Car Buying Secrets

Auto Dealer Incentives - The Real Way to Get the Best Deal

By: Roosevelt Gist

The manufacturing and assembling of an automobile is a very complex process. Literally, parts from around the world must come together at a specific time and place for professional auto assemblers to use so that your luxurious new auto will roll off the line as scheduled. 

As a car buyer you expect the passing of thousands of quality check points in the assembly process to give you a problem free automobile. Sometimes , a customer gets less than the perfect vehicle. 

Most problems you experience with your new automobile will be resolved with a brief visit to the service department of your local dealer. That’s the first step you should take if you experience mechanical difficulties. 

Some of these simple mechanical problems escalate to a major problem that requires several visits to the service department and requires you to leave your vehicle for extended periods of time. At this time you’re frustrated and think, "Is this a lemon." "What must I do now?" 

The Lemon Law varies from state to state but one rule is constant. Your vehicle must have a defect that substantially impairs it’s use, value or safety. Most manufacturers provide a booklet with your new vehicle that covers what steps you must follow for your state and that specific manufacturer. 

Here are some of the steps you must take. Continue to make your loan or lease payments. If you don’t you may not use the Lemon Law. Keep records of all service visits and repairs. Use the informal settlement procedure established by the manufacturer to assert your Lemon Law rights. There are other steps to follow and can be found in your owner’s documents. 

Invoking the Lemon Law may result in the manufacturer having to provide a comparable replacement or refund of the purchase price plus incidental damages less a reasonable allowance for use. 

The Lemon Law is a serious step to take. It’s not to be used for incidental minor adjustments that may have caused you some inconvenience. 

Questions to ask the salesperson: What is the procedure to invoke the Lemon Law? Did you include a copy of the states Lemon Law handbook? How did your dealership handle your last Lemon Law experience?