Driving a diesel Ford  F-Truck with an R as the eighth letter in your VIN?  If so, you may be dealing with a number of defects.

For quite a few years, we have continuously received calls on the 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline from Ford F-150, F 250, F 350 and F 450 drivers complaining of blue, white or gray smoke coming from their vehicle, along with overheating issues and loss of power.  Many of these Ford trucks are also dealing with  problems with their radiator and/or degas bottle leaking coolant.

If you are having problems with your defective diesel truck, it is essential that you get to a Ford authorized dealership for repairs.  Make sure when meeting with the service adviser that you provide a comprehensive list of your complaints.  If necessary, offer to take the service adviser on a test drive to illustrate the issues.  You also make want to take photographs of the smoke or coolant leak. The more information you provide, the more likely the mechanic will identify the problem associated with your diesel truck.  When picking up the truck, make sure you also receive a service invoice which outlines all of the problems and the work that was done to address the problems.  Keep those invoices in a safe easy-to-find place.

If you have been in repeatedly for problems with the Ford F Truck, or an extended period of time, it is important that you look at your rights under State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws. For many years, we have been helping Ford F Trucks drivers  with their defective vehicles.   Depending on the situation, you could be looking a new truck, a repurchase, or at the very least monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the truck as a result of the problems.  Based of all, legal help is free.

If you feel that your truck  is not “built tough” and you are having Ford F Truck diesel problems, call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW or fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form.

We have received word from several distressed drivers that Hyundai is having recurring transmission problems with its Tucson model, resulting in a number of vehicles having their transmissions replaced, while others are continuing to go back to the shop repeatedly with no fix in sight.

Hyundai Tucson drivers  are complaining on message boards of vehicles failing to go into reverse, transmission fluid leaks, fluid changing colors, and parts on back order .  If you are having Hyundai Tucson transmission problems, it is essential that you hold on to all repair invoices.  If you find that you are having to return to the shop repeatedly for your Tucson transmission issue, or if you find that your Hyundai Tucson is in the shop an extended period of time, it is essential that you look into your Lemon Law or Federal Warranty rights.  You could be looking at a repurchase, a new vehicle, or significant moentaty compensation.  Best of all, the Lemon Law help is completely cost-free.

For more information, call 1 800 LEMON LAW (1-800 -536-6652) or fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form.

If your car spends more time in the shop than it does on the road, free lemon law help is available. The best part – it won’t cost you a thing.

Michael Sacks, an automotive consumer advocate and director of communications for 1-800 Lemon Law,  was recently featured on KYW TV’s “Talk Philly” to discuss distressed drivers’ rights under the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware Lemon Laws.  many folks are unaware that the Lemon law provides completely free legal representation and consumers can be entitled to a new car, a full repurchase, or significant monetary compensation and continued ownership of their car.   To date,  1 800 LEMON LAW has provided free lemon law help to more than 65,000 consumers throughout the Northeast.  

If you feel you may have a lemon car on your hands and would like free lemon law help, call us at 1 800 Lemon Law ( -800 536-6652) or fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form.  You have nothing to lose, except your lemon!

Driving a Chevrolet Cruze?  Check your coolant levels because it appears that there may be a problem.  Forums are popping up discussing the issue and we recently opened a claim where the car has been in the shop for over six weeks for a coolant leak because parts are unavailable.   In another situation, a consumer is complaining of coolant leaking into the car.

If you smell coolant or see a puddle under your Chevrolet Cruze, it is essential that you get to a General Motors authorized dealership as soon as possible to have the issue diagnosed and fixed.  Make sure that after your car is repaired, you receive a detailed invoice which outlines the problem, the fix, the mileage and the days out of service.  If a part is on back order or the problem continues to occur, you should look into your rights under State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Law.  You could be looking at a complete repurchase or a new vehicle and legal help is completely free.

For more information on your rights under the Lemon Law if you are dealing with a Chevrolet Cruze coolant leak, contact an attorney in your state.  You can view a list of Lemon Law attorneys by clicking here.

The Lemon Law seems so cut and dry, so easy, so black and white…you are in the shop a continuous number of times for the same problem and the manufacturer is supposed to give you a new car or full refund, right?  There should be no ifs, and or buts about it, according to some consumers.  Sadly, it is not that easy. And that is why there is a need for Lemon Law Lawyers.

This is a David vs. Goliath situation.  The consumer is battling a billion dollar car company, arguing that the product they purchased is inferior and they are deserving of recourse.  But, how can the consumer and the company be on equal footing, preventing the car company from bullying the consumer through the court system?  The answer lies in the fee-shifting provisions of State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws.  The Laws say that if the consumer prevails, the manufacturer must pay all attorney fees and legal costs ON TOP OF what the consumer receives.  Furthermore, if a Lemon Law Firm is confident of their abilities, they should make it clear that there will be no cost if for some reason you do not prevail.  Therefore, win or lose, the consumer should have no cost and no risk when it comes to filing a claim.

So, what are the benefits of using an experienced Lemon Law Lawyer?  First and foremost, they have knowledge of the statutes and access to case law.  They know when a manufacturer is making an offer that’s sub par and when the car company truly wants to do right by the consumer.  Experienced Lemon Law Attorneys have immediate access to manufacturers counsel.  If they have a solid reputation of fighting claims in court, the manufacturer is much more likely to take their representation seriously, many times resolving a claim very quickly through pre-litigation channels.  Remember, a manufacturer must pay attorney fees on top of what the consumer receives, so if the consumer has a strong Lemon Law claim, it does not benefit the manufacturer to drag it through the legal system and pay large attorney fees.  Rather, they want to settle it as quickly as possible and pay as little in attorney fees as they need to.  Many manufacturers work with our firm to offer comprehensive pre-litigation programs.  And if no offer is made or the offer does not meet the consumer’s satisfaction, we move forward with the litigation process.

We are also seeing many manufacturers who are taking advantage of unrepresented consumers, offering them buybacks with high usage fees or swaps that are actually trades.   The car companies are well aware of what they are doing and the consumer thinks that they are smart enough that they do not need the free legal representation afforded by the Lemon Law.  Then, they call us after the fact and we tell them that in most cases, their errors can be not be fixed, resulting in receiving thousands less than they are entitled to.   We also see consumers who elect to represent themselves in Lemon Law claims with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or their State Attorney General’s Lemon Law program only to be defeated by the manufacturer’s high priced experts and attorneys hired to defeat their claims.  And in some cases, like in New Jersey, Attorney General Lemon Law rulings are binding.  There are quite a few claims where we see the consumer defeated where we know based on our experience and our ASE-certified experts (free of charge to all Kimmel and Silverman clients) that we could have succeeded.

So, take advantage of experience, knowledge and reputation of qualified Lemon Law Attorneys if you find yourself with a defective vehicle.  It’s a free service that the Law allows for you and if you don’t take advantage of it, you could find yourself stranded down the road.

The end of the year is here but we have been busier than ever at 1800 LEMON LAW assisting distressed drivers with their defective vehicles.  Since many folks don’t believe how well the State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Statutes work, we always like to update readers on recent refunds and repurchases.  Many of these cases were settled in a matter of months. Here’s the latest highlights from December:

2010 Jeep Wrangler, water leak x3,  full repurchase under the New Jersey Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2011 Can Am Spyder Motorcycle, loss of power, replacement bike under Ohio Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2009 Mazda RX 8, no start, registered in Pennsylvania, $5,835 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their car with full warranty)

2006 CPO Land Rover Range Rover with 52,000 miles, registered in New Jersey, steering issue, $4,000 plus attorneys fees 9and they get to keep the car)

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, engine problems, replacement vehicle under New Jersey Lemon Law.

2011 Ford Focus, steering vibration issue, registered in Pennsylvania, $5,000 plus attorney fees (and they keep the car with full warranty)

2008 Chevrolet Silverado with 43,000 miles, registered in Ohio, oil leak, $4000 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep the car with full warranty)

2010 Dodge Charger with 26,000 miles, registered in New York, sunroof leak.  $5,550 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their car with full warranty).

2011 Honda Accord, clicking noise in rear from being welded improperly, replacement vehicle under Massachusetts Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2007 Ford Mustang Shelby,, registered in New Jersey, transmission problem, $6,000 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their car will full warranty)

2010 Chevrolet Malibu, steering vibration problem, registered in New Jersey, $5,000 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep the car with full warranty)

2011 Subaru Outback, steering problem, full repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2011 Hyundai Sonata, transmission issues, registered in Pennsylvania,  $4,000 plus attorney fees (plus they get to keep ther car with full warranty)

2011 Jeep Wranger, water leaks, full repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2008 Hyundai Satnta Fe, braking problems, full repurchase under Ohio Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2009 Buick Enclave, no start problem, registered in Pennsylvania, $6,500 plus attorney fees (plus they get to keep their car with full warranty)

2011 Dodge Caliber, check engine light problem, full repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2010 Buick Lacrosse, Out of service 30 days & fixed, registered in Ohio, $6,000 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep the car with full warranty)

2011 Toyota Tacoma,transmission problem, full repurchase under Maryland Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2008 Ford F350 truck with 60,000 miles, transmission problem, registered in Pennsylvania, $3,500 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep the truck)

2011 Chevrolet Malibu, check engine lights, full repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2010 Hyundai Tuscon, check engine lights, new replacement vehicle under Maryland Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2011 Hyundai Sonata, brake problems, full repurchase under New Jersey Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2010 Chevrolet Traverse with 27,000 miles at first repair, no start, registered in New Jersey, $5,000 plus attorney fees (plus they get to keep their car with full warranty)

2009 Chevrolet Impala, error lights, registered in Pennsylvania,  $6,250 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their car with full warranty)

2012 Buick Lacrosse, service light on for 30 days, full repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law plus attorney fees.  SETTLED IN 10 DAYS!

2009 Ford E250, broke down, registered in Delaware, $5,250 plus attorney fees (and they got to keep their vehicle)

2010 Buick Lacrosse, towed in 4x, full repurchase under Michigan Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2008 Chevrolet Silverado, registered in Ohio, oil leak, $4,500 plus attorney fees (plus they get to keep their car with full warranty)

2008 Subaru Impreza with 58,000 miles, check engine light problem, registered in Pennsylvania, $5,000 plus attorneys fees (plus they got to keep the car)

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, remote key problem, registered in Pennsylvania, $5,000 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep the vehicle with full warranty)

2011 Ford F250 truck, problem with reverse aid sensor, registered In Pennsylvania, $5,000 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their truck with full warranty)

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, water leak, new replacement vehicle under Connecticut Lemon Law plus attorney fees

2007 Freightliner Truck, engine problems, registered in Ohio, $13,200 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their truck)

2011 Land Rover LR4, full repurchase under Pennsylvania Lemon Law

2008 Cadillac CTS, no start problem, registered in Pennsylvania, $5,000 plus attorney fees 9and they get to keep their car with full warranty)

2009 Ford Escape, front end problem, registered in New Jersey, $5,000 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their car)

2010 Jaguar XJ, window problem, registered in New Jersey,  $4,500 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their car with full warranty)

2007 GMC Acadia, water leak & no start, registered in New Jersey, $10,377 plus attorney fees (and they get to keep their vehcile with full warranty)

In 2011, we successfully resolved thousands of Lemon Law and breach of warranty claims throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York,  Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Washington DC, Michigan, Ohio, Wyoming and Tennessee.  If your car is driving you crazy, it’s important for you to learn your rights.  You could be entitled to complete cost-free legal representation.  For more information, fill out our Get Rid Of Your Lemon form or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).  You have nothing to lose but your lemon.

The 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline has been abuzz with Subaru WRX drivers calling in complaining about issues with their transmission and/or turbo engine.  Problems include loss of power, check engine light, clutch noise,  fluid leaks, and assorted transmission issues.

If your Subaru Impreza WRX is heading back to the repair shop repeatedly, or if the car has been in the shop for an extended period of time, please e-mail us and share your problems.  We will be glad to discuss your situation with you and see if you qualify for recourse under the Lemon Law or Federal Warranty Statutes.

The message boards and the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline are both buzzing with 2011 Hyundai Sonata drivers who are complaining about two major problems, both of which significantly affect the use, value and safety of the vehicle.

First, we are seeing a number of problems with the transmission in the limited edition Hyundai Sonata turbo engine models.  We have seen issues where the car was banging into gear and the check engine light was coming on within the first 5,000 miles of ownership  Dealers are aware of the problem and it appears Hyundai is attempting to come up with a fix but so far, they have been unsuccessful.  If your Hyundai Sonata is in the shop three or more times for transmission problems, or it is in service for an extended period of days, you could be entitled to significant remedy under State Lemon Laws and/or Federal Warranty Laws.  Contact us either by e-mail or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW and we would be glad to discuss your situation and how we can help.  Of course, if we can help, it’s completely free to you.

The second issue we are seeing with the Hyundai Sonatas involves the tires.  We have been accepting numerous cases where the car is pulling the right or left, significantly affecting the alignment.  In one recent claim, the  alignment expert came to the dealership and told the consumer there was nothing they could do for the problem.  Once we were involved, Hyundai agreed to repurchase the vehicle under the New Jersey Lemon Law.   If you are back in the shop repeatedly for your alignment issue on your Hyundai Sonata, make sure you call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW.

And always remember be it for the transmission, the tires or any problem, even if they cannot fix the problem, make sure the dealer always  provides  service invoices to illustrate you are bringing the matter to their attention.  These invoices can make or break a lemon law or breach of warranty claim.

As we have frequently reported in the Lemon Law Blog, this downtrodden economy has eroded the quality of manufacturers warranties.

The industry has placed tremendous limitations on warranty repairs.  Manufacturers have set specific time limits on how long it should take for a mechanic to duplicate a problem and fix it.  Unfortunately, many problems are not addressed right away, often leaving a driver with an intermittent problem that could leave them stranded at a moment’s notice, anytime, anywhere.

Factories are closing left and right,  resulting in parts being on back order for months at a time.  Imagine leasing a convertible  that you cannot dive through the Spring months, or being offered a loaner coupe to drive your three children to soccer practice while your minivan’s in the shop.  It’s happening throughout the Country and while the Lemon Law does provide protection in these situations, not every consumer is aware of their rights.

Now we are faced with a new ever-growing dilemma.  The service advisor knows that there is a problem, they verified it, but the manufacturer does not have a fix at this time.  Whose fault is that?   Are you supposed to sit idly by and wait for technicians to come up with a fix?  Or do you take action?

If you find yourself in this predicament, the first thing you need to do is make sure the service advisor puts the term “no fix at this time” in writing on your repair invoice.  This confirms that they are aware of a problem and in essence, they are breaching their manufacturers warranty.  After all, this warranty ensures that problems will be fixed efficiently and effectively, and that is not happening.  Next, make an appointment at another manufacturer authorized dealership for a second opinion.  Take the service advisor on a test drive where you can illustrate and duplicate the problem for them.  If they also tell you there is no fix, make sure you obtain a second invoice and ask if the manufacturer has provided anything in writing to their dealerships pertaining to this problem.  At that point, you should contact 1-800-LEMON LAW or another  lemon law attorney in your state to discuss your situation and a strategy to get the matter resolved.

Remember, if you do not fight for your rights, no one else will.

Many Ohio consumers do not realize that the Ohio Lemon Law is one of the strongest Lemon laws in the nation. 1800 LEMON LAW Communications Director Michael Sacks made a return visit to NBC4′s Daytime Columbus recently to discuss the law with host Gail Hogan. The segment provided helpful advice on what distressed drivers should do if they feel they have been stuck with a lemon car.

It’s the number one question that comes through the 1800 LEMON LAW hotline “Do I have a Lemon?” Because each state has different Lemon Laws, we’ve devised a quick online questionnaire to help folks with this process.  While it’s sometimes a fairly complex process to figure out if you are driving a lemon car, we’ve simplified it down to the basics to help satisfy most consumers in addition to being available to answer any specific question as needed.

We created this lemon law web application to give people a better insight into the qualifying process. Often folks can be a little shy about reaching out, and we know it sometimes is fearful to go after the billion-dollar automobile companies. This new app provides distressed drivers the key they need to rev up their consumer rights.

Let’s review some important components of this questionnaire by answering a few questions and reviewing the overall process.

Driving a Lemon Questionnaire

We made sure to keep the page clean and uncluttered to ensure that the questions were the main focus. You’ll also notice that we have incorporated some social media elements to make it easy to share with your own network. We’ve also incorporated some tips to help consumers as they answer questions along the way.

The first qualifying point we ask is whether the consumer purchased their car New or Used. All states have a Lemon Law for new cars while some offer protection for used cars. There is also a federal law that protects consumers of used cars which is called the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and covers all items that fall under an original or extended manufacturers warranty. We’ll choose “New”.

State Lemon Laws Vary

As we explained earlier, Lemon Laws vary from state to state. Some states have similar qualifications, while others are completely different. New Jersey requires only 1 repair attempt for a defect that may cause death or serious injury while Massachusetts requires 4 repair attempts for the same defect before they qualify. Pennsylvania’s  coverage period is 1 year or 12,000 miles while New Jersey is 2 years or 24,000 miles. This is why we need to ask where you purchased your vehicle. Our corporate headquarters are in Pennsylvania so we’ll choose that.

Pennsylvania Lemon Law Qualification

So the Pennsylvania Lemon Law qualification is when a car is within its warranty period, 12,000 miles or 1 year of purchase. Well it just so happens that my car is indeed within this criteria so I’ll answer “Yes”

Again the number of repair attempts vary as well as the number of days out of services. Some include calendar days, others are only business days. Some require 4 repair attempts, others only 1 if they are deemed to be injury-causing. My car has had 3 repair attempts for the same issue so I’ll answer “Yes”.

It looks like I qualify for the Lemon Law and should pursue my case. Due to the fact that it is free for me, I’m going to have Kimmel & Silverman take care of my case so will need to fill out this online form with all my details.

Yipee, I do qualify for the Lemon Law in my State

So it took me about 3 minutes to complete the Driving a Lemon survey to find out if I actually have a lemon and then another five minutes to fill out the Get Rid of your Lemon online form and the process begins! After only a few days online, we’ve seen over 1000 visitors to the survey and more importantly, have helped consumers to be more aware of the Lemon Laws and how they are used to protect us.

If you are not certain whether you qualify for the Lemon Law, go ahead and check out our new online Driving a Lemon application. It’s only 3-5 minutes and may well save you weeks, months or years of agony.

We get all sorts of calls at 1-800 LEMON LAW and after handling over 65,000 cases, we certainly know the right way and the wrong way to handle a lemon car.  Of course, there are those consumers who call, ask us a million questions, and then go against our advice and move ahead with what they think is the correct way to handle the situation.  Many times, they call us weeks later asking us to get involved.  Sometimes, we can and sometimes, they kill their rights and there is nothing we can do.  Here are the three top blunders we see among consumers:

1)  THREATENING THE DEALERSHIP  –  As we have reported many times before, in State Lemon Law and Federal Warranty Claims, the defendant is the MANUFACTURER, not the dealer.  The dealer is responsible for fixing the car under the warranty.  They get paid by the manufacturer every time they fix your car.  When it comes to getting the car repaired, you are at the dealer’s mercy.  Thus screaming “I am going to sue you” at the top of your lungs is not really accomplishing anything.  Do you want them to be flexible around your schedule?  Take the time to hear and address your concerns?  Offer you a loaner car?  Then, you need to be respectful of their job.  You will be surprised as to how many dealers whisper our number to their customers.  Why?  Because they want their customers happy and they know we can help free of charge.  The only time this does not happen is when….

2) YOU INADVERTENTLY TRADE THE CAR IN.  Dealers are out to make money and sometimes, dealers see lemon cars as potential money makers for them.  So, they will say to the customer “You have a lemon.  Let’s take that car off your hands.”  And, they present a brand new car to the customer. The customer thinks “This is great.  I got rid of my lemon and I am getting a brand new car.  I don’t need a lawyer.”  The customer signs all the new paperwork and then they are shocked when they are socked for a huge bill later on.  They didn’t use the Lemon Law; they traded the car in and by not reaching out to a lawyer for free legal help, they now are sometimes tens of thousands of dollars in the hole.  HUGE MISTAKE and it happens a lot. Dealers cannot solve lemon law claims.  If they say otherwise, get it in writing first and have it reviewed by us or another consumer law firm.

and finally…..

3) NOT DOING ANYTHING BECAUSE YOUR CAR IS FINALLY FIXED.  Don’t get us wrong.  We are thrilled that after 5 repair attempts, that front end noise is gone or that check engine light is off.  But, you paid for a manufacturers warranty that guaranteed that problems were fixed efficiently and effectively and they were not.  Under the law, you could be entitled to monetary compensation and continued ownership of the car.  It’s lovely that you don’t want to give the manufacturer a tough time now that the problem is fixed. But once your warranty expires, do you think they will treat you with the same kindness?  Use your rights.  This is your hard-earned money and you are entitled to compensation if you did not get what you paid for.

Certainly, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at 1800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form.

We just received a call this week on the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline from a woman with a lemon of a 2010 Nissan Rogue.  She was back four times for fuel gauge problems in leas than a year!  She contacted Nissan on her own, and they did nothing.  So, rather than reach out to a lawyer, she called the dealership.

The dealership agreed that she deserved a new Nissan and just her luck, they had a red one and a white one on the lot.  She chose the red one, signed some paperwork (without reviewing it) and was on her way in a brand new car.  Case closed, right?

WRONG!!!  She has just found out that she traded her car in and that trade is going to cost her over $10,000.  She no longer has any of the invoices illustrating the fuel gauge problem, and she signed all the new paperwork, indicating she approved the deal.

Remember, when it comes to a lemon law claim, the dealership has no authority or obligation other than fixing your car under warranty.  If you think you have a lemon, contact a lemon law lawyer. The help is free and you have nothing to lose…except your lemon.

We get all sorts of consumers who call the 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline for a variety of reasons, but most callers want to discuss a situation and see if they are entitled to remedy under State Lemon Laws or Federal Laws.  In most cases, if a caller realizes that they do have a claim under the Law, they want to open it right away.  However, there are also those who take pause and ask us to wait.  We have no problem with these folks–we understand that people sometimes want to think things over for a day or two–but then there are those folks who ask us to follow up in a couple of months.  And those are the ones who leave us baffled.  Here are some of the reasons folks like to wait:

“The dealership has been so nice to us.”  Of course they have.  After all, they are paid by the manufacturer each and every time you come in for a warranty repair.  Therefore, they love customers who come in repeatedly for the same problem….it could mean continuous money in this bad economy.  As we have said, time and time again in this blog, when it comes to Lemon Law claims and those that fall under the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, the defendant is the manufacturer, NOT THE DEALER.  Dealers have no obligation or authority to assist you under the Lemon Law; they are only there to fix your problem under manufacturers warranty. You also may risk creating a hostile environment by going into the dealership and threatening a lawsuit. Frankly if you receive a repurchase, the dealer would love nothing more than for you to come in and buy another car from them.  YOU ARE NOT HURTING A DEALER BY FILING A CLAIM.  Heck, we have a number of clients who work at auto dealerships.

“I want to see if this fix holds.”  OK……after four, five, six attempts, are we going to get lucky?  Don’t get us wrong; we hope it works too.  But, what happens if the fix holds until after the warranty expires? We have seen that happen many times.  You may still have a claim but it’s much weaker due to the age and miles on the car.  And, even if the fix does hold, you have been in repeated times for the same problem.  Therefore, you are entitled to compensation based on the diminished value of the car as a result of the problem.  When you purchased this car, you paid a premium for the manufacturers warranty–a guarantee that any problems you have would be fixed efficiently and effectively.  The Law says if  continuous repairs occur, you may be entitled to some of that money back.    You may have missed work, family obligations, social engagements…why are you letting them off the hook?

“I just don’t like to sue.”  You’re not alone.  Most people don’t like to be involved in any sort of lawsuit.  The good news is that a large majority of our claims are settled through pre-litigation, meaning that many of our clients are never truly involved, other than sending in the necessary payment.  The laws provide the fee-shifting provision because you need representation and it would not be fair for you to throw good money after bad to hire a lawyer.  It would put you in a vulnerable position and the manufacturer could drag you through the court process and bankrupt you as a result.  Therefore, this is one Law that actually works in the consumers’ favor, providing the ability to go after the manufacturer with experienced representation and the ammunition needed to win the battle–at no cost and no risk.  Take advantage of this rare opportunity.  It does not come along often.

And finally “I am going to speak to the manufacturer myself.”  There are folks who think they are really smart… they are calling to fish for information and then the manufacturer will be so impressed with their knowledge that they won’t need a lawyer.  We have no problem with people knowing their rights; that’s why we have put together such a comprehensive website at www.lemonlaw.com, but we know for a fact that unrepresented consumers normally receive a heck of a lot less than those who are represented.  They have to pay higher mileage offsets, they agree to much less money than they are entitled to, they unknowingly sign documents which dismiss their claim and they make many uneducated mistakes.  Unfortunately, when that happens, there is nothing anyone can do.  Manufacturers love to take advantage of these people, knowing that there is noone these people can turn to for a second opinion.

So, if you are in three or more times or an extended period of time under the manufacturer’s warranty for the same problem, give us a a call at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) and discuss the situation with us.  You may be very surprised and happy to find out the matter can be resolved sooner than you think and most importantly, at no cost to you.

I always love these blog entriees where we can share many of our success stories.  This July was quite busy at 1-800 LEMON LAW.  Take a look at just some of the settlements and judgments reached this month, and we still have 15 days to go!    We have said it before–we know that the State Lemon Laws and federal Warranty Laws sound too good to be true, but they do provide completely free legal help.  if you feel you have a potential lemon law or breach of warranty claim, please call us at 1 800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or visit us at our website, www.lemonlaw.com.

Here’s just some of what we accomplished in the last two weeks.  Many of these cases were settled in 30-60 days!

2011 Kia Sorrento — Client receives brand new car — Millersville, MD

2008 Cadillac CTS purchased used, has 26,000 miles — Client receives $4,500 plus keeps the car — Laurel, MD

2007 Chevy Suburban with 63,000 miles — Client receives $4,000 plus keeps the car — Lansdale, PA

2008 Ford F350 with 54,000 miles — Client receives $4,000 plus keeps the truck — Hudson, NH

2009 Ford Escape with 27,000 miles –Client receives $5,500 plus keeps the car — Bear, DE

2007 Chevrolet HHR with 33,000 miles– Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! –Lancaster, NY

2008 Buick Lacross with 23,000 miles — Client receives $4,500 plus keeps the car — Mt. Pocono, PA

2007 Jeep Wrangler — Client receives $5,300 plus keeps the car — Hamilton, NJ

2010 Chevrolet Malibu — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps the car — Somers Point, NJ

(and another result just like this in Baltimore, MD!)

2010 Ford Escape — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps the car — Coraopolis, PA

2008 Dodge Avenger with 26,000 miles — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Mount Braddock,  PA

2008 Saab 9-3 — Client receives $8,500 plus keeps their car — Philadelphia, PA

2008 Dodge Caliber — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Glenolden, PA

2006 Toyota Avalon with 58,000 miles– Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — New York, NY

2010 BMW 328i — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Bethlehem, PA

2009 Ford Escape — Client receives $8,500 plus keeps their car — Wellsboro, PA

2007 Land Rover Sport with 45,000 miles — Client receives $4,500 plus keeps their car — Fort Lee, NJ

2008 Ford Edge — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps their car — Bayonne, NJ

2006 Hummer H3 with 41,000 miles — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps their car — Norristown, PA

2008 Subaru Tribeca with 39,800 miles — Client receives $5,000 plus keeps their car — Altoona, PA

2010 Cadillac SRX — Full repurchase! Clients gets all their money back! — Melville, NY

2009 Chevrolet Impala with 26,000 miles — Client receives $4,000 plus keeps their car — Irwin, PA

2009 GMC Sierra — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Ford City, PA

2006 Cadillac CTS, bought used, has 39,000 miles– Client receives $4,600 plus keeps their car — Philadelphia, PA

2005 Kia Sorento with 55,000 miles — Client receives $5,500 plus keeps their car — East Greenville, PA

2010 Subaru Impreza — Client receives $6,000 plus keeps their car — Toms River, NJ

2008 Nissan Rogue — Client receives brand new car — Purchased in OH

2008 Hyundai Tuscon — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Pottstown, PA

2009 Pontiac G8 — Client receives brand new car –Jackson, NJ

2004 Mitsubishi Gallant (6 years old!) — Client receives $3,500 plus keeps their car — Philadelphia, PA

2009 Acura TSX (leased!) — Client receives $8,000 and continues with lease — New York, NY

2010 Hyundai Accent — Client receives brand new car — Reading, PA

2008 Nissan Rogue — Full repurchase!  Client gets all their money back! — Norwalk, CT

2007 Kia Rio with 35,600 miles — Client receives $5,000 plus keeps their car — Medina, OH

2006 Cadillac STS with 40,000 miles — Client receives $7.300 plus keeps their car — Southington, CT

2008 Honda Odyssey with 40,000 miles — Client receives $7,560 plus keeps their car — North Wales, PA

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan — Client receives brand new car — Cherry Hill, NJ

2009 Dodge Caravan — Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Purchased in PA

2010 Dodge Nitro– Full repurchase! Client gets all their money back! — Absecon, NJ

Kimmel and Silverman is proud to have provided cost-free lemon law and breach of warranty help to over 58,000 consumers since 1991 and we would love to help you.  As our jingle goes: “Driving A Lemon?  Make The Call to chases1-800 LEMON LAW!”

It always happens as the Spring flowers bloom and the weather gets warmer.  Consumers start to get the itch to go car-shopping, to get behind a hot new set of wheels and head out on the open highway.  And with their burning desire comes their repeated calls to the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline, asking that age-old question “How can I prevent myself from buying a lemon?”

Alas, there is no answer to that question….any car can suffer a repetitive non-conformity.  That being said, we do still feel research can be extremely beneficial when you are out on your shopping excursion.  We urge you to always take a trip down the information superhighway before heading to the dealer, and one pit stop we always recommend is the annual Car Complaint Index, compiled annually by Consumer Advocate Jack Gillis and the good people at the Center for Auto Safety.

We have been promoting Mr. Gillis’ efforts for years because we were always being asked which cars receive the most complaints.  Mr. Gillis and his team take a look at the thousands of complaints filed each year with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.  They then create a ratio looking at the number of complaints filed to the number of cars sold.

Now it’s important to note that these complaints are subjective, based solely on the opinion of drivers, and therefore the index should not be the end-all, be-all when deciding what car to buy.  But, if you find that the car is on the index, and you notice similar complaints on automotive forums and in consumer magazines, that could be a red flag.

So, what cars on this year’s list?  Click here to connect to the 2010 Car Complaint Index and if you’d like to read some of the complaints, be sure to visit NHTSA’s complaint database.  Lastly, Jack Gillis’ Ultimate Car Book is always an awesome read, especially if you are getting ready to buy.  To buy a copy, click here.

In the wake of the massive Toyota recalls comes some stressful news from Nissan and General Motors.  Both manufacturers are announcing pretty extensive recalls on some of their most popular models.

Let’s start with Nissan, who has announced a recall of 539,864 vehicles due to faulty brake pedal pins and fuel gauge components.   Those models affected by the brake pin recall include 2008-2010 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and the high-end Infiniti QX56.There have been three reported instances of brake pedal pins partially disengaging, causing a loss of normal braking activity and Nissan has centered the problem on the supplier’s part.  All Nissan vehicles currently on sale are free of this problem.

The fuel gauge recall affects 2005-2008 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56 models, as well as an Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra models produced between January and March 2006 or between October 2007 and January 2008.  Vehicles at higher mileage may have fuel gauges which incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank.  This may result in the vehicle running out of gas even through the gauge does not read empty.

Owners of all recalled Nissan models will be notified in March.  For more information, contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-NISSAN1 for Nissan or 1-800-662-6200 for Infiniti.   In the meantime, if you have previously reported these problems and the issue was never repaired properly, feel free to contact us to determine if you are entitled to remedy under State or Federal Law.

On the General Motors front, the manufacturer is recalling 1.3 million vehicles due to faulty steering systems.  This comes as no surprise to us as we have received countless calls, and have resolved well over a thousand cases, pertaining to faulty steering systems in Chevrolet, Pontiac and GM models.

The recalled models include 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalts and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 models.   The sudden loss of power steering can occur at any time and consumers are urged to not wait for the recal notice if the problem happens.  They are to report to an authorized manufacturer’s dealer immediately for assistance.

When the power steering problem occurs, drivers will hear a chime sound while a power steering indicator lights up on the dashboard.  The vehicle will be difficult to steer, especially under 15 miles per hour.  The problem has so far resulted in 14 reported accidents, although we have seen many occurrences of this.  For more information on the GM recall, call 800-222-1020.

If your power steering goes out three or more times during your original or extended manufacturers warranty, you have rights and it is important to look into them to determine the remedies you are entitled to.  For more information, please call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or send us an e-mail.

It’s time again for us to provide a roundup of recent refunds, repurchases and replacements.  Under the State Lemon Laws and the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, all of our clients receive completely cost-free legal help, with the manufacturers covering the legal fees ON TOP OF what our client receives.  We are very proud of our efforts and encourage you to reach out to us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or via e-mail  if you think your vehicle may qualify for remedy.   Here we go….

2008 Dodge Dakota, Replacement Vehicle  — Newark, DE

2008 Audi A5, $6,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Jenkintown, PA

2009 Chevrolet Impreza, Replacement Vehicle — Telford, PA

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, $5,000 plus client keeps their car — Cranbury, NJ

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, Complete Refund — Greenwich, CT

2008 Buell Blast Motorcycle, Replacement Bike — Aberdeen, MD

2009 Infiniti G37, Complete Refund — Randolph, NJ

2007 Cadillac Escalade (70,000 miles), $5,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Bloomfield, NJ

2008 BMW 5-series, Replacement Vehicle — Perrysburg, OH

2008 Chrysler Sebring, Complete Refund –Somerville, MA

2008 Ford Ranger, $8,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Spring Grove, PA

2008 BMW 335i, $18,500 cash plus client keeps car and receives 7 yr/100k extended warranty- West New York, NJ

2008 Ford F250, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their truck — Rome, NY

2009 Honda Accord, Replacement Vehicle — York, PA

2009 Chevrolet Silverado, Replacement Vehicle — New Galihee, PA

2007 Audi Q7, Replacement Vehicle — Middletown, DE

2007 Pontiac G6, Complete Refund — Oceanside, NY

2008 Jeep Patriot, Complete Refund — Uniontown, PA

2005 Land Rover Range Rover, $6,500 cash plus client keeps car — Richboro, PA

2009 Dodge Challenger, Complete Refund — Brick, NJ

2008 Jeep Liberty, Complete Refund — Clarksville, PA

2008 Smart Car Cabriolet, Replacement Vehicle — Findlay, OH

2007 Hyundai Entourage, Complete Refund — Holbrook, NY

2006 Suzuki Forenza, Complete Refund — Elkins Park, PA

2009 Volvo S80, $7,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Frederick, MD

2008 GMC Arcadia, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Boston, MA

2007 Toyota Camry, Complete Refund — Pikesville, MD

2008 BMW 335i, Replacement Vehicle — Old Bridge, NJ

2007 Mercedes Benz ML320, Complete Refund — River Vale, NJ

2009 Mazda 6, $6,500 cash plus client keeps their car — Elizabeth, NJ

2009 Audi A5, Replacement Vehicle — Hamilton, NJ

2008 Jeep Wrangler, Complete Refund  — Pisacataway, NJ

2009 Audi S5,  Replacement Vehicle –Boston, MA

2008 Mazda CX7, $5,000 cash plus client keeps their car — Monroeville, PA

2008 Dodge Ram, Complete Refund –Rural Valley, PA

2007 Moto Guzzi Motorcycle, Complete Refund — Flemington, NJ

2007 Chevrolet Silverado, $6,850 cash plus client keeps their car –Brooklyn, NY

2007 Jeep Compass, Complete Refund — Lancaster, PA

2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, $8,000 cash plus client keeps their SUV — Oliver, PA

2007 Hyundai Veracruz, Replacement Vehicle — Glassboro, NJ

Driving a lemon?  Join the more than 60,000 distressed drivers who have made the call to 1-800 LEMON LAW!

Every day, we receive numerous inquiries both on-line and on our 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline from distressed drivers with one simple question–Do I have a case?   To figure out whether you are entitled to remedy under State Lemon Laws or Federal Warranty Statutes, answer these three questions.

1) Do you have an original or extended manufacturers warranty?

2)While under warranty, were you back to an authorized manufacturers dealership three or more times for the same problem?

3) Has your car been in the shop an extended period of time, either because a part needed is on national back order, or because the service advisor can’t address the nature of the problem? 

If you answered yes to question #1 and yes to at least one of the other two questions, chances are strong that you are entitled to remedy under either your State’s Lemon Law or the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.  Now, in order to determine exactly what type of claim you have, and what type of remedy you are entitled to, it is best for you to contact us or another lemon law firm.  

Many consumers are hesitant to fight for their rights, because they feel that they will be stuck in a pile of red tape, or the dealer will refuse to continue to repair the car under warranty.  The fact of the matter is that your claim is against the manufacturer, not the dealer, and in many instances, it requires very little time and effort on your part.  If you feel you may have a potential claim, feel free to reach out to us to discuss your situation.  One quick call could provide tremendous results for you and your family.

We continue our “Get To Know Your Lemon Law” series with the Ohio Lemon Law. 

The Ohio Lemon Law applies to new cars, noncommercial motor vehicles, motor homes and recreational vehicles that suffer a nonconformity; a defect or condition, which substantially impairs the use, value or safety; that cannot be repaired after three attempts by an authorized manufacturer’s dealership. The first repair must occur in the first 12 months or 18,000 miles whichever comes first.  The Law also covers cars that in the shop 30 or more calendar days during that period, either consecutive or not.

In addition, the OH Lemon Law also provides an additional protection that you do not see in other lemon laws, such as Pennsylvania Lemon Law.  The Law covers you if you have been in the shop for 8 total repair attempts in the first 12 months/18,000 miles, regardless if they are for the same or different problems.

And like the newly amended  New Jersey Lemon Law, the OH Lemon Law  covers consumers for conditions likely to cause death or serious bodily injury that are not fixed after the first repair attempt.

Like the other Lemon Laws we have previously covered in the blog, the Ohio Lemon Law provides completely cost-free representation through fee-shifting provisions which ensure that if the consumer prevails, the manufacturer must pay all attorneys fees on top of that the consumer receives.  Possible remedies include a complete repurchase, a new car, or a partial refund to reflect the diminished value of the car (in this scenario, the consumer keeps the car.)

And remember, even if you do not fall under the parameters of the OH Lemon law, free help may still be available through the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. 

If you think you may have a potential claim under the Ohio Lemon Law, drop us a line and tell us about it.  We will be glad to discuss the situation with you and see how we can help.

It’s time for another defect alert–this time around, it’s the BMW 335i.  Many distressed drivers are calling into the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline complaining about fuel pump failure. This is nothing new–the manufacturer is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty on the part, and the message boards have repeatedly covered the issue.  But when the part fails, it does put the driver in significant danger, with the car limping along, and possibly stalling.

If you sense that you are having problems with your fuel pump, get to an authorized BMW dealership as soon as possible.  Make sure that you receive a repair invoice when you pick up the car which clearly outlines the problem you complained about.  Even if they say the  problem is due to bad gas (which we all know is not true), they need to provide an invoice. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP TRACK OF THESE PAPERS.  You may need them down the road.

If you find that you are repeatedly back to the BMW dealer with fuel pump problems, drop us a line or give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your situation.  We have been actively resolving these claims.

Imagine buying one of those hot new Chevrolet Camaros.  You are cruising down the highway, enjoying every minute, when all of a sudden, the car won’t go into first gear or reverse.  The dealership identifies the problem and points to the clutch slave cylinder.  Apparently, there are a number of Camaros across the nation with the exact same problem. The good news is they know how to fix it; the bad news is you are going to be without your car for a little while….well more than a little while…..over a month….at least….maybe two months….but we will give you a loaner.

As a result of the troubling economy, closed factories and less dealerships, many consumers are hearing the term “National Back Order”  There is nothing you can do, other than sit back and wait the days, weeks, months until your part comes in and your car is fixed, right?

WRONG!  When you purchase a car with a manufacturers warranty, it is supposed to guarantee that your car is fixed efficiently and effectively and if it is not, you are entitled to recourse.  Under each of the State Lemon Laws we handle, you are entitled to file a claim if your car is out of service for an extended period of time, and that includes if a part is on back order.  In addition, these days do not have to be consecutive.

Under Pennsylvania Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under New Jersey Lemon Law, it’s 20 days within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under Delaware Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 12 months of ownership.

Under Massachusetts Lemon Law, it’s 15 business days within the first year.

Under Maryland Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 15 months of ownership.

Under Ohio Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first year of ownership.

Under New Hampshire Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the manufacturers warranty period.

Under Connecticut Lemon Law, it’s 30 days within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Under New York Lemon Law, it’s 30 days wtihin the first 24 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first).

AND, EVEN IF THE CAR IS FIXED, the consumer still may be entitled to significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the car, PLUS they get to keep the vehicle.

For more information on what what you should you do if you are waiting for a part on national back order, drop us a line or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

Our “Get to Know Your Lemon Law” series continues with a look at the Great Garden State, New Jersey.  The NJ Lemon Law is the second strongest in the Nation, according to the Center for Auto Safety and as we have previously reported on the blog, we are hoping Governor Corzine will actually sign an amendment this Fall which will increase the coverage even more.

As of now, the New Jersey Lemon Law provides remedy to those who purchased, leased or registered their new  or demo vehicle in New Jersey and suffered a repetitive non-conformity that starts within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.  The problem must occur two more times within the manufacturers warranty period OR the consumer needs to be in the shop 20 days within the 18,000 miles/24 month period.  These days do not have to be consecutive nor do they have to all be for the same problem or defect.   In addition to cars and non-commercial trucks, the NJ Lemon Law also cover motorcycles and ATVS as well.

If you feel you have a potential NJ Lemon Law claim, we will be happy to discuss your situation with you to see if/how we can help.  I know we sound like a broken record when we remind you that under New Jersey’s Lemon Law, and all the Lemon Laws we work with, consumers are entitled to 100% cost-free legal help.  If we prevail, the manufacturer must pay all attorneys fees and legal costs ON TOP OF what the consumer receives.  Under these laws, consumers could receive a complete repurchase including taxes, tags, finance charges and any down payment (minus a small mileage offset reflecting when the car first went into service), a brand new car with the same amount of equity in the new car as in the old one (essentially a trade without depreciation),  or at the very least, significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the car (PLUS they get to keep their car).

Kimmel and Silverman has been named “a pioneer in New Jersey Lemon Law Litigation” in a front page Star Ledger newspaper story and has been featured numerous times on News 12 New Jersey and the New Jersey Network for our efforts, which include meeting with State arbitrators and mediators to teach them the fundamentals of the New Jersey Lemon Law so they can better understand and mediate claims. In addition, our Firm has been honored many times in Law & Politics annual New Jersey Super Lawyers poll and SJ Magazine’s Awesome Attorneys poll.

As always, we remind you that even if your car falls outside of the New Jersey Lemon Law, you still may have rights.  It is important to contact us or another consumer law firm to discuss your problems and how they can be resolved.

Stay tuned for the next entry in our “Get to Know Your Lemon Law” series where we travel to Massachusetts.

This Summer, the 1-800 LEMON LAW phone lines are abuzz with folks who are suffering with faulty convertible tops, most notably with the new hard top models — the Chrysler Sebring, the BMW 335,  the Volvo C70 and the Volkswagen EOS.  If you are suffering with continuous problems with your convertible top, please know that the defect does represent a significant non-conformity that affects the use, value and safety of the vehicle, and State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws are here to protect you.  It is especially important that you pick up a warranty repair invoice each time you take your car in for service.  These invoices specifically identify the problem the consumer is complaining of, the amount of the days that the car was in service, a detailed explanation on how the problem was fixed, and a list of all the components replaced in the vehicle.

We have noticed that there are certain potential convertible clients who are NOT receiving repair tickets each time they bring their car in, either because they are told a repair ticket is open or the part is on back order (particularly frustrating during the season you use the convertible the most.)  Try not to take that for an answer and firmly request proof of your repair visit.  If you get nowhere, start a log with the the date, mileage and details of each visit.  This information will help a great deal when it comes time to file a claim.

If you have any questions about your convertible, fell free to drop us a line or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

No, we are not talking about that ridiculous boy band song.  We are saying that if you have some money in your pocket, now is the time to consider buying a new set of wheels. The incentives are very attractive, there are many dealers out there who are hungry to make a great deal with you, the cash for clunkers program is in effect, and there are still plenty of 2009 models out there for the picking.  Heck, you can even consider a certified pre-owned car, but as we have repeatedly reminded you, if you buy a used car, please make sure it has a manufacturers warranty.

Just remember the five golden rules you need to keep in mind when aiming to buy your next auto:

KNOW YOUR NEEDS.  Identify what you need a car for.  Is it to get to work an hour away and use as little gas as possible?  Consider a hybrid.  Is it to taxi your brood of children from soccer games to ballet to Chuck E Cheese and then back to ballet because you daughter forgot her slippers? You may want to consider a minivan or crossover.  Figure out your daily schedule and that will help you narrow down the search immensely.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.  It’s so important we say it three times.  The internet provides so many incredible opportunities to gather information about cars.  There are reviews on such sites as vehix.com, where you can even put together a side-by-side comparison.  There is a complaint and defect database at the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Every manufacturer from Kia to Jaguar has a comprehensive website where you can examine a model inside and out, review its features and its pricing.  Plus, there are so many automotive forums out there, the king being at edmunds.com. And lastly, don’t forget about our car complaint index and best bets, furnished by consumer advocate Jack Gillis and the good people at the Center for Auto Safety. Before you drive to the dealer, take a trip down the information superhighway and learn everything you can about the car you are looking at. Remember, an educated consumer is an effective consumer.  (And if you do have a gas guzzler you are thinking of trading in, read up on the Cash For Clunkers program before going to the dealer.  Don’t rely on the salesman to give you the most accurate information.  Know your stuff beforehand and correct him if necessary.)

TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT.  And we are not talking about a car like the one you are planning to buy; we are talking about the EXACT car you are buying.  BEFORE you sign on the dotted line, take the car out for a long test drive and go through every single feature from the air conditioner to the trunk release.  Make sure you ask every question and if something is not working, tell them to fix it NOW.  Never settle for an IOU.  This is your one chance to demand satisfaction.  Take advantage of the opportunity. 

UNDERSTAND YOUR WARRANTY.  Every warranty is different.  You need to know the terms of the warranty and what it covers.  Is it cheaper to buy an extended manufacturers warranty when you first buy the car or can you purchase it later?  If this is a used car, is it covered by the company who is manufacturing your car? (We get so many folks calling the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline who are driving a used Toyota with a Kia warranty. Make sure if you are driving a Toyota, you have a Toyota warranty.)  Are there deductibles?  Is it bumper-to-bumper or does it just cover the powertrain components?  Is roadside assistance offered?  Are loaner cars provided?  The warranty is your insurance that if something goes wrong with this car, and chances are it will at least once, you are covered.  Which bring us to…..

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS.  If something continues to go wrong with your car, or the car is in the shop for an extended period of time, contact a lemon law attorney to find out about your rights.  The State and Federal Laws are on your side and help you go against the billion-dollar automobile manufacturers. Remember, the legal help is completely free, so take advantage of it.

Now, without further ado, get your motor running, head out on the highway, and good luck!