California Lemon Law FAQs

What is a Lemon?

A Lemon is any product that costs more than $25 and exhibits significant problems and non-conformities affecting its use, value, or safety. This product always comes with a written manufacturer warranty. If the warrantor is unable or unwilling to fix the product after a reasonable number of repair attempts, then the product may be branded as a “lemon.”


What are the laws otherwise called?


The Lemon Law is a federal law; it is called Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The California Lemon Law is a state law; it is called Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.

How many times do I need to take my car to the dealer to have a California Lemon Law claim?


There isn’t any set number of repair attempts for a vehicle to be branded a “lemon”. If the vehicle defect is severe, then two repair visits may be enough to have a California Lemon Law claim. Four repair visits for the same problem usually suffice for a California Lemon Law claim. In addition, if the vehicle has been in the dealership for warranty repairs for cumulatively 30 days, it may again qualify under California Lemon Law.


Do used cars qualify under the lemon law?


In the state of California a used car may qualify under Lemon Law or some other consumer protection laws provided that it comes with a warranty or a service contract.


Can’t I manage the things by myself?


Well, you can at least try it, but in most of the cases the help of a skilled lemon law attorney is needed. The manufacturer or the dealer will try to switch you from the idea of making a Lemon Law claim onto the idea of trading in your lemon or selling it to another person. However, if you do not want to be cheated or ripped off, you had better turn to a lemon law lawyer to handle your case.


What remedies can I expect to receive?

A good lawyer may be able to reach any of these three types of remedies for you:

A replacement vehicle. The manufacturer may provide you with another car taking back their defective vehicle.

A lemon law buyback. The manufacturer may purchase back their defective vehicle from you.

A cash settlement. The manufacturer may pay you the refund of the original purchase price. In this case you are free to sell or keep the defective vehicle.


If you think you have got a “lemon vehicle” you should contact the Law Offices of Hovanes Margarian for legal help. We will evaluate your case and see what can be done to provide you with proper compensation. The Law Offices of Hovanes Margarian is a California based law firm dealing with lemon law and auto dealer fraud cases. You can contact us at: 866.97.LEMON (866.975.3666).

source: lemonlawcourt.com

Popular Myths about the California Lemon Law – Part 2

The legal process can be looked upon with a great deal of fear and loathing amongst the general public. If you are the victim of a dishonest car dealer, you may not know that the California Lemon Law has been designed to help the motoring community to get what they paid for. That’s only fair. So in hopes of helping you to dispel the clouds around the Lemon Laws, here is part two of our look at the sour fruits of automotive lemons.





• Myth – Lemon Laws are the same for all 50 states.

While many states’ Lemon Laws are very similar, there can be subtle or even wide differences in their terms and applications. Don’t assume that the Lemon Laws in your state are identical to those in California or any other state. It’s easy to check and compare them online. Simply type in Lemon Laws and the name of your state to make sure that you know your true rights.

• Myth – The Lemon Law does not cover a vehicle that has been leased.

Not true. Leased vehicles enjoy the full protection of the California Lemon Law.

• Myth – A Lemon Law claim must be filed within the first six months of vehicle ownership.

False, car owners have eighteen months to submit notification to the parties involved of a Lemon Law claim. That fact notwithstanding, time is of the essence. So be sure to file your Lemon Law claim as soon as practicable.

• Myth – Lemon Law prerequisites are simple for the average consumer to determine.

Wrong, the legal technicalities of the Lemon Law demand the services of a lawyer trained in that area.

• Myth – Lemon Law Attorneys require full payment should your Lemon Law case be decided in favor of the car dealer.

Hovanes Margarian is a California Lemon Law attorney who works strictly on a contingency basis. He is ready to help you to get full refund.

The preceding must not be construed as legal advice specific to any circumstance. It is offered solely for the introductory edification of consumers about the California Lemon Law.

source: lemonlawcourt.com