Buying a new car is a significant investment for most people. If you’re considering making a car purchase sometime soon, you want to make sure you’re buying something reliable that will stand the test of time. Unfortunately, new cars can have hidden problems that might not be obvious until they’ve been driven for a year or more. How are you supposed to avoid buying a lemon if the car’s brand new?
The simplest solution is to purchase car models that have already proven themselves. Vehicle models go through generations, with each generation seeing dramatic revisions. Because of those changes, the first model of a new generation is prone to significant problems that are only obvious after it’s been driven for a while.
The safest brand new car to buy is a model that’s at least two or three years into a generation. If you’re trying to avoid buying a lemon, you don’t want to buy a new generation release. This year that means avoiding cars like:
2022 Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV
The Chevy Bolt has had mechanical problems over the past several year models. In 2022, the standard Bolt has seen a significant redesign affecting its front and rear ends. Chevy has also released a brand new, unconnected vehicle titled the Bolt EUV, intended to be an “electric utility vehicle,” the electric equivalent of an SUV. As both of these Bolts are primarily untested, smart drivers should consider waiting a year or two to see how the vehicles handle daily use.
2022 Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival saw its fourth generation released this year in North America. The 2022 model was first sold in 2021, and it was only available for a few short months before it saw its first recall. Kia was forced to recall thousands of cars in April of 2021 for fuel line leaks which put drivers at risk of engine explosions. The model is so recent that this kind of recall is bad news. 2022 Kia Carnivals may have other problems that just haven’t been identified, so it might be a good choice to wait before purchasing one.
2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
The fourth-generation Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are newly released models intended to be flagships for the Jeep line. These models have seen recalls for airbag failures as of November 2021, with more than 100,000 cars recalled in the US. Jeeps have a history of mechanical issues, so the Wagoneer is not currently a good investment.
2022 Acura MDX
Another fourth-generation model release is the Acura MDX. This model has actually been out since 2020, as Acura chose to skip the 2021 year model. While the Acura MDX doesn’t have any recalls at the moment, it is still a significantly revised version of the third generation of the line. Waiting until the 2023 model will give you the security of knowing that the manufacturer has had time to note and address any potentially dangerous problems.
What to Do About Lemons
The exact definition of a lemon depends on the laws in your state. Every state has unique requirements for car manufacturers and car owners regarding warranties, what they must cover, and how they’re enforced. However, they all stem from the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975.
This law requires all companies that offer warranties to comply with their obligations after being provided with a reasonable opportunity to do so. As long as your car still has an active warranty (or did when you made your claim), the manufacturer is federally obligated to fulfill the terms of that warranty. The specifics, however, can vary from state to state.
California Lemon Laws
For a car to qualify as a lemon in California, it must meet the following criteria:
- It experienced warranty issues before it hit 18 months or 18,000 miles
- It spent more than 30 days at a mechanic for the problem
- The manufacturer was unable to fix it in four attempts
- The damage was not the fault of the owner
Illinois Lemon Laws
Illinois has slightly more strict lemon laws. For a car to qualify in the state, it must meet these criteria:
- It experienced warranty issues within the first year or 12,000 miles of ownership
- The warranty issue must be significant enough to affect the car’s value, operation, or safety
- Mechanics could not fix the problem in four attempts
- The car was at a mechanic for 30 or more days
Ohio Lemon Laws
Ohio laws define a lemon as a car that fulfills the following:
- It experienced warranty issues within one year or 18,000 miles of purchase.
- Mechanics could not fix the issue in three attempts
- The car was out of service for 30 or more days
- The owner’s actions did not cause the warranty issue
Pennsylvania Lemon Laws
Pennsylvania’s laws are also relatively strict. In the state, a lemon is defined as a vehicle with the following issues:
- It experienced warranty issues within the first year or 12,000 miles of ownership
- The defect is substantial enough to affect the car’s operation, safety or value
- Mechanics could not fix the issue in a reasonable number of attempts
- The damage was not caused by the owner
Stop Worrying About Your Unsafe Car
No matter what car you bought or what state you live in, you deserve better than a lemon. You can get your dangerous car fixed under warranty in states like California, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania by using these states’ lemon laws to your advantage.
The best way to do that is by working with an experienced lemon law lawyer. The right attorney can help you understand whether you’re eligible for your state’s lemon laws, what documentation you need to collect, and where to file your claim. If it goes to court, your lawyer will also help you stand up to the manufacturer’s legal team and fight for your right to a safe vehicle. The first step is to reach out to the experienced team at the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C.
