Used Car Lemon Law in Orange County

Experienced in California Lemon Law for Used Cars

Have you recently purchased a used car in California, only to find out that it has a defect or malfunction that renders the vehicle nonconforming to the written warranty? If so, you need an experienced Orange County lemon law attorney in Laguna Hills to fight for the compensation that you may deserve.

Barnes Law Firm has served several thousand individuals throughout Orange County who have bought used vehicles with problems covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If the manufacturer is not cooperating in giving you a refund on your lemon vehicle, we have what it takes to make your case a success.

Why Choose Our California Used Car Lemon Law Attorneys?

Barnes Law Firm is set apart from other lemon law firms because:

• We have 30 years of experience
• We collect our attorney fees from the manufacturer only if we are successful
• We handle cases throughout the state of California
• Attorney Barnes was one of the pioneer attorneys exclusively practicing lemon law when the law was first established in California

Get started with a free initial consultation to learn more about lemon law for used cars in California by calling Barnes Law Firm at 949.446.1668 now.

Vehicles Covered by California's Used Car Lemon Law

The lemon law in California for used cars covers vehicles that are bought with a warranty. These include:

• Used cars bought with the remainder of the factory warranty
• Used cars that are Certified Pre-Owned and are sold with a written warranty
• Lemon vehicles that are repurchased by a manufacturer and then resold with a warranty covering the defects

What Is The Lemon Law For Used Cars In California?

The California lemon law for used cars is the same for new cars as long as the used car is still under a manufacturer’s new car warranty. The time that is left over on the warranty is what protects the used car’s new owner.

Under California Used Car Lemon Law, the new owner is protected if a “reasonable” number of attempts of repair cannot fix an issue that:

• Is covered by the manufacturer’s new car warranty
• Significantly diminishes the value, safety, or use of the vehicle; and
• Was not caused by unreasonable use of the used car after the sale

Under California Used Car Lemon Law, What Am I Entitled To?

If your used car is a lemon and you have a case, the manufacturer may be required to repurchase your vehicle or provide compensation. 

When the manufacturer repurchases through a lemon law buyback, the used car can be resold and must be identified as a “lemon law buyback”. If a lemon law buyback is not properly disclosed, a buyer may still have rights under Lemon Law in California for used cars as well as federal law. If this applies to your case, reach out to an experienced Orange County used car lemon law attorney for used cars at Barnes Law Firm. Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation by calling (949) 446-1668 or completing an online form.

When Does Used Car Lemon Law Not Apply?

California used car lemon laws do not apply if the problems that a vehicle is experiencing are caused by abuse after delivery to the consumer, or proper maintenance was not followed. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to contact a skilled used car lemon law attorney in Orange County as soon as possible to determine whether you have a valid claim.

• Related: Lemon Law FAQ

Documenting Your Case for Your Orange County Used Car Lemon Law Claim

Thorough documentation is essential in proving that your vehicle is indeed a lemon. It helps demonstrate the consistent issues you've experienced and the manufacturer's or dealer's failure to repair the vehicle satisfactorily. Proper documentation can make the difference between a successful California used car lemon law claim and a denied one.

Keep All Purchase Documents and Warranties
Store the original purchase agreement, any financing documents, and the warranty information in a safe place. These documents establish your ownership and the terms of the warranty, which are critical to your case.

Maintain a Repair Log
Each time you take your vehicle for repairs, document the date, the issue you reported, the dealership or repair shop's name, and the outcome of the repair attempt. This log should include every attempt to fix the problem, no matter how minor.

Save All Repair Orders and Receipts
Always request and keep copies of repair orders and receipts from the dealership or repair shop. These documents should detail the complaints made, diagnostics performed, repairs attempted, and parts replaced. They provide a paper trail showing the persistent nature of the problem.

Communicate in Writing
Whenever possible, communicate with the manufacturer, dealership, or repair shop in writing (email or letter) and keep copies of all correspondence. Written communication can be used as evidence of your efforts to resolve the issue and the responses you received, which can significantly help your Orange County used car lemon law claim.

Record the Issues
Take notes on how the vehicle's issues impact its use, value, and safety. This personal log can include descriptions of how the defects affect your daily life and any potential hazards they cause.

Take Photos and Videos
Visual evidence can be compelling. Take clear photos and videos of the defects and any related issues (e.g., dashboard warning lights, smoke, leaks). This visual proof can support your written records and repair logs.
 

Get started on your case with a California used car lemon law attorney by contacting Barnes Law Firm online or give us a call by dialing (949) 446-1668.