Lemons are manufacturer buybacks that have been purchased by the maker from the owner due to dissatisfaction or malfunction. Designation of such cars should be made on the title so potential buyers are aware of their status. However, since different states have varying laws about disclosure, lemons often make their way to the used car market and bought by unassuming consumers. Lemons may be sold with no declaration of serious damage prior to purchase, often leaving buyers with hassle and expense of frequent repairs.

If you are experiencing frequent repairs despite proper maintenance and handling, there is the possibility you have been driving a lemon. There are a number of indicators, steps and remedies in case you deserve a refund.

First, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety share some common characteristics of lemon cars, including:
• Low mileage despite the age of the car
• Persistent problems due to design defects
• Previously sold in an auction

There are supposed to be obvious indicators that a car is a lemon prior to purchase. The title should be stamped with "Lemon law buyback," "warranty return," "manufacturer buyback". Also, the registration sticker located on driver-side door jamb should also have such designation of manufacturer buyback.

If a pushy dealer refuses to provide the complete warranty repair records, it is also a sign that your dream car may be a lemon.

However, privately-generated warranty repair reports and lemon check reports can be obtained to ensure the car is sound.
If at all possible, it may be helpful to talk with the previous owner of the vehicle to see if he or she experienced the same problems. If the previous owner describes similar issues, it may indicate a pattern of malfunction.

If you currently suspect you have a lemon for a vehicle that was not designated upon purchase, it is important to organize documentation demonstrating infrastructural problems. If the car is at the repair service station, have a copy of the work orders, especially for repeated problems. You can also ask for Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) from the dealership. These bulletins are instructions from manufacturers alerting dealerships about defects or repairs in specific models. If there are no bulletins about your car model, ask for a certification that there is no TSB. Make notes about your observations of the car, note the conditions, dates and recommendations of certified technicians.

Lemon laws are passed with the intention for the replacement or refund of the cars. Call an attorney specializing in lemon law cases and inquire about obtaining financial relief for the problems associated with owning a lemon. They may be able to offer free representation, as the manufacturer is required to pay legal fees if the case succeeds.


References

Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety. Lemon Laws and Lemon Laundering. http://www.safetyforum./lemon/how.html
Kimmel and Silverman. Know Your Lemon Law Rights! http://www.lemonlaw./rights.html

Kimmel and Silverman. The Big Squeeze. http://www.lemonlaw./bigsqueeze.html

Lemon Law America. Lemon Law Tips. http://www.lemonlawamerica.com