| The California "Lemon Law" is a subsection of the | | | | of repair attempts. This clause is what is popularly |
| larger Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, | | | | referred to as the "Lemon Law". It states that a |
| which was originally drafted and passed to protect | | | | reasonable number of repairs have been |
| consumers from faulty motor vehicle purchases. | | | | attempted if: (a) a serious car issue has been |
| The basics of the Song-Beverly Act are this: if a | | | | subject to repair two or more times with no |
| car manufacture or one of its authorized | | | | positive results, or (b) a problem has been |
| representatives fails, after a reasonable number | | | | addressed four or more times and the owner has |
| of repair attempts, to fix your car so that it | | | | contacted the manufacturer directly at least once, |
| meets the terms of its original warranty, you are | | | | or (c) if the vehicle is out of service because of |
| entitled to a full refund or a replacement (you | | | | repairs for over 30 days since it was delivered to |
| decide which to get). The refund includes the | | | | the shop. |
| purchase price as well any manufacturer-installed | | | | But despite the fact that it's referred to as a |
| components, sales tax, registration and other | | | | "Law", the California Lemon Law is treated more |
| official fees, finance charges, repairs, towing and | | | | as a guideline in actual court disputes. The fine |
| any other costs resulting from the defectiveness | | | | points and technicalities of it are cause for lengthy |
| of the car you purchased from them. | | | | arguments and counter arguments by the |
| The Song-Beverly Act protects you for the | | | | lawyers of both the customers and the |
| duration of the warranty. If the car has a | | | | manufacturers, which is why Lemon Law cases |
| five-year warranty and it breaks down in year | | | | are often messy and complicated. |
| four, and if the manufacturer or its representative | | | | One last important point to remember about the |
| can't fix it after a reasonable number of repairs | | | | California Lemon Law is that it doesn't apply if the |
| so that it meets the terms of the warranty, | | | | car defect was caused by misuse or abuse of |
| you're still entitled to receive reimbursement or a | | | | the car by the owner. If you think you have a |
| replacement. | | | | legitimate case, it's best to pursue legal action |
| Now the key clause of the Song-Beverly Act is | | | | right away. Lemon law does not usually cover |
| the one that deals with the elusive definition of | | | | used vehicles, but it does extend to some |
| what exactly constitutes a "reasonable number" | | | | certified pre-owned cars. |