experience with California lemon law claims

david c. · 10-28-2015, 07:47 PM

I bought a new car at the end of August and it's been in the garage for weeks on end with ABS, power steering and traction control problems. Long story. I don't want to get into the details because it appears litigation is inevitable due to the manufacturer's unwillingness to do anything but tell me to wait until it's fixed. I will say that it's a domestic car, and they are providing me with a rental car, which is a Toyota. Needless to say, I am very frustrated.

I would like to hear about any experiences my fellow Pelicans might have with California lemon law claims. Was it a huge pain? What would you do differently if you faced the situation again? What if anything were you able to recover? What buttons did you push with success? How long did it take to achieve resolution, or did you go to trial?

Thanks in advance.

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

My brother went through it. Huge PITA and it dragged out for 2 years but in the end they bought it back at full price paid. It can work but will add grey hair to your head.

Good luck!

Steve Carlton · 10-28-2015, 08:31 PM

CA lemon laws include several open and shut provisions- 4 visits same problem not corrected, 2 visits serious safety problem not corrected, 30 days in the shop for any combination of problems. Your refund (or pro-rated discount on another similar car) is based on how many miles were on the car when the trouble began and includes sales tax.

Hire a good lemon law attorney- it costs you nothing and the job will get done. I've processed several claims with Michael Saunders and he has succeeded 100% of the time. Talk to him.

A930Rocket · 10-29-2015, 03:49 AM

Get a lawyer. Well worth the money.

Arbitration is funded by the mfgs and you'll loose every time.

Just my experience.

vash · vash's Garage

a PPOT regular went thru this.

i'll text him to chime in.

lowyder993s · lowyder993s's Garage

I did this a year ago...used this guy:

Law Office of William R McGee - General Litigation - Rancho Bernardo - San Diego, CA - Reviews - Photos - Yelp

Piece of cake. You send them the background, receipts, etc. They draw up a complaint. Mfr has 30 days to respond...then takes another 30 days to get your money. Lawyer gets 4k...THAT is not related to your buyback. Mfr HAS to pay that. this guy says he serves ALL of Ca. Good Luck!