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SEP
14
2012

Worried It’s A Lemon? Check Under The Hood

Multiple reports have showed that when tough economical times hit home, we start to look for the most inexpensive cars. However, many consumers end up being tricked into purchasing a vehicle that, in spite of its price, may not be quite the deal.

Consumers are being alerted that they must be aware of the dangers they may be facing in case they choose to purchase a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon.

To prevent future issues and find the best, most reliable and cheapest vehicle available out there, you must learn how to spot a lemon. The first thing to do is simple: ask the salesman or car owner for a reliability record. This step should be the first thing you do when looking into purchasing a vehicle. Select only models that have a good reliability record, which could also be easily found with the help of the Consumer Reports. Look for lists that could be used for a reference research and find the vehicle models that have the best ratings when it comes to reliability.

Another great way to spot a lemon is to verify the vehicle’s window sticker. According to the Federal Trade Commission, all dealers are required by law to post a Buyer’s Guide in all pre-owned vehicles that are being up for sale. The sticker holds information that could be vital to the potential consumer like warranty options or what percentage of repair costs the dealer is required to reimburse. If the sticker says the dealer is bound to provide warranty, the dealer has no other choice but to honor the warranty arrangements.

Checking the exterior of the vehicle you are thinking about buying could also be of great use since certain damages like chipped paint, dents, mismatched body panels, chipped windows or broken lamp housings can be signs that a larger repair work has been performed. By testing the presence of body filler with the help of a small magnet could also help you to determine whether the vehicle had filling added to the space under the paint. If you find a CAPA (Certified Automotive Parts Association) sticker on a panel, it means that the vehicle received replacement parts.

Potential car buyers should also take a peek under the hood of the vehicle. Check the battery for corrosion or grease, the hoses and belts and see if they are worn out or stiff and check wires, lines and tubes for any signs of melting or blackened firewalls.

For more details on how to spot a lemon, click here for the full article.

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About the Author
The Vachon Law Firm is based in Southern California and focuses exclusively on consumer protection litigation.