Think you have a lemon on your hands? You need to know how the Arizona Lemon Law works and what you can do to squeeze that lemon out of your life.

Unfortunately, vehicles aren’t like clothes or small appliances that can be returned easily if something is wrong with them. Thanks to the Lemon Law, however, you have protection. Arizona, like all states, has enacted a Lemon Law, to protect car buyers who get stuck with a defective vehicle. The Law Office of Michael J. Goodman is a trusted litigator of Lemon Law cases in the Mesa area. Michael and his team have resolved many Lemon Law cases, helping his clients get rid of their lemon cars and receive fair compensation. Michael not only handles automobile and truck cases, he also deals with RV, ATV, UTV, and boat claims, the types of cases most other firms refuse to take.

Arizona’s Lemon Law supplements the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Together, these two sets of statutes ensure that if you bought a lemon vehicle, you are eligible for a full refund, a replacement car, or cash compensation. Additionally, manufacturers are also required to pay all expenses for your Lemon Law lawyer when you prevail.

In the event your vehicle doesn’t qualify under the Arizona Lemon Law, other options are open to compensate you for your loss. For example, the Truth in Lending Act may be able help you get a cash reparation for your defective vehicle. Michael Goodman knows the intricacies of the various options, and he can advise you on the best path to a satisfactory resolution of your situation.

What Vehicles Does the Arizona Lemon Law Cover?

The Lemon Law in Arizona provides consumer protection for all new vehicles, including cars, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and trucks bought in Arizona. It also covers the cab, motor, and chassis of new motorhome RVs. Pre-owned vehicles resold before the vehicle’s express warranty (two years or 24,000 mileages) expires are also protected.

Vehicles not covered by the Lemon Law include those that weigh over 10,000 lbs and vehicles purchased at public auction.

A new car qualifies as a lemon if it meets these conditions:

  • Does not meet the express warranty provided by the manufacturer.
  • Has a defect that substantially impairs the use or value of the subject vehicle.
  • Has experienced mechanical defects within the time frame of the manufacturer’s express warranty, that is, the car developed mechanical problems within the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Is in the repair shop for a cumulative total of more than 30 days because of the same problem or;
  • Has returned four times to the shop for the same problem and the issue continues to exist
  • After the dealer has been allowed to repair the car four times, the manufacturing company has been informed and has had a chance to repair it.

Do Used Cars Fall under the Lemon Law?

Second-hand car buyers receive significantly less protection. A vehicle would still have the same lemon law protection if it falls within the Lemon Law timeframe from the date of the original purchase (the date the original owner took delivery). A used vehicle bought after the original warranty has expired is protected by the Lemon Law only for the first 15 days or 500 miles. Used cars often have hidden defects or damage that come to light only after the car is sold to a new owner. If your newly purchased used car breaks down during the limited time frame, you are obligated to pay up to $25 for the first two repairs. After that, if the problem still persists, you are entitled to a full refund for the car.

File a Lemon Law Claim and Hire an Attorney

According to the law, as soon as you realize you have a lemon car, you are required to send a demand letter to the dealer or manufacturer and file a lemon claim. The letter must document in detail the attempted repairs and other actions taken to remedy the problem. You should try to negotiate a settlement out of court when the manufacturer responds. If you cannot come to an agreement with the manufacturer, your final option is to file a lawsuit in court.

Throughout this process, having a lawyer on your side is essential for professional and expert consultation. Hiring an attorney sends a clear signal to the seller or manufacturer that you are serious and will do whatever it takes to get justice. For an Arizona resident, the Law Office of Michael J. Goodman is your best choice for legal representation.Michael removes most of the burden from the client and resolves 95 percent of Lemon Law cases out of court.

Do you have a lemon? Don’t worry, and don’t waste your time. Let Michael J. Goodman handle your case. Mike will collect the necessary information from you, such as repair records, and draft the demand letter to the manufacturer. In most cases, the company settles on the first round of negotiations. If not, Mike can go the distance, all the way to court if necessary. Mike solves most cases in 30 to 90 days. You will never pay Mike a cent. According to law, all fees must be paid by the manufacturer. Mike gets paid only if he settles your case.