Always Get a Lemon Check - 3 Reasons

Buying a used car can be a great way to savecar's history.
money, but it can also cost you a lot more if you end2. Lemon Laws Lemon laws protect consumers when
up buying a lemon. Having a lemon check prior tothey purchase a vehicle that has repeated problems
purchasing a used car is one of the most importantimmediately or very soon after purchase. Lemon laws
things you can do, and too many people skip this step.vary by state, so you need to look up your state's
Having the car inspected by an independent third partylaws to know what your rights are.
is one of the primary ways you can find out ifShould you find that the vehicle you purchased is
something is wrong with the car. Believing whateverdefective, a record of a mechanical check can work in
the seller tells you about the car is not enough, noyour favor. This ensures that the seller cannot claim
matter how sincere or honest the person appears tothat the damage occurred after you purchased the
be. After all, their motivation is to sell the car.vehicle. Obviously, if a mechanic determines that there
The best place to have a lemon check performed isare serious problems, you should avoid the car.
through a dealership that sells that make and model ofHowever, if smaller issues are noted that later become
car. Mechanics at the dealership are familiar with thebigger issues, you'll have a record that these were
parts, know how much repairs cost, and can informnoted prior to purchase. Of course, this can work
you of any common problems with a particular model.against you as well. If you learn that a car has
It's worth spending the money to have the carsignificant problems, it's not worth the cost.
inspected. If any repairs are needed, you can price theThe types of repairs may also have an effect on
repairs and determine your best option, such aswhether or not lemon laws apply. Safety issues are of
negotiating for a lower price or walking away.more concern than minor repairs. Therefore,
Having a used car inspected prior to purchase issafety-related issues may require fewer repair
probably the most important step in the process. Hereattempts than others under certain lemon laws.
are three good reasons why you should get a lemonLemon laws apply to vehicles that require repeated
check.repairs over a short amount of time. So even if you
1. You'll Learn More About the Car While a seller mayare aware of a needed fix, if the problem is not fixed
be honest, it's possible that he or she is unaware ofwith one or more repairs (sometimes up to four,
problems with the vehicle. Alternatively, it could be thatdepending on the state), you may be protected by
the seller knows that repairs are needed and wants tolemon laws. Be sure to keep detailed records of all
sell the car rather than pay for repairs. Unfortunately,maintenance, beginning with the first lemon check and
not everyone is honest, and the only way you canany repairs thereafter.
determine the true state of a car is to have itAlso, keep in mind that lemon laws only apply to
thoroughly inspected. A vehicle that looks great fromvehicles that are used for family or personal use, at
the outside may have serious problems inside. A skilled,least part of the time. Vehicles used solely for business
independent mechanic can give you an honest opinionpurposes do not fall under lemon laws, but other laws
about the state of the car.apply.
A lemon check can also alert you to other problems3. You'll Save Money Having a lemon check done on a
such as mileage fraud or other hidden problems withpotential purchase will only save you money in the long
the car. If you run across any suspicious activity, suchrun. The check will determine whether you should
as adjusting mileage or other problems, you can walkinvest in the vehicle to begin with, and will give you an
away from the sale. If you skip having the lemonidea of potential repairs and the estimated cost. Simply
check, you will never know about these issues prior toavoiding a lemon can save you hundreds or thousands
purchasing the vehicle.of dollars, from the initial cost of the vehicle (that you
In addition, conduct a VIN (Vehicle Identificationwon't be able to resell) to any repairs.
Number) search on the car to learn more about the