You found the perfect car. The price seemed fair, the dealer seemed trustworthy, and you were told it had a clean history. You signed the papers, drove away, and thought the deal was done. But weeks later, you discovered something shocking—a past accident, flood damage, or even a salvage title the dealer never mentioned. Now […]
How Do I Know If a Car Dealer Scammed Me?
You left the dealership excited about your new car. But a few days later, something doesn’t feel right. Your monthly payment is higher than what the salesperson quoted, or you found fees in the contract that were never mentioned. Maybe the car isn’t performing like they promised it would. Now you’re wondering: did the dealer […]
Can a Dealer Sell You a Car With an Active Recall?
You buy a car from a dealer, drive it home, and a few days later discover it has an active safety recall. Most buyers wonder: Was that even legal? The answer depends on whether you bought new or used—and the difference in protection is significant. Understanding the law helps you know what dealers can do, […]
Lemon Law Settlements vs. Trials: What Owners Should Expect
When you’re stuck with a lemon, one of the first questions is usually: will this settle, or am I going to court? Most California lemon law cases settle before trial—around 95% or more, actually—but it helps to understand both paths so you know what to expect. How Most Cases Resolve: Settlement Settlement is by far […]
Can You File Lemon Law Claims Without an Attorney in California?
Yes, you can file a lemon law claim in California without hiring an attorney. The law doesn’t require legal representation, and thousands of consumers pursue claims on their own each year. But here’s what matters: the real question isn’t whether you can file without an attorney—it’s whether you should. While the process is legally open […]
California Lemon Law Presumptions: The 18-Month/18,000-Mile Rule Explained
If your new vehicle spends more time at the repair shop than in your driveway, California’s lemon law presumptions can help you get relief faster. The 18-month/18,000-mile rule creates legal presumptions that work in your favor—you just need to know how to use them. Too many California consumers with valid lemon law claims never pursue […]
How to Check a Car’s Repair History (and Why Carfax Isn’t Enough in CA)
Most used car buyers think a clean Carfax report means they’re getting a problem-free vehicle. This costs California consumers millions every year when they find out about undisclosed accidents, flood damage, or major repairs that never showed up in vehicle history reports. Carfax and AutoCheck help, but they only show part of the picture. Knowing […]
Engine Problems in Used Cars: When It’s Fraud vs. When It’s Wear-and-Tear
You buy a used car, drive it for a week or two, and then—check engine light. Overheating. Strange noises. Now you’re wondering: did the seller know about this problem, or did you just get unlucky? The difference between fraud and normal wear-and-tear isn’t just about who’s to blame—it decides whether you can do anything about […]
How to Spot Frame Damage Before You Buy a Used Car
Buying a used car with hidden frame damage is expensive and dangerous. We’re talking about a mistake that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and put your family at risk every time you drive. Frame damage wrecks your vehicle’s structural integrity, messes with safety systems, and tanks the resale value. If you know […]
Does Lemon Law Cover Safety Defects Without a Recall?
You’ve discovered a dangerous problem with your new car, but there’s no recall. Can California’s lemon law still help you? Yes. And you don’t need to wait for the manufacturer to acknowledge it. Too many drivers think lemon law only covers recalled defects. That’s wrong, and it keeps people in unsafe vehicles longer than they […]
