costs, individuals and families alike are purchasing used vehicles instead. While California consumers typically have confidence in a new vehicle purchase, buying a used car usually causes their minds to shift to questions like, “Where has this car been?” and “What did the previous owners do to it?”

The reality is, when you purchase a previously owned vehicle — even when it is still under warranty — the buyer is always going to want to know the real reason the vehicle was traded in or sold.

In some cases, the prior owner may have simply wanted a newer car, but in other cases, the owner may have returned the car by exercising his or her rights under the California Lemon Law.

Does the Dealership Have to Tell Me If the Vehicle I Am Purchasing Was a Lemon?

The short answer is, yes.

Federal law requires vehicle manufacturers to retitle the car as a “Lemon Law Buyback” and to place decals in several places on the vehicle to warn buyers of its status.

In addition:

  • Any warranty the buyer receives must also notify the consumer of the status of the car and describe the issue that resulted in the manufacturer’s buyback.
  • The warranty must also list any repairs the manufacturer made to attempt to remedy the defect.

The dealership is also required to inform all consumers in writing that the vehicle was repurchased under the California lemon law. If the consumer asks about its status as a lemon, the dealership representative must truthfully reveal its condition, and provide the appropriate documentation. If the dealership fails in any of these categories, the consumer may have a legal claim.

Contact Our Experienced California Lemon Lawyers Today for Help

If you purchased a used vehicle that was not disclosed as a lemon law buyback, contact our experienced Los Angeles County lemon law attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C., today by calling 310-295-1888 or request a free consultation online.

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