Pennsylvania's Automobile Lemon Law serves as a legal pit bull designed to protect you from being financially burdened by a dud vehicle. If you suspect you may have been sold a lemon, regardless of whether it was intentional or unintentional, make sure you understand what the law covers before threatening the seller or manufacturer with legal action.

Top Vehicles Covered

The Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law covers most new vehicles purchased or leased―in- or out-of-state―and registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Motorcycles, motorhomes, and off-road vehicles are not blanketed by this law.

Top Protection

The law states that the manufacturer must correct any flaw, at no cost to you, that occurs under any of the following conditions:

• Within one year of the vehicle being sold.

• Before the vehicle's odometer clicks out 12,000 miles.

• While the express warranty is still valid.

By definition, the flaw must be something so substantial that it either plummets the car's value or makes the car unsafe.

Top If the Flaw Is Not Corrected

If the kink in your car has not been rectified after three repair visits, or if your vehicle slumbers out of service for a total of 30 or more days, you may be eligible for a replacement vehicle of the same value or a full refund.

To initiate compensation, you need to alert the manufacturer of your intentions. If you are met with indifference or are completely brushed off, the Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law―under the backing of the state's attorney general―gives you the green light to launch a lawsuit.

Top Lemon Law Documentation

To assure that the Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law works in your favor, begin maintaining detailed records the moment you start having problems with your car. These documents will serve as your star witnesses should you go to court. To prove you've been sold a lemon, have ready:

• Sale or lease documents.

• Maintenance records, including receipts for maintenance supplies.

• Repair statements.

• All documents pertaining to the flaw.

Top Assistance

If you have questions or concerns, call the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 441-2555. The attorney general's Web site also offers a summary of the Lemon Law.

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