Mississippi has a Consumer Protection Law that protects consumers who buy faulty products. The Mississippi Office of the Attorney General is a great starting point if you have a purchased what could be classified as a "lemon" car.

Manufacturers are held responsible for lemons, rather than dealerships. Should you buy a car with continual problems, here are several tips that may help:

• Be specific with your complaint, and make it as soon as you realize there's a problem.

• Save all of your repair receipts and copies of warranties.

• When complaining by mail, be sure to give all of the details: make, model, complete description of your vehicle and specific detail about the exact problem, attempts you have made to resolve the matter, and your purpose in pursuing.

• Keep copies and records of all correspondence―all letters, emails, record of phone calls.

• Contact the Attorney General's office if you cannot get the matter resolved.

When you have determined that you may have purchased a lemon, and have not been satisfied with the response from the manufacturer, you'll need to submit a Complaint Form to the Office of Consumer Protection. Once you complete this form, attach copies of all your documentation and mail them to:

• Consumer Protection Division

• Office of the Attorney General

• P.O. Box 22947

• Jackson, Mississippi 39225-2947

Call (601) 359-4230 or (800) 281-4418 with any questions or concerns. This office will investigate your claim and possibly act as a mediator in resolving the dispute. It will not, and cannot, act as your attorney, so it would be wise for you to consult with an attorney if you do not get satisfaction from your original complaints.

Myths

• The Lemon Law protects me from all purchases.

  FALSE. Most states make use of the Lemon Law, but each state can set its own guidelines as to what constitutes a lemon, and how a consumer is protected. When you buy a car, research its history and ask a mechanic to examine the car for you before you buy.

• I can cancel my new car purchase in three days.
  FALSE. The three-day right to cancel a contract does not apply to vehicles. The law was created to protect consumers from door-to-door salesmen, and other type purchases made away from the standard place of business.

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