Key Takeaways:

• The timeline depends on repair attempts, manufacturer response times, and how quickly paperwork is submitted.
• Buybacks often include things like monthly payments, registration fees, and rental car costs, though a mileage offset may apply.
• An experienced lawyer can handle paperwork and negotiations to help move your case along.

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Your excitement about a new car can fade fast if you end up with one that has serious, recurring problems. But the good news is that California’s lemon law is on your side. If your vehicle qualifies, the manufacturer might have to buy it back from you. 

If you’re wondering how long the Lemon Law buyback process usually takes, we break down the timeline, including what can speed it up (or slow it down) and how you can help move things along here. 

What Is a Lemon Law Buyback?

A lemon law buyback happens when the manufacturer buys back a car that’s been labeled a lemon because of ongoing problems that couldn’t be fixed after several repair attempts. This lets the owner get their money back and move on to a different car without worrying about constant repairs.

In California, this process is covered by the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which protects buyers from being stuck with defective vehicles. If your car qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer has to either replace it or refund you.

For more detailed information on how lemon law buybacks work, check out this blog post.

What Is the Lemon Law Buyback Formula in California?

When a buyback happens, the manufacturer usually reimburses you for things like the purchase price, any down payment, monthly payments you’ve made, registration fees, towing costs, and rental car expenses caused by the car’s problems.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is the mileage offset; this is a deduction based on how much you drove the car before the defect showed up. The calculation depends on the mileage at the time you first reported the issue. 

How Long Does a Lemon Law Buyback Take?

On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the situation. That said, here’s what the process typically looks like in California:

Repair Attempts (1-2 Months)

Before you can start a buyback claim, you’ll need to give the manufacturer a fair chance to fix the problem; this usually means taking the car in for repairs multiple times. If the issue still hasn’t been fixed after those attempts, you can move forward with the buyback process.




Manufacturer Notification (1-3 Weeks)

Once you know your car qualifies as a lemon, you’ll need to officially notify the manufacturer. This step will go faster if you have a lemon law attorney helping you write the notice.




Filing a Lemon Law Case (1-2 Weeks)

After you’ve sent the notification, the next step is to have your attorney file a lemon law claim; this includes gathering paperwork like repair records and the sales contract. Filing usually takes about a week or two.




Negotiation and Settlement (1-3 Months)

Once your claim is filed, negotiations with the manufacturer begin. This part can take some time,  anywhere from a month to several, depending on how willing the manufacturer is to settle and whether things like arbitration or mediation are needed.




Receiving the Buyback Payment (2-4 Weeks)

After you reach a settlement, you’ll get your buyback payment. This final step usually takes two to four more weeks while the manufacturer processes everything.

What Can Affect This Timeline?

• Type of Vehicle Defect: The kind of problem your car has plays a big part. Serious safety issues might let you file a claim faster than problems that just affect value or comfort. If your vehicle has been sitting in the shop for a long time, that can also help move the process along. 

• State-Specific Regulations: Lemon law rules are different in every state. In California, the laws are designed to protect consumers, so the process is usually quicker compared to states where the laws are more complicated or strict.

• Documentation and Paperwork: Having all your documents ready, like repair records and letters to the manufacturer, can really help speed things up. 

• Manufacturer Response Times: Some car manufacturers respond faster than others. While some handle lemon claims quickly, others might drag things out. Working with a lemon law attorney can help push things along and get quicker responses. The same goes for negotiations, especially if the manufacturer isn’t eager to settle or disputes the amount of the buyback. 

Is There a Way to Speed Up the Buyback Process?

One of the best things you can do is hire a qualified lemon law attorney. They’ll handle all communication with the manufacturer, make sure your case is presented clearly, and submit the necessary paperwork on time, which can make a big difference in how quickly things move.

It’s also a good idea to stay in touch with your lawyer and the manufacturer throughout the process. Regular follow-ups can help keep your case from getting stuck and ensure any questions or requests are handled right away.

What Happens After a Buyback?

Once the buyback process is finished, a few things will happen:

1. Vehicle Return: You’ll return the defective car to the manufacturer or dealer.
2. Payment Issuance: The manufacturer will send you the agreed-upon payment, usually within a month after everything is finalized.
3. New Vehicle Purchase: You’re free to buy or lease a different vehicle, and you don’t have to stick with the same manufacturer if you don’t want to.

Can I Still Drive My Vehicle During the Buyback Process?

Yes, you can keep driving your car while waiting for a Lemon Law buyback. Just be careful not to cause any more damage, and keep an eye on the mileage because it could affect the buyback calculation and how much you get back.

Think Your Car May Qualify? Contact Our California Attorneys!

Don’t let a problem car keep causing you stress. The attorneys at Norman Taylor & Associates are here to guide you through the lemon law buyback process and help you get the compensation you deserve without the hassle or long delays. 

Reach out here or call 818-244-3905 to schedule your FREE consultation today! 

Schedule my consultation

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✓ Content checked by the lemon law attorneys at Norman Taylor & Associates