The Worst Repair Order Violations
Over the years at Norman Taylor & Associates, we have handled thousands of California Lemon Law cases. Some are so devious and underhanded we read them in amazement. They are shown around the office followed by comments like, “Do you believe this? Do these people really not understand Bureau of Automotive Repair requirements for a...read more
Read MoreHyundai: A Real Quality Success Story
For decades German engineering was the standard for premier quality products world wide. If you wanted a machine, whether a 10-ton lathe or miniature scientific test equipment, you bought German, if you could afford it. Those decades are over. Perhaps they will come back, time will tell.If you look at sales numbers, the Germans are...read more
Read MoreVW Says, We Got Sludge, by Donald P. Ladew
What had been the other guy’s problem came home to roost in the author’s driveway the other day. I read this headline at Autoweek.com. “VW to cover maintenance costs for sludge damaged engines.” As you may have guessed, I am the owner of a VW Passat Wagon, and yes, it has the 1.8T Turbo engine. Unfortunately I...read more
Read MoreStop Being so Darn Nice
Patience it is said is a virtue. However, there are limits. Exceeding these limits can definitely prevent the consumer from exercising their right under the California lemon law. Recently I analyzed a vehicle to see if it qualified for the Lemon Law and was astonished by the consumer’s patience. The following is a generic summary...read more
Read MoreToyota Settles One Unintended Acceleration Lawsuit
So, Toyota settles what is considered by some to be the strongest “Sudden Acceleration” lawsuit amongst hundreds of individual and class actions law suits. Toyota asserts that this terrifying incident was caused by a problem with the floor mat. You heard correctly, the floor mat. This was not a California Lemon Law case; it was...read more
Read MoreRead the Manual, Please!
A recent study by Schrader, a company that creates tire pressure monitoring systems, showed that one in three people did not recognize the tire pressure warning light. Owning a vehicle also requires that consumers make themselves aware of how to operate the vehicle and recognize these warning indicators; information that is included in the Owner’s...read more
Read MoreAir Suspension Problems
When the air suspension fails the effects can be startling beyond what happens with an ordinary coil spring suspension system. Because these systems can adjust the suspension to three different ride heights another computer control system is required. This complex suspension control system is added to vehicles that are already over-burdened with software and computer...read more
Read MoreWhen Did the First Defect Arise?
In Lemon Law the Standard Reference Guide we write about mileage offset (also called mileage allowance). “Almost all states permit the manufacturer to deduct some allowance for your use of the vehicle. Some states allow a deduction only for the miles driven up to the first repair attempt. [California] This recognizes that the failure to...read more
Read MoreThe Shaken Faith Doctrine
Under the old Commercial Code, the seller is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to cure the defect before a buyer can revoke acceptance. However, when the buyer’s faith in the goods is so shaken that remedying the specific part or problem would not satisfy a reasonable buyer, the buyer may revoke acceptance, and get a...read more
Read MoreBMW – Defective High Pressure Fuel Pumps – Has it Happened to You Yet?
If you own a 2007 through 2009 BMW 135iS, 335i/xi or 535i, with the N54 engine, there’s a good chance you’ve had trouble with the high pressure fuel pump. If you haven’t, knock on wood, I am glad you haven’t, but I sure wouldn’t want to take odds that it will never happen in your...read more
Read MoreToyota Recall: Stop Apologizing and Do Something Real
Is it just me, or did the rest of the viewing public think the Toyota recall related scripted apologies a bit too humble, a bit too insincere and perhaps a tad too manufactured? (Pardon the play on words.) The true test of a sincere apology is not so much what the wrong doer says, it is...read more
Read MoreDealer’s Warranties- Protect Your Lemon Law Rights
Used car dealers typically sell cars on which the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Consumers often assume that used cars do not qualify for the California Lemon Law. However, sometimes the dealer will issue a separate “dealer’s warranty” – usually good for 30 days. The short term of the warranty gives you as the buyer a...read more
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