Lemon Law Blog

Thanks to the cash for clunkers program, more than 700,000 gas guzzlers are now off the road, replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles.  It is a tremendous accomplishment and no doubt consumers and car dealers alike really profited off the program.

While the program officially came to a close Monday night, there are still car buyers out there waiting to hear if their rebate will go through.  Some have been told they will find out in a couple of weeks. As we discussed previously in the lemon law blog, there was quite a bit of fine print associated with this promotion and it is the dealer’s responsibility to ensure that the consumer qualifies for the rebate.  After all, if the dealer doesn’t do their job verifying everything prior to the transaction, they are the ones left stranded if the rebate never comes, right?

The answer seems to be affirmative, but one dealer in Philadelphia decided to test that theory.  After they completed the sale, and trashed the trade, the dealer found out that the insurance on this car had lapsed for two weeks during the last year of ownership.  That means they would not receive their rebate and that left them raving mad. They went back to the buyer, a second-year medical student, to try and recoup their $3,500.  And when we say try and recoup, we mean demand and threaten. 

So, who won and who was right?  For the answer, take at look at KYW TV Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan’s piece (featuring Kimmel & Silverman’s Founding Partner Craig Thor Kimmel) by clicking here.

If you find yourself in a position where you have already turned in your clunker and the dealer is demanding more cash, please contact us.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Are you driving a 2008 Porsche and have your cell phone system built into your PCM module (along with your navigation system and radio)?  Do you use A&T cell phone service?  If you answered yes to both of these questions, we would you like to hear about your experiences, both good and bad.  Please drop us a line by clicking here.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Looking for useful, informative, entertaining news segments on your lemon law and consumer rights?  Have you checked out our you tube channel?  The 1-800 LEMON LAW channel  (www.youtube.com/1800lemonlaw) provides all sorts of interesting interviews from our staff.  Learn everything you need to know when it comes to buying a car or fighting for your rights.  Visit us today, and by all means, if you have any questions about the programs you view, drop us a line or give us a call at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

Popularity: 7% [?]

This just in–Edmunds is reporting that Volkswagen, once revered for having a 4 year/50,000 mile original manufacturers warranty, is now reducing the coverage to 3 years/ 36,000 miles on all 2009 models and newer.  The good news is that like several other high-end manufacturers, VW will be covering this cost of all scheduled maintenance up to 36,000 miles.  Which would you rather have–a longer warranty or free service? While some may perceive it as six of one, half a dozen of the other, that’s not really true.  You certainly could shell out a lot more money with the 14 less months of warranty coverage if a transmission or engine problem occurs at 40,000 miles, or 3 years and 2 months after you purchase your car.  One may also question why VW is shortening their warranty at a time where most companies are tyring to find a competitive edge.

Less publicized is the fact that Mazda has also reduced their manufacturers warranty from 4/50 to 3/36 as well.

No doubt these reductions in warranty protection will help the manufacturers with their bottom line, but how will the change affect sales?  Only time will tell.

Popularity: 8% [?]

We are thrilled to congratulate Kimmel and Silverman New Jersey Lemon Law Attorneys Bob Silverman, Jacqueline Herritt and Richard Scholer, who have all been featured as top attorneys in a poll published in the month’s SJ Magazine.  

New Jersey Attorneys throughout Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties were asked to name attorneys who were above-par in their legal fields.  Our attorneys were hamed tops in consumer law, product liability, computer law, and litigation prevention.   We are very forutnate and honored to have a number of attorneys recommend our services to their clients, and thankful to all lawyers who voted for us to receive this special honor.

Popularity: 10% [?]