What to Do If You Suspect You’ve Bought a Lemon Car for Your Teenager
Buying a car for your teenager is a big milestone, but it can turn sour quickly if the vehicle turns out to be a lemon. A lemon car is one that has pervasive, unfixable defects, even after multiple repair attempts. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here’s a comprehensive guide on what steps to take to address the issue effectively.
Recognize the Signs of a Lemon
Understanding the signs that indicate you might have bought a lemon is crucial.
- Frequent Repairs: If the car requires frequent repairs, especially for the same issue, it may be a lemon.
- Persistent Issues: Problems like engine failure, electrical issues, or transmission problems that persist even after multiple repairs are red flags.
- Unsafe to Drive: If the car is consistently unsafe to drive despite repairs, it’s a significant cause for concern.

Understanding California Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law typically applies to vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty, usually within 18 months from the purchase date or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. Under California law, a vehicle is presumed to be a lemon if:
- It has been subject to four or more repair attempts for the same issue.
- It has been in the shop for more than 30 days total for any number of problems.
- It has had two or more attempts to fix a problem that could cause serious injury or death.
Steps To Take if Your Teenager’s Car is a Lemon
The experienced lemon lawyers in Los Angeles recommend that you take the following steps to file a lemon law claim:
Document Everything
Thorough documentation is essential. Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance. This includes receipts and invoices from the repair shop, dates of repairs, descriptions of the issues, and communication with the dealership or manufacturer.
Notify the Dealer or Manufacturer
Formally notify the dealership or manufacturer about the issues. Written communication is preferred as it creates an official record.
Request a Manufacturer’s Arbitration
Many manufacturers offer arbitration programs to resolve Lemon Law disputes. Arbitration can provide a quicker, less formal way to resolve the issue without going to court.
Potential Solutions
Under California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle of comparable value. You may also be eligible for a refund of the vehicle’s purchase price, minus a deduction for usage. In some cases, you might also be entitled to additional damages if the manufacturer acted in bad faith.
How To Avoid Purchasing a Lemon
To avoid buying a lemon in the future, consider taking these precautionary steps:
Vehicle History Report
Always obtain a vehicle history report. This report can provide crucial information about past accidents, title issues, and previous ownership.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Have a trusted mechanic perform a thorough inspection before purchasing the car. This can reveal hidden issues that aren’t immediately apparent.
Understand the Warranty
Ensure you understand the terms of the vehicle’s warranty. Knowing what is covered can save you time and headaches if issues arise.
Buy from a Reputable Dealer
Purchasing from a well-regarded dealer can reduce the risk of ending up with a lemon. Read reviews and ask for recommendations.
Test Drive and Research
Test drives can reveal potential issues. Additionally, research the make and model for common problems reported by other owners.
By recognizing the signs of a lemon car, understanding California’s Lemon Law, and taking proactive steps, you can manage the situation effectively and seek a fair resolution. Ensuring that your teenager has a reliable vehicle is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind, so addressing lemon car issues promptly is essential.