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 […]
Yo-Yo Financing (Spot Delivery) in CA: Exact Steps to Take When the Dealer Calls You Back
You drove off the lot feeling great about your new car purchase. The paperwork was signed, the keys were in your hand, and you thought the deal was done. Then, days or weeks later, your phone rings. The dealer is calling to tell you there’s a “problem with your financing” and you need to come […]
Wrongful Repossession in California: Defenses, The 15-Day Letter, and Getting Your Car Back
Your car is gone. If it was taken without following the law, you might be able to get it back and hold the lender accountable. California law gives you real protections against improper repossession tactics, but you need to act fast and understand your rights. What Makes a Repossession “Wrongful” in California? Not every repossession […]
What If the Dealer Can’t Fix My Car? Loaners, Refunds, and Next Steps
You’ve made four trips to the dealer for the same problem. Your car’s been in the shop for weeks. The technicians keep saying they’re “working on it” or “waiting for parts.” Meanwhile, you’re juggling rental cars, missing work, and wondering if you’ll ever get this resolved. When a dealer can’t fix your car, California’s lemon […]
Used Car Lemon Law in California: Dealer vs Private Seller (What’s Actually Covered)
Bought a used car that turned into a nightmare? Your legal protections in California depend entirely on who sold it to you—and the differences are stark. The Core Truth About Used Car Protection California’s lemon law protection for used cars breaks down simply: dealer purchases offer real legal remedies, while private sales leave you almost […]
Odometer Fraud in 2025: Digital Dash Tactics and How We Prove Mileage Rollbacks
The days of coat hangers and drills are over, but odometer fraud isn’t dead – it’s just gone digital. Today’s scammers use sophisticated software to manipulate electronic dashboards, making rolled-back mileage harder to spot than ever before. If you’re buying a used car or think you’ve been scammed, you need to know what you’re up […]
Lemon Law for Electric Vehicles: Battery, Charging, and Software Defects
Electric vehicles are breaking down in ways that didn’t exist when lemon laws were written. When your Tesla’s autopilot goes haywire, your Rivian’s battery tanks, or your Ford Lightning won’t charge, you’re dealing with problems that traditional mechanics often can’t fix. California’s lemon law covers electric vehicles just like gas cars. But proving these cases […]
How California Lemon Law Applies to Leased Vehicles
You signed a lease expecting lower payments and a worry-free experience with a new car. Instead, you’re dealing with constant repairs and a vehicle that doesn’t work properly. If you think you’re stuck because it’s “not your car,” you’re wrong. California’s lemon law covers leased vehicles just as strongly as purchased ones—sometimes even more favorably. […]
Dealer Fees in California: Which Are Illegal, Which Are Negotiable, and How to Fight Them
You’ve negotiated a great price on your new car, but then the finance manager hands you the final paperwork and your heart sinks. The “out-the-door” price is thousands more than what you agreed to, buried under a mountain of mysterious fees with official-sounding names like “documentation fee,” “dealer prep,” and “electronic filing fee.” If this […]
Dealer “As-Is” Sales in California: What Rights You Still Have
You’re looking at a used car at a California dealer when the salesperson hands you paperwork with those dreaded words: “sold as-is.” They explain this means “no warranty” and “all sales final,” making it sound like you’re giving up all your consumer rights. What many consumers don’t realize is that California law places significant restrictions […]
