Before You Buy

Don’t reject a car just because our charts show a high expected repair cost. The cost of repair is often the smallest of the seven major ownership costs, since most cars today are very reliable.

After You’ve Bought

Keep receipts and document all the services performed on your car. If you can’t prove that you’ve followed the manufacturer’s recommended service program, the warranty could be declared invalid.

Before you pay for a repair, see if the manufacturer has issued a service bulletin for the problem. Even if your car is no longer under warranty, the repairs may be covered.

Don’t be afraid to switch dealers if your car is under warranty and you’re dissatisfied with the service you are getting. Any dealer will honor the manufacturer’s warranty on your car.

Don’t be afraid to try an independent mechanic for routine service or, if your car is out of warranty, for repair. They’re often less expensive than a dealer’s service department.

Cultivate a good relationship with a mechanic. Interview mechanics in your area before you desperately need one.

Expect full explanations and estimates of costs before you authorize your mechanic to perform any work.

Lemon Laws       

Every state and the District of Columbia has a “lemon law” for consumers to obtain either a refund or a replacement of a new car or light truck if a significant defect isn’t repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. Under most state laws the buyer can seek a replacement or refund for defects that occur within either the first 12 to 24 months or 12,000 to 24,000 miles, or within the vehicle’s warranty period. In about half of the states the law includes leased vehicles, and used vehicles are included in a handful of states if they are sold under warranty.

Most of the laws define “defect” as a serious condition that would substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value or safety. If you suspect you may have a lemon, get a copy of the lemon law from the state where you purchased the vehicle. The state attorney general’s office or local Better Business Bureau also may have pamphlets or other information on the law or may be able to answer any questions you have about it.

Generally, state lemon laws require three or four warranty repair attempts or 30 calendar or business days in which the car wasn’t in service before consumers can proceed to arbitration. If the defect is considered a serious safety defect (such as steering or brakes), you can often seek relief after only one or two attempted warranty repairs.

Most states require that you notify in writing both the manufacturer and the dealer of your intent to seek a refund or replacement under the state’s lemon law. When writing, use certified or registered mail, and keep the return receipt. The dealer or manufacturer generally is given one final attempt to fix the problem. If that attempt fails, you can seek arbitration.

Arbitration also varies by state. Many states have arbitration programs operated or supported by the manufacturers. In some states, the program is operated by the Better Business Bureau or through the National Automobile Dealers Association. About a dozen states operate their own arbitration programs. In arbitration, both you and the manufacturer have the opportunity to present arguments generally before a single arbitrator or a panel. In many arbitration programs you have the option to present your case either in person or in writing. In most cases, the arbitrator’s decision is binding on the manufacturer but not on you.

If you’re still not satisfied you may take your case to court. If you win, many states give you the choice of a replacement vehicle or a refund. But in some states the arbitrator or manufacturer may choose the replacement vehicle, which means you may have to accept a vehicle with about the same miles and remaining warranty as on your lemon.

To document your case, always obtain and save any warranty or other repair orders, service records, and any written communication you sent or received from the dealer or manufacturer. Log any problems that occur with the vehicle including dates, details of the repairs performed, repair costs and the number of days the vehicle was out of service. If you have a choice between a state-operated or a manufacturer-run arbitration program, choose the state program. Some consumer groups say state-operated programs are more likely to decide in favor of the consumer.

If You Get Stuck With a Lemon

You can retain an attorney knowledgeable about your state’s lemon law. To get a list of attorneys near you, contact your local or state bar association and ask for a list of attorneys specializing in lemon laws or consumer law. You can also contact the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, D.C. at 202-328-7700 or at autosafety.org.