1. When you suspect you may have a lemon, always keep an eye on your repair orders when you return the car to the dealership.  Make sure the dealership is putting down on the repair order your exact complaint, and not re-wording it to sound like something different.  A favorite trick of dealerships is to re-word your complaint so that it makes it sound like your defect is really a series of unrelated defects, which would make your lemon law claim harder.  Don’t sign off on your repair order or invoice until you are satisfied that the wording of your complaint is accurate.
    
2. Have your own mechanic (not a dealership mechanic) verify the problem if possible. Have your own mechanic then prepare a written report concerning what he or she found. Send a copy of the mechanic’s report, along with your own letter, demanding what you want under the lemon law. This usually means a replacement vehicle or a refund of your purchase price.
    
3. Send the letter certified mail to both the manufacturer and the selling dealer. The address to which to send the letter to the manufacturer will be within your warranty booklet. Note on manufacturer’s arbitration programs: when you make a lemon law claim, some manufacturers will try to direct you to their captive arbitration programs, which are paid for by the manufacturers. You are not required to go through the manufacturer’s arbitration program, and you still have the right to bring a lemon law claim whether or not you go through the arbitration program. At Brennan, Wiener & Associates, we have seen numerous instances of unfair results and outcomes at these arbitrations, and we generally advise our clients to hire us instead, as generally we have much more success at obtaining good settlements for our clients, frequently without litigation.
    
4. Include copies of your repair orders with your letter. Always hold on to the originals.

If the manufacturer does not respond within 30 days to your demand, or if the manufacturer refuses your request, you need to contact us to assist you with a free case evaluation and possible further action. We look forward to helping you obtain justice.