Can you tell if a car is a lemon?
You may know that under California law, you have rights when you purchase a lemon car. You may wonder, though, if there are signs that a car is a lemon. If you purchase a new vehicle, there may not be many signs you can look out for. If you get a used vehicle, though, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your car is not a lemon.
When you first start looking at used cars, it may be a good idea to do some research on different makes and models. Consumer Reports says a bit of research can show you if there have been any recalls for the vehicle you are considering. If there is a recall, you may want to ask if the vehicle has had the necessary repairs. Sometimes car manufacturers issue technical service bulletins. These documents usually explain problems that people experience with certain models. Looking at these documents may help you understand potential problems that might arise with the vehicle.
Inspect the vehicle
Before you purchase a used vehicle, it is a good idea to do a thorough inspection. You should usually look at the tailpipe and the suspension. If the tailpipe billows blue or black smoke when someone starts the car, the vehicle may need repairs. Additionally, the suspension system may need work if the fender rebounds several times when you push on it. It may also be a good idea to see how much the engine revs when you accelerate the vehicle. If the engine revs too much, this may be a sign that the car needs repairs.
Get a professional opinion
It may also be a good idea to bring a vehicle to your mechanic. If your mechanic does a diagnosis of the car, he or she may be able to identify potential problems. A thorough examination of the vehicle can also demonstrate if there is any structural damage you should know about. It is important to remember that even when you do your research and inspect a car thoroughly, you still may purchase a lemon. Sometimes there may be underlying problems that people do not know about until later.
Contact the Ledbetter Law Firm, APC to learn more.
