If you desire to purchase an automobile, either a used or a new one, you might wonder about your state’s lemon laws. Lemon laws are made to protect the client when buying vehicles that possess warranties with significant defects beyond a dealer’s repair. However, every state’s regulations differ, and understanding them helps know the steps to take. This way, this guide will share information about New Jersey lemon laws.
- Coverage
The NJ Lemon Law covers new vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, that are purchased or leased in the state. The car must have a manufacturer’s warranty and be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
- Defects
To be considered a lemon under the New Jersey Lemon Law, a vehicle must have a defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. The manufacturer’s warranty must cover the fault, which cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
- Time limits
There are time limits for filing a lemon law claim in New Jersey. Generally, you must file within two years of the vehicle’s original delivery date or the term of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever is shorter.
What is lemon car buyback, and how it works in New Jersey
A lemon buyback, or a lemon law buyback, is a legal process where a manufacturer or dealer repurchases a vehicle from a consumer. This happens because several attempts to repair the vehicle have failed.
If you believe you have a lemon in New Jersey, notify the manufacturer and allow them a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect. If the dealer cannot fix the fault after several attempts, you may be entitled to a lemon buyback.
To qualify for a buyback, you must have gone through the arbitration process provided by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You can raise a claim if the arbitrator determines that the vehicle is a lemon. Your manufacturer must offer you either a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price minus a reasonable allowance for use.
If you choose a refund, the manufacturer must pay the total purchase price, including taxes, registration fees, and other charges, minus the reasonable allowance for use. The funding is calculated based on the mileage when you first reported the problem to the manufacturer.
Why hire an attorney for a lemon car buyback
While it is possible to pursue a lemon law claim on your own, hiring an attorney can provide several advantages, including:
- Legal expertise
Lemon laws can be complex, and an experienced lemon law attorney can help you navigate the legal process, understand your rights, and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
- Negotiation skills
An attorney can negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf to obtain the best possible settlement or buyback offer. Manufacturers may be more likely to take your claim seriously and offer fair compensation when you have an attorney representing you.
- Time-saving
Pursuing a lemon law claim can be time-consuming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal process. An attorney can handle the paperwork, communication, and other aspects of the claim, allowing you to focus on other things.
Final thoughts
If you plan to buy a lemon car, you must know your state laws about such automobiles. With the proper knowledge, it’s easy to take the right steps if defects become more complex.
