Sour deals with lemons

By now most people will understand the term ‘lemon’
when it is applied to cars. That is, a car - new or
used - which has defects that were undetectable on
purchase but shows themselves up within a given time
or warranty period.

Some unscrupulous sellers will hide the true state of
the vehicle hoping that the innocent buyer will simply
accept the faults and struggle to get them fixed.
However, some states have laws protecting the victim
from such shoddy acts.

In all cases, if you are not machine minded, it is
better to take someone along who knows about engines
etc., to give the vehicle the once over. Don’t be in a
hurry to buy and take your time asking pertinent
questions about the vehicle.

If the car looks like it has been around for a while
and yet the miles clocked up seem low chances are that
this car has been tampered with. Similarly, uneven
wear on tires from right to left or front to back may
also be revealing something unsavory.

Once the vehicle has been purchased it is good to get
into the habit of noting all defects as and when they
occur. Take care to note all ‘down time’ suffered and
keep receipts of necessary vehicle hire to replace
this vehicle.

Check with your state laws to see if the lemon law has
been legislated in your area. Each state differs on
what is and what is not considered a lemon. If the
lemon law does not apply in your state perhaps it is
time to lobby your congressman!