The Lemon Law in New York

The lemon law in New York provides a remedy forletter must be written and this time addressed to
customers that have had problems with their vehiclesthe manufacturer which must be completed within
despite the number of times that these have beenthe next 20 days. If the problem is not repaired after
brought in for repairs. The manufacturer is also heldreasonable attempts, the manufacturer or dealer has
liable if the car sold does not conform to the termsno choice but to refund the full purchase or offer a
of the written warranty.comparable replacement unit. The decision is up to
In New York, this covers new and used cars includingthe customer.
"demos" under 4 conditions.If you are getting a refund, this includes the price of
1. First, the car was covered by the manufacturer'sthe car, title and registration fees as well as any
new warranty at the time it was delivered to theother governmental charges. There may be some
owner.deductions if the car has traveled more than 12,000
2. The car was purchased, leased or transferredmiles but less than that, there are none. Should the
within the first 18,000 miles or two year from thelemon car be leased, the refund is divided between
original date of delivery.you and the leasing company.
3. The car should be purchased, leased or transferredThose of you who choose to get a comparable
in New York and presently registered there.replacement car should know that what you get in
4. The vehicle is primarily used for personal purposes.exchange for the lemon car is usually the same
The definition of personal includes using the car to domodel and year as well as approximately the same
household errands, drive to and from work. You canmileage as the one being replaced.
however use this for business and still be coveredBut before a refund or a replacement car is given,
under the lemon law as long as personal use isyou have the choice of participating in an arbitration
predominant.program or suing the manufacturer and taking this
Just like the state of California, New York allowsmatter to court. If the manufacturer has an
motor homes to be covered under this law exceptarbitration procedure, you have to participate in this
to other items like the appliances, fixtures, systemsfirst. This consists of a hearing and a decision will be
and other parts that are residential in nature. Motormade after 10 days.
vehicles and off road vehicles are not also covered.If you go to court, this will take some time but
Leased cars are covered only if the lessee isshould you end up in winning, you can recover the
responsible for the repairs.amount you spend on attorney fees.
If you suspect that your car is a lemon, you mustThe lemon law of New York does not have a
immediately report this matter to the manufacturerspecific number of repair attempts but four instances
or authorized dealer. Under the law, the notice givenwithin the span of two years is the ideal number. If
to the dealer is considered also a notice to thethis happens, you should just document it by keeping
manufacturer.a copy of the work orders, repair bills and
During this time, the dealer has to conduct thecorrespondence.
necessary repairs. If they refuse to do so, another