Are You Being Squeezed by a Lemon?

The Center for Auto Safety has rated all the state lemon laws in the country, and according to the Center's Director Clarence Ditlow, California's is ranked #1. But even the top-rated lemon law won't do you much good if you don't know how to use it! To qualify for lemon law protection, the shop must attempt repairs for the same defect at least four times, or the car must be out of service 30 calendar days within 18 months or 18,000 miles.

You may also qualify with a "reasonable" number of attempts during the entire expressed warranty period. Only two repair attempts are needed for safety defects, which may cause death or serious bodily injury. California law also covers some business vehicles. Mr. Ditlow urges lemon owners to keep all documentation and repair records and to directly notify the manufacturer as you proceed.