Before purchasing any vehicle, you should always check the car’s history report. This is a crucial step in buying since states have lemon laws protecting buyers from faulty cars.

A lemon law lawyer can help you resolve a manufacturer’s refusal to meet your warranty terms by filing a lawsuit. The following are the top signs that you may have a lemon:

The Car Doesn’t Run

Purchasing a new car can be a dream come true, but it can quickly become a nightmare if you end up with a lemon. Lemons are vehicles that experience repeated, unfixable problems and can cost you thousands of dollars. Fortunately, most states have lemon laws to protect you from buying these clunkers.

One of the main ways to identify a potential lemon is if it has experienced multiple repair issues over a short period. To qualify for lemon law, the dealer or manufacturer must have attempted to fix the problem a reasonable number of times (this varies by state). It’s typically less than a few attempts; for non-safety defects, it may be up to 30 days within a year.

If the issues reappear even after several visits to the repair shop, you should hire an attorney immediately. Keeping accurate records of the repair efforts, including dates and descriptions of the issues, will help you build a strong case for redress under lemon laws.

It’s also essential to keep up with manufacturer recalls and to educate yourself on common flaws associated with your vehicle’s make and model. Also, be aware of signs of odometer tampering, which can cause the car to appear as though it has less wear than it does.

You’re Tired of Paying

In the United States, where so many people rely on their cars for work, it is incredibly frustrating to have one that seems to be breaking down constantly. Even if the problem is small, it can add up over time. Sometimes, a car in the repair shop can cause a person to miss work, leading to a loss of wages. This can be an issue for workers who must commute or may have to stay late to meet customer demand.

The good news is that if you’re spending excessive money on repairs and think the car may be a lemon, you should talk to a lawyer. An Ohio lemon law attorney can help you file for arbitration with the manufacturer, which most state laws require. This process is often faster than filing a lawsuit, and an experienced attorney can ensure you have all the documentation necessary to get the compensation you deserve.

To qualify as a lemon, a car must have substantial defects that multiple repair attempts cannot resolve. While the definition of what qualifies as a substantial defect varies from state to state, in most cases, a defective vehicle must be unusable or have significant impairment of value or safety. Minor problems like paint defects and offensive odors are unlikely to be considered substantial. Still, some courts have found that the cumulative effect of numerous lesser issues can amount to a substantial impairment.

You’re Getting Rid of the Car

In most states, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund if you buy a lemon. Whether or not you get that depends on the number of repair attempts and the time you have been driving the car. If you have been dealing with multiple issues and the problems are not being addressed, it’s time to talk to a lemon law attorney.

You can also tell if a vehicle is a lemon by checking the title brand and accident history on a car or truck’s vehicle history report. Most reputable dealers will provide you with a car or truck history report free of charge. If not, you can purchase one for a fee from providers.

Title brands and accident history are essential because they can help you find out if the vehicle was previously declared a total loss or has had significant damage caused by flood, fire, or other events that may have left lasting effects on the vehicle’s quality. These kinds of damage can sometimes be challenging to fix, even with the help of an experienced mechanic.

You’re Getting Scammed

One of the main rules when buying a vehicle is “buyer beware.” However, it’s often impossible to tell whether you bought a lemon until you bring it home and must spend money on repairs. You should also be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If a car is sold for significantly less than the Blue Book value, it usually has problems that could cost you more money in the long run.

Even seemingly minor issues should be taken seriously. If you notice that your brakes are rubbing against each other or the engine is making unusual sounds, this may indicate a severe problem. Also, if an electric car takes longer than usual to charge, this red flag could indicate a defect.

When buying a car, request copies of all documentation related to the sale from the dealership. This will include a complete car history report, repair orders, and other documentation relevant to the vehicle’s history. If you’re worried that the car will qualify as a lemon according to state law, create a timeline and keep track of all repairs the vehicle has received. Depending on your state’s definitions of lemon laws, you might need to consult an attorney for further assistance.