Issues
Federal Lemon Law
Using Your State’s Lemon-Law
The theme of state lemon laws is that
a manufacturer must provide a refund or replacement for a defective new
vehicle that is not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. Most
such laws provide for refund or replacement when a substantial defect
cannot be fixed in 4 tries, a safety defect within 2 tries or the auto
is out of service for 30 days, within the first 12-18,000 miles/12-24
months.
SMALL CLAIMS COURTS
Small claims courts, designed to provide a fast, efficient and inexpensive way to resolve claims of individuals against merchants or large corporations, are potentially a great resource to consumers. They are one of the best ways for consumers to settle disputes with a dealer, service station, repair shop, garage, or auto manufacturer.
The Car Book 2003 Best Bets
Subcompact
Hyundai Accent
Volkswagen Beetle
Nissan Sentra
Compact
Hyundai Elantra
Volkswagen Golf/GTI
BMW 3 Series
Honda Civic
Volkswagen Jetta
Intermediate
Acura TL
Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable
Hyundai Sonata
Lexus ES 300
Lexus IS 300
Saab 9-5
Saturn L/LW
Toyota Avalon
Large
Audi A8
Ford Crown Victoria
Lincoln Town Car
Volvo 80 Series
Minivan
Chrysler Town and Country
Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager
MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT — Public Law 93-637
MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT — Public Law 93-637
THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT: AN OVERVIEW
THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT– AN OVERVIEW
In 1975 Congress adopted a piece of landmark legislation, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The Act was designed to prevent manufacturers from drafting grossly unfair consumer warranties and to make it economically viable for consumers to bring warranty suits by providing for the award of attorney’s fees. States built on the themes of the Magnuson-Moss Act by later passing their own lemon laws.
California Court Affirms $25 Million Roof Crush Verdict
At least 10,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year due to weak roofs in rollover crashes. Rather than hire engineers to build strong roofs, auto companies hired lobbyists to weaken safety standards. These lobbyists got the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to weaken the roof strength standard (FMVSS 216) so much that roofs of SUVs will not support the vehicle’s weight when the windshield breaks in a rollover.
Court of Appeal of Lousiana Ruling II
Sixth Assignment of Error
The sixth assignment raised by appellant is whether consumer certificates could be transferred to dealers.
Section III.E.8 of the settlement agreement provides that: Certificates may not be transferred to authorized General Motors dealers or their affiliated entities during the first 15 months, except that Certificates may be redeemed at authorized General Motors dealers as provided in this Agreement.
Louisiana Appeals Court Rules on GM Pickup Class Action
More Information on GM C/K Pickup Fires
Court of Appeal of Louisiana,
First Circuit.
Joseph A. WHITE, III, John L. Monson and Anthony J. Cashiola, Sr.
v.
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION, Brockhoeft’s Chevrolet, Inc. and Hank’s Pontiac-
2003 Car Book Quiz
1. Which vehicle has the lowest driver death rate?
a. Honda Civic
b. Ford Taurus
c. Chevy Suburban
d. Mercedes C-class
2. Who tops the lemon list for 2003?
a. Ford
b. Chrysler
c. GM
d. Kia
e. VW
3. only one 2003 has a 93%+ injury avoidance for both driver and passenger in 35-mph front and 38-mph side barrier crashes; pick the safety winner.
a. Pontiac Sunfire
b. Volvo S60
c Honda Civic
d. Ford Windstar
4.
New York State Trooper Killed by Fire
By TERRY CORCORAN
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: December 21, 2002)
The driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that slammed into a police cruiser Thursday in Yonkers, killing a state trooper, was driving with a suspended license, state police said yesterday.