Most new car buyers are excited and looking forward to getting a brand new vehicle. However, when the new vehicle starts to have repairs that are impacting the value of the vehicle or making the vehicle unsafe to drive, owning a new vehicle becomes a problem.
To protect new car buyers or those who lease a new vehicle, Arizona Lemon Laws have been passed. These laws also provide coverage for used vehicle purchase from a dealership, but only for the first 500 miles or the first 15 days after taking ownership of the vehicle. Additionally, the coverage is only offered for vehicles less than 10,000 pounds.
Important Factors to Know
While there is a federal law, known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which applies uniformly across the country, individual states set their own Lemon Laws. The Arizona Lemon Laws for new vehicles provide coverage for 2 years or twenty-four thousand miles, whichever comes first.
When defects are noted, the car must be brought to the dealership for four attempts to make the repair. The other factor to consider is the time the dealership has the vehicle for repair. Once this number exceeds thirty days, you can begin the process.
The manufacturer, and not the individual dealership, is bound by the Arizona Lemon Laws. As these manufacturers have their own attorneys, it is important for consumers to have their own legal representation. The manufacturers often dispute these claims, leaving the vehicle owner with a “lemon” rather than a replacement vehicle or a refund.
At the first signs of repeat problems with the vehicle, and if repairs do not correct the problem, contacting a Lemon Law attorney is a wise choice. The attorney can review the facts of the case, discuss the next steps, and allow you to understand the process and the next steps.
