Lemon Laws

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Where is the VIN Number located? See a Sample VIN Report

What is a VIN number?

Vehicle Identification Number stands for "VIN". This vin number is a universal serial number provided to every car by the vehicle manufacturer. Within the 17-digit number are different codes that indicate the car's make and model, a serial number, where the vehicle was manufactured, and even information about optional add-ons such as a sun roof.

VIN Check Warnings

When buying a previously owned car, there are many ways for you to get a bad deal from both a dealer and a private seller. Odometers may be rolled back thousands of miles. It is against the law in most states, but it is easy to do. It is still a major problem in used cars today. Be wary if the previous owner will not or cannot show you the past repair records or identity of any former owners. If the title seems suspicious, go somewhere else. If an auto is shipped from out-of-state or received in trade from another dealer.

Lemon Laws for U.S. States

Free VIN CHECK - FIND OUT IF IT's A LEMON OR WORSE!

In most states, you can seek relief under the lemon law after a certain number of unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect, or if the vehicle is out of service a certain number of days. The definition of a defect varies, but in all but a few states, it must significantly impair the vehicle's use, safety or value. (In a few states, you can seek arbitration sooner for "safety lemons"--if the defect is serious enough to cause injury or death.)

To avoid getting stuck with a problem car, here are a few precautions you can take:

Inspect your new vehicle before you accept delivery. If you detect any problems, refuse delivery until they've been corrected. Don't accept a dealer's promises that everything will be taken care of at the first service.

Review and keep copies of the manufacturer's literature about your model, especially advertisements, brochures and warranties. Any statements the carmaker makes about performance could help you get a refund or replacement if a defect keeps the car from living up to the claims.

Follow the guidelines in your owner's manual for routine maintenance. Keep thorough records of all service and any problems that crop up.

Whenever you take your car in for repairs, give the service adviser a dated note that describes all of the conditions you're concerned about. Keep a copy of the note in your files.

Get a detailed repair order every time you take your car in for repairs, even if the shop isn't able to diagnose or fix the problem. Be sure all repair orders indicate how many days the vehicle was in the shop.

Keep copies of the repair orders and other paperwork somewhere other than in your car, where they could get lost.

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