Lemon Law Blog

Throughout the year, we receive countless calls from folks looking for car buying advice.  Many figure that by calling 1-800 LEMON LAW prior to buying a car, they may be able to prevent problems “down the road” so to speak. For that reason, since 2001, we have teamed up consumer advocate Jack Gillis and the wonderful team at the Center for Auto Safety to provide the Car Complaint Index to consumers.  We feel that an educated consumer is an effective consumer. 

Yesterday, JD Power & Associates came out with their dependability rankings and it appears that Land Rover is lowest on the Power totem pole.  While the Car Complaint Index looks at specific models, JD Power looks at brand quality.  They rank their cars based on an average of car problems; how many problems are reported per 100 cars, as experienced by original owners of these cars after three years.  The industry average is 206 problems per 100 cars, roughly averaging 2 problems per car.

Here are the brands that fall below the industry average:  Audi 207, Mercedes Benz 215, Nissan 224, Pontiac 225, GMC 226, Mazda 228, Subaru 228, Chrysler 229, Dodge 230, Mini 233, Chevrolet 239, Hummer 241, Scion 243, Volvo 244, Saturn 250, Jeep 253, Volkswagen 253, Saab 254, Isuzu 274, Kia 278, Suzuki 302, and lastly Land Rover with 344 problems reported per 100 cars.  This is not good news for the SUV manufacturer, which was recently sold by Ford to an Indian company.

So, who’s on top?  Number one with a bullet for the 14th consecutive year is Lexus, followed by Mercury and Cadillac.

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Another manufacturer is taking radical steps to get out from under. The New York Times is reporting that Chrsyler Financial will stop offering leases to consumers, effective today.  The reason is that plummeting resale values for SUVs and trucks have made it practically impossible for the manufacturer to turn a profit once the consumer turns the vehicle in from a lease.  Leases will still be offered through independent banks.

James Press, co-president of Chrysler, says that in place of leasing, the company will divert their efforts towards creating new, more attractive financing options for drivers. This makes sense for both the consumers and the company, as low interest rates make financing more appealing and there is a far lesser financial risk for the automaker. The Associated Press is reporting that Chrysler will offer 72-month finance deals starting this month on a large variety of its compact, midsize and full size cars. The new program will allow monthly payments lower than previous finance offers and similar to its 36-month lease program.  Some purchases will also include a cash bonus of up to $2000, plus there will be a loyalty incentive for returning lease customers and the lease disposition fees will be waived. 

Ford and GM still plan on offering leasing, despite both suffering billion-dollar losses for similar reasons.

Quick programming note for those in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley:  Looking to save a few bucks by buying a used car?  Do your homework first or else your dream car could have been someone else’s nightmare. Watch Lemon Law Attorney Craig Thor Kimmel tonight at 10 on MyPHL News on Channel 17.

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Anyone looking to purchase a cute, compact number in the wake of these high gas prices?  If you’re looking for a cool ride that will be easy on your wallet, look no further.

Consumer Advocate Jack Gillis and The Center for Auto Safety have put together a comprehensive list of Best Bets in the 2008 Car Book, and they have given 1-800 LEMON LAW permission to reprint their findings. These are the highest-rated vehicles in terms of crash tests, safety features, fuel economy, rollover prevention, maintenance and repair costs, warranties, insurance costs, customer complaints and overall performance.

So, without further ado, here are this year’s best bets in the compact, subcompact and intermediate categories:

Subcompact:
Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio

Compact Cars:
Honda Civic/Civic Coupe
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Spectra
Nissan Sentra

Intermediate:
Acura TSX
Acura TL
Chrysler Sebring
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Nissan Altima

This list is great news for the Korean manufacturers, who have certainly stepped it up in terms of quality and warranty coverage since their inception.  They are following in the footsteps of stalwarts Honda and Nissan, both of whom have always been respected for offering top notch products and exceptional customer service. 

And if you don’t care about a little pain at the pump, you can check out the best large cars, SUVs, minivans and trucks, by clicking here. Also, here is our disclaimer for the day–remember that just because a car may appear on this list does not mean you are completely clear of finding youself in a lemon. Defects do happen from time to time, and if  your sweet ride is turning sour, you need to know your Lemon Law rights. Happy shopping!

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Over the years, we have frequently received calls and e-mails from folks who have purchased vehicles on e-bay.  Unforutnately, most times, we had to refer these consumers elsewhere, because it was very rare for a car sold on e-bay to still have a manufacturers warranty.  Well guess what? That’s about to change.

With car sales declining by the day, the manufacturers are looking for new outlets to sell their cars and that includes e-bay.  Reuters is reporting that Daimler Chrysler will market over 15,000 certified pre-owned Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle on the popular website. Chrysler’s certified pre-owned vehicles cover models from 2003-2008 with less than 65,000 miles and reconditioned to meet the automaker’s standards. They carry an eight-year, or 80,000 mile powertrain warranty, backed by the manufacturer, roadside assistance and rental car allowances.

Just a reminder, of course, that even with certified pre-owned cars, it is important to ask the right questions BEFORE you buy.  Check out the Lemon Dodger for specific questions you need to ask before signing on the dotted line.

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This year, we have handled numerous lemon law claims with regards to the Jeep Commander (#6 on this year’s car complaint index) and the Pontiac G6.  Now comes word from consumer affairs.com that NHTSA, The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation which could lead to a recall of 136,444 Commanders and 176,968 Pontiacs.

Jeep Commander drviers have been complaining of stalling incidents with simultaneous loss of lighting systems including headlamps. NHTSA has also received 19 complaints of power steering from Pontiac G6 drivers with two incidents resulting in accidents.

If you find that you are experiencing problems with your Jeep Commander or Pontiac G6, it’s very important to keep all of your reapir invoices and keep a log when you are experiencing problems.  If you bring your car in the shop three or more times, you could be entitled to significant remedy under State or Federal Law.  Feel free to contact us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

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Every month, we will be highlighting some common trends we are seeing in our lemon law claims.  We have successfully handled numerous cases with the following problems.  If you find that you are experiencing these problems, and you have been back in the shop 3 or more times for the issue, please contact us to see if we can help you receive a new car, or a full or partial refund:

TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS in 2005-2006 Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum , Chrysler 300, and Jeep Commander models

WATER LEAKS in Jeep Wrangler models (we have handled hundreds of these pertaining specifically to the 2008 model)

SEVERE VIBRATION (known as “Death Wobble”) in 2005-2008 Jeep Wrangler models

VIBRATION in 2006-2007 Chrysler Pacifica models

BRAKE FAILURE in 2006-2007 Dodge Dakota models

2005-2006 Harley Davidson models are having problem with the bikes charging

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT in 2006 Kia Spectra models

BRAKES AND ROTOR FAILURE in Nissan Titan and Armada models

BRAKE PROBLEMS with Kia Sedona models

For more information on lemon law help, call us at 1-800-LEMON-LAW or visit our website.

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