Texas’ Lemon Law: Know Your Rights When Buying A Car

Purchasing a new car is usually a big event in a person’s life, and needless to say, they expect it to be absolutely free of any problems. But in case you receive a defective vehicle, do you have a way out? Turns out, you actually do. The Texas Lemon Law can help you get your car repaired, repurchased, or replaced. Read on to know more about this US law.

What Is The Texas Lemon Law?

The Texas lemon law was passed to help the residents of the state who have purchased or leased a new vehicle and are facing continuous trouble in getting it repaired under the original warranty of the manufacturer. Administered by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, this law is a better and less expensive alternative than going to court.

What Is Covered Under The Law?

The Texas Lemon Law covers all new vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, TRVs, motorcycles, and so on, that show a defect covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty. Demo vehicles that haven’t been previously titled are also covered under the Lemon Law as these are considered new vehicles.

Used vehicles may also be covered under this law if they fulfill some specific conditions. You might benefit from the law if the used vehicle is still covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty. If the defect was reported to the car dealer during the original warranty period but hasn’t been resolved, you may be eligible for repair assistance under the Texas lemon law.

The law is not applicable on repossessed vehicles, farm equipment, or boats. In addition, minor defects that do not substantially lower the car’s market value or affect its daily usage are also not covered under this law.

How To Know If Your Car Is A Lemon?

Wondering whether your defective car qualifies as a lemon? Well, there are some specific conditions that your car must meet. If your car has a substantial manufacturing defect that’s covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty and you have taken it for repairs for the same issue 4 times during the first 24 months (or 24000 miles), it might qualify as a lemon.

The law is also applicable if the car has been out of service for 30 days or more during the first 24 months or 24000 miles for repairs for issues covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty.

How Can You Benefit From This Law?

In case your car meets the above conditions, you need to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible. The complaint is valid only when filed within 6 months after the expiration of the original warranty or the completion of 24 months or 24000 miles after purchase, whichever is earlier.

If your case is proven in the hearing, you may be eligible for relief measures depending on your specific situation. Usually, the department can direct the manufacturer to provide any of the following:

• Refund: You will receive the vehicle’s purchase price as a refund after deduction of an amount for vehicle use.
• Repair: The manufacturer will repair all the defects free of charge.
• Replacement: The manufacturer will replace your defective vehicle with one comparable to the original model.

Summing Up

If you are confused whether your car satisfies the requirements of being a lemon or are clueless about the procedure to follow, an Austin Car Accident Attorney can be of help. They can guide you in filing a complaint under the Lemon Law and help you put forward a strong case.