Every state’s lemon laws and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act are designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles. Lemon laws require manufacturers to refund or replace vehicles with substantial defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
Car buying is only sometimes a simple task. Luckily, Arizona Lemon Law statutes provide car buyers with warranty protection when their new vehicles have an unreasonable repair history.
Each state has its Lemon Law, allowing consumers to recoup their money or get a replacement vehicle. However, many myths about the law can confuse car buyers and prevent them from taking advantage of this consumer protection.
The Law Doesn’t Apply to Used Vehicles
Buying a new car is exciting and can be one of the best experiences of your life, but unfortunately, not all cars are made equal. Often, new cars will have issues that never seem to be fixed. The good news is that almost all states have Lemon Laws to protect consumers from these unresolved problems.
Many people mistakenly believe that only new vehicles are covered by the law. However, this couldn’t be more wrong. The Arizona Lemon Law covers new and used vehicles purchased for personal or business use. Furthermore, the law protects consumers from spending a certain amount of time in the repair shop or having an unreasonable number of repairs.
The only requirement is that the vehicle must have been serviced for a problem within the shorter of the manufacturer’s express warranty term or two years or 24,000 miles and that the dealer has had the opportunity to make four attempts at resolving the issue.
If you’ve recently bought a used or new vehicle and think you might be a victim of the state’s Lemon Law, don’t wait to seek the advice of an experienced attorney.
The Law Doesn’t Apply to Repair Shops
When you buy a new car, it is supposed to be a time of excitement and joy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Consider filing a lemon law claim in Arizona if you have a car with seemingly unfixable problems.
Like most states, Arizona has lemon laws that allow consumers to file claims against manufacturers if they cannot successfully repair a recurring problem with their vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts. To qualify as a “lemon,” the problem must significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
Contact the manufacturer and describe the problem to file a lemon law claim. The law also requires you to provide the vehicle’s year, make and model, and an odometer reading at purchase. Additionally, the vehicle must have received regular maintenance as the manufacturer requires and be serviced by authorized dealers.
It would be best to work with an experienced Arizona lemon law lawyer to ensure your claim is filed correctly and you receive the compensation you deserve. The law is complex, and every situation is different, so getting legal advice that focuses on your specific circumstances is essential.
The Law Doesn’t Apply to Dealerships
When you buy a new car, the last thing you want to deal with is recurring mechanical problems. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a car to have never-ending problems. This is when state lemon laws come in handy. These laws are designed to help consumers who purchase a defective vehicle get their car replaced or refunded. However, you must understand these laws before you file a claim.
Your vehicle must be under the manufacturer’s express warranty to qualify for a state lemon law. It must also have a reasonable number of attempts at repair—usually three or four. This requirement applies to both used and new vehicles. Additionally, the defect must be a significant one that affects the use and value of the vehicle.
You must keep track of all documents about your car and any repairs it undergoes. This includes the bill of sale, warranty documentation, and repair receipts. Consider keeping a calendar of when you took your vehicle into the shop. This will make it easier for your attorney to compile and review these documents if needed. This is particularly true because most lemon law and breach of warranty cases are settled through a cash settlement process, so your attorney will need to have these documents in hand to negotiate with the manufacturer.
The Law Doesn’t Apply to Manufacturers
A new vehicle is a significant investment. It is a source of pride and joy for most consumers. However, when your newly purchased vehicle starts having problems, it can quickly become a nightmare. This is why state lemon laws exist. They give car buyers a chance to get a new vehicle or money back, even if the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge the issue as a warranty problem.
Arizona’s lemon law provides comprehensive protection for car buyers who have bought or leased defective vehicles. The law entitles you to refunds and replacement vehicles if the same non-conformity is subjected to a reasonable number of repair attempts or the vehicle is out of service for 30 days or more.
