| The winter is an ideal time to purchase a car, | | | | likes to haggle, take along someone who does, or |
| according to lemon law office representatives. With an | | | | consider one-price shopping offered by Saturn and |
| assortment of 2007 and 2008 models on the | | | | other manufacturers. Remember, this is your |
| dealership lots and competitive pricing initiatives, | | | | hard-earned money and you want to get the best ride |
| consumers have plenty of opportunities to get behind | | | | for your dollar. |
| the wheel of a shiny new car, truck or SUV that fits | | | | TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT! This is a common |
| their lifestyle. | | | | error in judgment. We often order cars in special |
| However, drivers need to take certain precautions to | | | | colors or with additional features and when they arrive, |
| make sure they aren't taken for a ride or stuck with a | | | | we sign on the dotted line and drive off. STOP! Before |
| lemon car. "An automobile purchase is something that | | | | you take possession of the car, you need to check |
| should not be rushed", they warn. The Lemon Lawyers | | | | out the exact car you are buying, not one just like it. |
| offers consumers the following tips: | | | | Make sure you try every feature (i.e. air conditioner, |
| RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!. Make sure | | | | defroster, trunk latch, cruise control, sunroof, etc.) Also |
| the car you are looking at has a strong customer | | | | take it for a quick test drive before you sign any |
| satisfaction rating, provides the features that you are | | | | papers. If something isn't working right, don't sign |
| looking for, and is priced within your range. Consumer | | | | anything. This is the one time you are in control. |
| Reports remains an exceptional research tool. Also | | | | Demand perfection. |
| check out Jack Gillis' "Ultimate Car Book". For | | | | DO NOT PURCHASE A USED CAR WITHOUT A |
| pre-owned cars, check out and Kelly Blue Book ( to | | | | MANUFACTURERS' WARRANTY. Make sure that |
| insure that used car drivers don't discover problems | | | | any car you purchase is protected with a warranty |
| down the road. | | | | from the manufacturer. This is the only way a |
| ASK YOUR FAMILY, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS. | | | | manufacturer will stand behind a pre-owned vehicle. |
| These people can provide useful information and | | | | And make sure that if you are buying a "pre-certified" |
| recommendations. They may know someone who | | | | car, it is certified by the manufacturer, and not the |
| adores their SUV or someone whose sport car is | | | | dealership. Otherwise, you will not be protected under |
| constantly in the shop. User forums on the internet can | | | | the State and Federal Breach of Warranty Statutes. |
| also provide some useful perspectives and uncover | | | | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! If you have purchased a new |
| common complaints consumers have with their | | | | car or a car with an existing manufacturer's warranty |
| particular vehicles. | | | | and you have a reoccurring problem that they can't |
| KNOW THE MSRP! The MSRP stands for the | | | | seem to fix, you do have legal rights. If a car is in the |
| manufacturer's suggested retail price. Unless a car is in | | | | shop a significant number of days in the first year, or |
| high demand, most dealers will offer their cars at a | | | | has a reoccurring problem under the manufacturer's |
| price that is lower than MSRP. Knowing the MSRP | | | | original or extended warranty period, you could be |
| can help you when you are discussing costs. Also, | | | | entitled to a new car, or a full or partial refund. Best of |
| don't forget to call other authorized dealerships to see | | | | all, there are State and Federal laws that provide 100% |
| if they can get a better offer for you. A little legwork | | | | cost-free legal help. Don't be afraid to consult a |
| can save you thousands and if you are not one who | | | | specialist lemon law attorney if needed. |