Buying a new car, or even a used car that is new to you, often involves a significant investment of both time and money. In addition, many car buyers are simply excited about getting a new vehicle. In our society, cars often represent independence, freedom, and can often be emblematic of financial success. For this reason, many car buyers are more than happy to overlook potential problems with a vehicle in order to get behind the wheel as soon as possible. In some cases, even the most prudent consumer can end up with a car that has significant problems, commonly referred to as a “lemon.”

What is a lemon?

In layman’s terms, a “lemon” is a vehicle that has significant defects that are only discovered after a purchase is made. Lemons often have problems that are complicated and affect many different parts of the vehicle. For example, a lemon may have an engine that leaks oil, and that leak may lead to damage to other parts under the hood.

Signs of a Lemon

There is not a comprehensive list of signs that a vehicle may be a lemon. That being said, there are issues that regularly arise with vehicles that are lemons, including the following:

• Issues that cannot be repaired, even after several attempts
• Consistent warning light indicators
• Repairable but consistent and frequent issues
• Faulty brakes
• Anything that just doesn’t seem right with your car.

Fixing a lemon

Fortunately for consumers, New Jersey law provides certain protections to consumers who have purchased a lemon. Whether or not you can seek relief under the Lemon Law depends on a variety of factors, including whether it was new or used, the type of vehicle you bought, how long you have owned it, the vehicle’s mileage when it was purchased, and the number of miles you have driven the vehicle since you purchased it. If the vehicle does qualify under the law, the manufacturer must generally repair the vehicle, offer you a replacement, or refund you the price of the vehicle as well as any costs that you incurred in trying to repair it.

Call today for a free consultation

Consumers who believe they may have purchased a vehicle that is a lemon should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. In New Jersey, Legal Fees are shifted, so if we accept your case you will never pay any legal fees (even if you lose), and the legal fees awarded will never reduce your settlement. This is one of the few times in your life when an attorney will be 100% free. However, protection under New Jersey’s Lemon Law has significant time and mileage limits, so any delay could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.  To schedule a free case evaluation with New Jersey Lemon Law Attorney David Polsky, call our office today at (973) 686-9787.