State lemon and federal warranty laws protect consumers who buy defective vehicles. If a car or other product cannot be fixed after a certain number of attempts, the manufacturer must reimburse or replace the item.
However, lemon law protection is only available for new vehicles. Therefore, if your car is used, you are not eligible to file a lemon law claim.
Repairs
As the oldest state Lemon Law in the nation, Oregon’s laws provide consumers with several options for resolution and compensation when they buy or lease new vehicles deemed lemons. These remedies include refunding the purchase price, any fees or taxes associated with the vehicle, a replacement vehicle, a cash settlement, or full payment of attorneys’ fees. The key to taking advantage of these provisions is having the knowledge and experience of a seasoned Oregon Lemon Law attorney.
A common misconception among consumers is that their vehicle has a right to be repaired for free if it is in the shop for an unreasonable amount of time. This is false and a violation of the Oregon Lemon Law*.
The law protects consumers when their new vehicles have significant defects or problems that negatively impact their use, value, and safety. Consumers must have a reasonable number of attempts made to repair the defective motor vehicle within two years or 24,000 miles, depending on the nature of the defect.
With the best Oregon lemon law lawyers, our firm works with consumers to notify the manufacturer of their concerns and give them reasonable opportunities to address defects and problems. We aim to ensure that the manufacturer fulfills its obligations and complies with Oregon Lemon Law by allowing our clients to receive the best possible outcome.
Reimbursement
For most consumers, a vehicle is the biggest purchase they will make in their lifetime. The last thing they want is to spend thousands of dollars on a car that is a lemon. Unfortunately, many people are misinformed and don’t know their rights regarding Oregon lemon law.
Consumers who have purchased a new vehicle that turns out to be a lemon may be entitled to a refund of the entire purchase price or a replacement. In either case, the dealer must deduct a reasonable allowance for vehicle use.
Lemon laws ensure that vehicles driven off car lots are functional and free from significant issues. Unfortunately, sometimes the manufacturer doesn’t live up to this expectation. In these instances, an experienced attorney can help.
When dealing with a manufacturer reluctant to reimburse you for a defective vehicle, you should always contact an attorney as soon as possible. A qualified Oregon lemon law lawyer will be able to advise you on your best options moving forward.
A good Oregon lemon law firm will have a track record of success and a knowledgeable and experienced team of lawyers to handle your claim. A reputable lawyer will also be willing to work with the manufacturer to reach an agreement that benefits you.
Replacement
All consumers want reliability and certainty when they make large purchases like a new car or refrigerator. Unfortunately, some manufacturers and dealers sell defective products that can’t be fixed. When this happens, lemon laws provide a remedy.
The lemon laws differ from state to state. In Oregon, a car is classified as a lemon if it has a significant flaw that cannot be fixed within a reasonable number of attempts or a specified period. Manufacturers are required to repurchase or replace vehicles that meet these criteria.
If you believe you have a valid claim, contacting an experienced lemon law attorney is crucial. They will review your case at no cost and determine if you’re eligible for a refund, replacement, or settlement in cash. In addition, your lawyer will handle the legal process and negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf.
To prove that you have a legitimate claim, it is essential to keep detailed and accurate records of all repairs made to your vehicle. Having a clear timeline of how long you could not use your car due to defective defects is also helpful. These documents will be needed to support your claims in arbitration or a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Most manufacturers prefer to settle lemon law claims in mediation or arbitration to avoid the hassle of a trial.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Options
Many people mistakenly believe they have no legal protection if their new vehicle needs significant repairs over an extended period. The state Lemon Law and similar consumer protection laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act give buyers a powerful tool to fight for their rights and receive the compensation they deserve when they purchase or lease a defective new vehicle.
A successful Oregon Lemon Law claim can lead to one of several remedies, including a refund of the car’s original purchase price, replacement of the defective vehicle with a new one, or repurchase of the car from the dealership at its total price plus any expenses or losses that the consumer has suffered because of the defective car. Consumers must consult a qualified Oregon Lemon Law attorney to determine their eligible remedies and how to proceed.
Consumers must keep detailed records of vehicle problems to file a Lemon Law complaint. Providing the manufacturer or dealership with documentation clearly outlining the issues and any efforts to resolve them is critical in a successful claim. It is also helpful for consumers to choose a Lemon Law attorney with extensive experience in this area of law and an excellent track record of success representing their clients.
