| Lemon law, bears no connection with that | | | | Before filing the Texas Lemon lawsuit, the |
| fruit whatsoever, but deals with the right of | | | | owner of the defective car must give the |
| the American vehicle owners who have | | | | manufacturer reasonable chances to fix the |
| purchased a defective vehicle without being | | | | problem. To determine this "reasonable" |
| aware of it. Adjudged from this point, Texas | | | | period, you need to pass the Four-times test |
| Lemon law is an automobile law that supports | | | | or the serious safety hazard test or the 30 |
| the consumers who buy or lease new vehicles | | | | days test. |
| with severe concealed defects, to get their | | | | |
| vehicles repaired, repurchased or replaced. | | | | - If you take your car twice for repair |
| Texas Lemon law was put into effect in 1983 | | | | during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles |
| by the Texas Legislature and is administered | | | | (whichever comes first) followed by two more |
| by the Texas Department of Transportation's | | | | in the next 12 months or 12,000 miles and |
| motor vehicle division and motor vehicle | | | | still it is not repaired, you pass the |
| board. | | | | four-times test. |
| | | | |
| Under what circumstances can you file the | | | | - If you take your car for fixing a serious |
| Texas Lemon lawsuit? | | | | safety hazard once during the first 12 months |
| | | | or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) |
| The Texas Lemon law is not applicable for | | | | followed by another in the following 12 |
| those vehicle-related problems, which are | | | | months or 12,000 miles, then you pass the |
| caused by the owner's neglect, abuse or any | | | | serious safety hazard test. |
| unauthorized changes done to it. There are | | | | |
| certain pre-requisites for your vehicle to be | | | | - If your car is out for servicing for a |
| considered as "lemon" (worthless) and then | | | | total number of 30 days during first 24 |
| only are you eligible to file a Texas Lemon | | | | months or 24,000 miles and there were two |
| lawsuit. | | | | prior repair attempts during the first 12 |
| | | | months or 12,000 miles just after delivery |
| Firstly, it has to be a new vehicle purchased | | | | and a sincere defect still exists, then you |
| or leased from a licensed dealer in Texas. | | | | are eligible to pass the 30-days test. |
| Secondly, the vehicle has to have severe | | | | |
| defect affecting its performance, value or | | | | What does the Texas Lemon law cover? |
| safety, which is covered by the | | | | |
| manufacturer's warranty. Thirdly, the defect | | | | The Lemon law is applicable to cars, trucks, |
| must be reported to the manufacturer in | | | | SUVs, vans, motorcycle, motor homes, all- |
| writing and he must be allowed to give a | | | | terrain vehicles and Towable recreational |
| reasonable number of attempts (usually four) | | | | vehicles (TRVs). Moreover, the TRVs must be |
| to rectify it. Finally, the vehicle has to | | | | registered and titled in Texas, built on a |
| meet the mileage requirement (not applicable | | | | single Chassis and must contain one or more |
| for TRVs). After this the owner can file a | | | | life support systems. |
| Lemon law complaint by paying the proper | | | | |
| filing fees. | | | | Remember, that you must know your rights and |
| | | | have all the records of the repair before you |
| How many chances the dealer stands? | | | | file the Lemon law suit. |
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