Leasing a vehicle can be an appealing option for those who want the benefits of driving a new car without a long-term commitment. However, concern arises when the car starts showing signs of a defect. Do the same Lemon Law protections that cover purchased vehicles apply to leased ones? Fortunately, in many cases, the answer is yes.
This article will now shed light on how the Lemon Law protects consumers with leased vehicles. We’ll explain what steps to take to assert your rights and how to find a San Francisco Lemon Law attorney to guide you through the process.
Exploring the California Lemon Law on Leased Vehicles
You’ve probably always heard of the Lemon law protecting purchased vehicles, but what about people with leased cars? Are they left out? Of course not!
Whether purchased or leased, the Lemon offers the same benefits to consumers. The law’s design is to protect consumers from defective products that don’t live up to reasonable expectations. California leased lemons fall under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, ensuring that car lessees are not stranded with a dud vehicle.
The Lemon Law and Its Application to Leased Cars
If you leased a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon, you have the same protections under the Lemon Law as if you purchased it, even though the actual process may differ slightly.
When you lease a vehicle, you technically don’t own the car, the leasing company does. It’s more like a long-term rental where you can decide to drive a different vehicle every few years. However, you are still the one driving it and dealing with any potential problem, which is why the law extends to lessees. So, if issues plague your leased car, the Lemon Law can step in to protect your rights.
What are the Signs Your Leased Car is a Lemon?
Before you start planning your Lemon lawsuit victory party, you need to know if your car actually qualifies as a lemon. If possible, consult a qualified Lemon Law attorney Bay Area expert, and look for these signs:
- The problem must be significant enough to impair the car’s safety, use, or market value. Faulty brakes, engine problems, or electrical issues could qualify.
- Was your leased car still under the manufacturer’s warranty when the defect occurred? You need to be sure of the answer to this question because the Lemon Law claim may lose its validity if the warranty expires.
- Check how often you’ve been to the dealership to repair a defect—whether the same or different. This usually means two attempts to fix the same problem or four to repair more mild issues. However, a safety issue that poses a risk to the driver or others may require only one attempt before qualifying the car as a lemon.
Steps to Take if Your Leased Vehicle is a Lemon
So, you’ve determined that your lease is a lemon. Now, what? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to exercise your consumer rights and get the process started:
Document Everything
This is the first and most important step. Make sure you keep all receipts, repair orders, and correspondence related to the vehicle’s issues. This is crucial to the outcome of your case.
Notify the Dealer or Automaker
You must give the dealer or manufacturer a final chance to repair the vehicle. Contact them as soon as you notice a significant defect and take the car in for repairs under the warranty. Make sure you get an accurate, written record of each attempt.
Understand the “Reasonable Number of Attempts” Rule
On a normal vehicle, the dealership should be able to fix a problem after a couple of tries. If they still can’t fix it after several attempts, your car could be a lemon. Issues that pose a risk to the safety or health of the occupants may only need a single repair attempt.
Contact Lemon Law Lawyers Bay Area Provides
Since the manufacturer can’t get the car to live up to the advertised standards, it’s time to consult a Lemon lawyer. This type of lawyer specializes in Lemon Law cases and can guide you through the legal process. They will do everything from filing the claim to negotiating on your behalf, and they won’t stop until you get your deserved compensation.
Squeezing the Lemon: What You Get Under the Lemon Law for a Leased Vehicle
If your leased car is a lemon, you may wonder what kind of compensation you can receive under the Lemon Law. Here’s the most common options:
- Refund: You know how we explained that leasing a car means you pay money to rent it? If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you’ll be refunded every lease payment you’ve ever made. This will also include other fees you may have paid out of pocket, such as taxes, registration fees, or even defect-related repair costs. You don’t have to worry about how to return the vehicle to the manufacturer, because the leasing company will handle that for you.
- Replacement Vehicle: Alternatively, you can request a replacement vehicle. In this case, the manufacturer will provide you with a new car of a similar make and model to the one you leased, except now you’ll have a car that actually works. However, note that unlike a purchased car, you keep this replacement vehicle only for as long as your lease lasts.
Common Questions About Lemon Law and Leased Vehicles
How long do I have to file a Lemon Law claim for a leased vehicle?
The Lemon Law only applies if the defect occurs during the manufacturer’s warranty period. Be sure to take action as soon as you notice a problem to avoid missing any deadlines.
Do I have to keep making payments on my lease during the legal process?
Yes, you are still responsible for making your lease payments while your case is being reviewed. However, if you win your case, you will be refunded for these payments.
What if the manufacturer offers to fix my car instead of replacing it?
Suppose the manufacturer offers to repair the vehicle, but you’ve already given them a reasonable number of chances to fix the defect. In that case, you can refuse the offer and demand a replacement or refund.
Can I file a Lemon Law claim if I’ve moved out of state?
As long as the defect occurred while the car was in California and within the warranty period, you may still be able to file a claim, even if you’ve since moved out of state.
What Do We Think?
Leased or purchased, a defective vehicle should never be something you have to endure. In fact, renting a car is supposed to be a convenient way to enjoy a new vehicle without a long-term commitment.
If you’re dealing with persistent problems, don’t think that leasing a vehicle exempts you from the Lemon Law protections. Just as you would with a purchased vehicle, seek out a reputable lemon law firm like Quill & Arrow, and get the compensation you deserve. We will show you how to exercise your rights so you’re not lost in the complex world of lemon laws. It’s time to ditch that lemon and get back in the fast lane!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions