Whether you are looking to purchase a new or used vehicle, some requirements you are probably looking for are that the vehicle is safe, free of defects, and won’t break down when you’re driving down Interstate 5.

Finding a trouble-free car has nothing to do with luck and has everything to do with proper research and investigative skills. With that said, taking certain steps when car shopping can help ensure that you choose a safe vehicle for yourself and your family while avoiding a lemon purchase. Below, our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys outline a game plan for you to follow.

Inspect and Test Drive the Car

If you are considering purchasing a specific vehicle, ensure that you begin by doing an eye test of the vehicle. Inspect every nook and cranny, including the interior and exterior. During your test drive of the car, ensure that you check everything from the brakes, tires, wheel, seatbelts, exhaust, lights, windshield wipers, mirror, windows, horn, and gas cap.

Bring the Car to a Mechanic

There’s only so much that you will be able to see on a surface level, especially if you aren’t familiar with car parts or how they function. If you are serious about purchasing a used vehicle, get it inspected before you actually make a decision. You have a legal right to do this, so don’t ever feel pressured to purchase a vehicle without having a mechanic double-check everything.

Check for Any Recent Recalls

When choosing a safe vehicle, it’s important that you find out whether the manufacturer has issued a recall for the car or specific parts due to safety defects. One of our latest blogs discusses how to check for recent car recalls and how to stay informed proactively about any new recall alerts.

Don’t Purchase a Vehicle “As Is”

In order to have rights under lemon laws, you must have a warranty for the vehicle. A warranty can be sold with a new vehicle or a used one. However, if the dealer that you are purchasing from is only offering to sell you the vehicle “as is,” this could be a red flag that the dealer does not trust the vehicle to offer it with a warranty. Ultimately, you will probably want to skip such an option and find a vehicle to purchase from a more reputable source.

Know Your Rights

While the above tips are meant to help prevent you from purchasing a lemon vehicle altogether, they aren’t foolproof. Lastly, it’s important that you are aware of your rights under California and federal lemon laws. These laws help protect you should you find yourself in an unfortunate situation of driving a lemon.

At Norman Taylor & Associates, our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys have been protecting the consumer rights of those across Southern California for decades. If you have any questions regarding a potential lemon law claim, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm at your earliest convenience. We will determine what your legal options are during a free consultation.

Contact our firm at (818) 244-3905 to get in touch with our legal team today.