Lemon Law Question(s)

[Bugeater]

Entertaining the idea of losing the mini cooper (2007 turbo)...

Its been in the dealership twice and they have damn near replaced everything under the hood to fix a CEL that reduces power...wiring harness, ecu, wastegate, vacumn lines, misc grounds etc....bottom line is the first visit they had it for 19 fricken days. 3 days later same issue. Now they have it and it has been a couple weeks. They still have it.

In Virginia if they have the car for 30 or more days within the first 12 months you are eligible. They have surpassed that.

Couple questions,
1. What if you bought/leased the car in another state (my case Maryland) but reside in Virginia? What rules apply and where do you "file"?
2. Can a consumer initiate this process by him/herself or is a lawyer required?

Anyone have any input?

[2006red/whitecoupe]

It is my understanding that each state has their own lemon law; I had a lemon law settlement in 2005 as my 2004 vehicle wouldn't run. I contacted a consumer law attouney in the area here and he reviewed my paperwork and took the case on a contigent basis; he brought to my attention several things including the need for me to notify the dealer in writing my intent to invoke the lemon law. I would strongly sugggset you speak with a local attourney and you are welcome to send me a pm and i can give you more info on my experiance. In my case the manufacturer paid my attourney fees. Good luck and I hope things work out; it can very frustrating and in my case I wound up stranded on the side of the road no less than 3 times after the dealer thought they had fixed it.

[slaughterj]

Not sure, probably would need to see the lease - I can probably get you someone to talk to up your way if interested.

[alpine7822]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Anyone have any input?

You have a PM

[Bugeater]

Thanks everyone - Slaughter, I got "alpine's PM" and is willing to discuss with me so thanks for looking out for us lowely virginia beach guys.

[Fast Too]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Entertaining the idea of losing the mini cooper (2007 turbo)...

Its been in the dealership twice and they have damn near replaced everything under the hood to fix a CEL that reduces power...wiring harness, ecu, wastegate, vacumn lines, misc grounds etc....bottom line is the first visit they had it for 19 fricken days. 3 days later same issue. Now they have it and it has been a couple weeks. They still have it.

In Virginia if they have the car for 30 or more days within the first 12 months you are eligible. They have surpassed that.

Couple questions,
1. What if you bought/leased the car in another state (my case Maryland) but reside in Virginia? What rules apply and where do you "file"?
2. Can a consumer initiate this process by him/herself or is a lawyer required?

Anyone have any input?

From the VA DMV site.

How do I know if my vehicle's a lemon?
If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.
If you think your vehicle is a lemon, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs before filing a claim under this Act. All claims must be filed within 18 months following the date you first received the vehicle.

For more information about Virginia's Lemon Law, contact:
Office of Consumer Affairs
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
102 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-2042
1-800-552-9963

Or, visit the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs/Consumer Assistance. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Consumer Services