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Lemon Dodger Worksheet

Want to Avoid Buying a Used Lemon Car?

Before buying a used car, print out this "Lemon Dodger" worksheet to help you avoid problems BEFORE they occur.

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Lemon Dodger Worksheet
Vehicle make:
 
Vehicle model:
 
Vehicle year:
(Find it on the stamped metal tag on the driver side door jam.)
Date of purchase:
 
Seller's name:
 
Salesperson's name:
 
Cash price of vehicle:
(Found on sales invoice; does not include financing.)
KBB.com value of vehicle when purchased:
 
Additional charges and fees paid at time of sale:
 
Extended warranty/service contract:
 
Credit life insurance:
 
Credit disability insurance:
 
Price dealer gave you for trade-in:
(If you traded-in a car for this vehicle.)
Is the trade-in value the dealer gave you the same price indicated on the sales invoice?
 
Did you owe money on the traded vehicle?
 
If you owed more money on the traded vehicle than is indicated as the trade in value on the sales invoice, what is the difference?
 
Did you remember to ask the dealer whether the car had been in any accidents?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Did you remember to ask the dealer whether the car had a "salvage" or "reconstructed" title?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Did you remember to ask the dealer whether the car had been in a flood?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Did you remember to ask the dealer whether the car had been purchased by the dealer at an auction?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Did you remember to ask the dealer whether the car had been purchased out of state?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Did you remember to ask the dealer whether the car had been the subject of a claim by an insurance company for any reason?
 
Did you ask the dealer what documents they have to demonstrate the history of the car?
 
Did the dealership show you those documents? Where they complete?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Did you ask the dealer to show you the warranty history for the car by showing you a computerized print-out from the original manufacturer?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Have you asked the dealer if the car was ever returned to the manufacturer as a lemon?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Has this car been a rental car or a demo car?
 
Dealership response to above:
 
 
Vehicle mileage:
 
Have you hired an ASE-certified independent mechanic to examine the car?
 
Name of mechanic:
 
Mechanic's recommendations and comments:
 
 
 
Have you checked the vehicle's title history on the Internet by using Carfax.com or Vehiclehistory.com?
 
Do the results of the title history differ from what the dealer told you and if so, how?
 
 
Did you make sure to test drive the vehicle for at least 5-miles?
 
Did you note any problems with the car's appearance?
 
Did you have the dealer sign a "We Owe" sheet for any items discovered before you bought the car, which were to be repaired or replaced by the dealer?
 
Did you get a copy of the "We Owe" slip?
 
Have you returned your car to the dealer for problems the dealer promised to fix prior to purchase (written down or otherwise)?
 
Did you make sure to test drive the vehicle for at least 5 miles?
 
Please check off the following items as you test them:

  • ___ Ignition
  • ___ Headlights
  • ___ Radio/Stereo/CD Player
  • ___ Horn
  • ___ Air Conditioner
  • ___ Heater
  • ___ Defroster
  • ___ Turn Signal Indicators
  • ___ Hazard Lights
  • ___ Interior Lights
  • ___ Emergency Brake & Release
  • ___ Trunk Release
  • ___ Hood Release
  • ___ Alarm System
  • ___ Locks
  • ___ Power Windows
  • ___ Sunroof
  • ___ Convertible Top
List all items which need to be repaired:
 
 
 
 
Have you found any documents in the glove box and/or other storage compartments?
 
Have you requested a copy of the vehicle's warranty repair history?
 
Does your purchase include the balance of a manufacturer's New Car Limited Warranty for your vehicle?
 
Does your purchase include the a manufacturer's extended warranty or service contract?
 
Does it cover the entire car?
 
Does it cover the powertrain only?
 
Does it cover all parts and labor costs?
 
Name of warrantor (i.e. Ford ESP, GMPP):
 
How long is the extended warranty / service contract good for?
 
Where are you permitted to obtain warranty service under the extended warranty?
 
Service contract:
 

Enjoy your purchase and save this information. You may need it one day! Read about your Lemon Law rights.

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