Buying a used car can be a wonderful experience. If you have purchased a used car that turned out to be a “lemon,” though, you are probably less than happy about your experience. These are some of the steps that you can take to try to make the situation better after buying a used car that isn’t in good shape.
Contact the Dealer
First of all, you should contact the dealer to let him or her know about your situation. In some cases, used cars are covered by a warranty from the dealership, even if the warranty is only a short-term warranty. Even if there is not a warranty in place, the dealer might be willing to do something to help make the situation right such as repairing the car, covering some of the cost of the repair or allowing you to swap the car for another vehicle on the lot. This is not always the case, but it’s never a bad idea to contact the dealer to see if he or she might be willing to do something to help you in this situation.
Find Out if There is a Manufacturer’s Warranty
Depending on how old the car is, how many miles it has on it and what type of vehicle it is, there is a chance that the car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty. If this is the case, then you may be able to take the car to the dealership to have necessary repairs done, regardless of the used car lemon law in your state.
Contact a Lawyer
Unfortunately, a lot of people find themselves in a situation in which neither the dealer nor manufacturer will do anything about a car that is a “lemon.” In these situations, working with a lawyer who understands the used car lemon law in your area might be your best bet for protecting yourself and having the car repaired or replaced.
