Every year, around 3.4 million cars are sold in the US. With so many vehicles exchanging hands, there are bound to be a few bad ones in the bunch.
Mostly, you shouldn’t have to worry that you’re getting a lemon car. But you should know the signs of one, just in case you’ve been sold a subpar vehicle. That way, you’ll know immediately if you’ve got a lemon on your hands and will know what to do pronto.
Here are the signs that you bought a lemon car and what to do if you have one.
The Car Drifts
When you’re driving, pay attention to how the steering wheel feels. Does it keep tugging the vehicle in one direction, and you need to turn the wheel to compensate and go in a straight line?
If so, then you might have a lemon. You might’ve bought a car with a damaged or worn-out steering system.
Black Smoke’s Coming Out of the Exhaust
It could be that the vehicle simply needs a new air filter; the last owner might not have changed it recently, so it’s dirty.
However, if black smoke’s still coming out of the exhaust after you’ve changed the air filter, then you have a bigger problem on your hands. This means the oil’s burning, so you’ll need huge (and expensive) repairs done.
The Interior Smells Bad
If the inside of the vehicle smell’s bad, then it’s possible that the previous owner is trying to hide something.
For example, if it smells musty, then there may have been water damage. Or it could be that they were a smoker, and the smoke permeated the upholstery.
The Vehicle’s Been Recalled
Before purchasing a vehicle, you should always check to see if it’s been recalled. Driving a car that’s not meant to be on the road puts your safety and others at risk, so you need to do your due diligence.
Even after buying the car, you should keep checking recalls to ensure you’re always safe and there are no vehicle defects.
What to Do if You Have a Defective Vehicle
Every state has different laws on what to do with a lemon car. And the seller or dealership may try to give you the runaround, so they don’t have to give you a refund or replacement vehicle.
It’s best if you get a lemon law attorney. They know the laws like the back of their hands, and can be your advocate. They can ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of and that the process is as stress-free as possible.
Know What to Do With a Lemon Car
Buying a lemon car is never a pleasant process. And even if you’re careful, it may still happen.
But if you know how to recognize the signs of one and what to do, then that’s half the battle. You won’t have such a hard time, and you’ll be able to get your money back or a replacement vehicle, especially if you have the help of a trustworthy lawyer.
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