Q. I bought a new car recently and it has been a pain. I’ve brought it back to the dealer to get it repaired three times, and every time I get it back it seems to have another problem. The reason I got a new car was to avoid these kinds of problems. How does the state’s Lemon Law work and will it help me?

If you bought the car new in Florida, it could. There are a fair amount of hoops, though.

First, the problem has to something that “impairs the use, value or safety” of the car. If that is the case, you then have to have had the car (and documented it) toe the dealer or an authorized service shop at least three times for the same problem or have had the car out of commission for 15 total calendar days.

If that applies, you then have to notify (certified mail, with a receipt) the manufacturer of your claim under the Lemon Law. You should use this form: www.800helpfla.com/pdfs/DefectNotificationform.pdf

You then have to give the manufacturer one last shot at fixing your car. After that, you can request arbitration to resolve the situation.

For more information, go to www.800helpfla.com/lemonlaw/lemon-text.html

Q. I used a car service out of West Palm Beach recently and the driver didn’t know where he was going, the car was filthy and the driver was just plain rude. A friend told me that cabs and limos have to have a special license and permit. I’ve never noticed anything official-looking in the car I was in. What is the law?

A. In Palm Beach County, so-called vehicles for hire must have a county-issued permit, and all drivers have to wear an identification badge issued by the county’s Consumer Affairs office.

The licensing rules set minimum standards for the companies to try to ensure their vehicles are safe and insured.

In 2007, two companies were stripped of their permits for failing to get the proper insurance. AA Limousines of Delray Beach and Big Apple Limousine Service, which operates out of Pompano Beach, both had their right to operate in the county revoked. Big Apple, however, did straighten out its situation and, as of early August, had a valid license.

Having a regulated industry can give an advantage to consumers. If you run into a problem with a car service, whether it is a taxi or a limo, you can contact Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs and lodge a complaint. The number is (561) 712-6600.

Go to www.pbcgov.com/publicsafety/consumeraffairs/forhire/ to find out more about the rules and to get a list of licensed companies.

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With consumers paying high prices for gas, some owners of larger vehicles are trading in their gas-guzzlers for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States is $28,400. With new cars costing a pretty penny, more and more consumers are considering used vehicles to save even more money. While many prospective buyers aim to find a car at the right price, it’s important to not forget safety and reliability.

Before purchasing a used vehicle, it’s essential to find out as much as you can about the vehicle’s maintenance history and any existing mechanical problems.

“A rigorous test drive and a thorough inspection done by an ASE-certified automotive technician are the best ways to make sure the used vehicle you are considering buying is in good condition,” says Bob Arlotta, NAPA’s 2008 Technician of the Year.

According to Arlotta, inspections typically cost around $90, but if the technician discovers a major defect, you have saved yourself a big headache and potentially thousands of dollars. When inspecting a used vehicle, experienced technicians traditionally check the following areas for existing problems and possible warning signs:

Body

• Floor wells, doors and lower sills are checked for red stains and dimpled or bubbled paint, which can be signs of impending rust.
• The vehicle’s panel surfaces are inspected for hail damage and overall fit, as loose side panels may indicate past accident damage.

Under the hood

• The overall appearance of the vehicle’s engine is important to have inspected as any build-up of dirt or oil can indicate mechanical problems. Dirty and/or thick engine oil and noticeable sludge in the engine may indicate a lack of routine maintenance by the previous owners. Also, grey or milky colored engine oil may signify the presence of water, which can cause serious engine malfunctions. Any rattling noises heard while the engine is idle can mean incorrect tuning or excessive wear.
• When inspecting the transmission, technicians test for smooth gear changes and listen for any rattles or knocking noises. On front-wheel drive vehicles, these noises can indicate worn constant-velocity joints.
• Radiator coolant should be clean and brightly colored. Oil in the coolant may indicate a cracked cylinder head or a leaking gasket. Radiator cooler fins and core tubes are also typically checked for corrosion or damage.
• The vehicle’s battery is checked for acid corrosion and remaining life.

Underneath the vehicle

• Tires are checked for uneven wear, which may indicate worn or misaligned steering or suspension.
• The engine, transmission, axles, brakes, power steering and shock absorbers are assessed for oil leaks.
• The exhaust system is tested for fumes or excessive noise, which can indicate holes or rust in the pipes or muffler.

Road test

• During a test drive, technicians look for excessive leaning or wandering on straight roads, which can be a sign of worn suspension or misaligned steering.
• The vehicle should stop smoothly and in a straight line. The pedal should not sink to the floor or feel spongy, and the steering wheel should not vibrate.

“Unless you have experience repairing vehicles, it’s probably a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by your regular automotive technician,” says Arlotta. “Spending a little bit of money to learn about a vehicle’s history and find out its current mechanical state will help you make an educated decision about your used vehicle purchase.”

If you have already purchased a questionable vehicle, take some time to research your state’s lemon laws to see if you qualify for reimbursement or vehicle replacement.

NAPA AutoCare Centers offer a preventive maintenance program that includes a complete inspection and regular monitoring of vehicle systems. Additionally, all qualifying services and repairs are covered by a 12-month / 12,000-mile “Peace of Mind” Warranty, good at more than 12,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide. Consumers can learn more about these programs by contacting their local NAPA AutoCare Center or by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

OhioLemonLawInfo.com has re-launched, bringing new, timely information and advice to Ohio car owners plagued by auto repairs and mishaps caused by poor repairs, workmanship, manufacturing or design.

The Ohio lemon law establishes the responsibility of manufacturers to consumers to repair or replace habitually defective vehicles. The law also contains a series of established procedures for consumers and manufacturers to follow.

Unfortunately, some manufacturers and dealerships are less than forthcoming about their responsibilities as detailed by Ohio lemon law. OhioLemonLawInfo.com attempts to build the knowledge base of car owners in order to level the playing field between manufacturers and consumers. The website features a complete copy of current the Ohio lemon law for visitor reference. In addition to the letter of the law, the website features interpretations of the ordinances as defined by a pair of experienced Ohio lemon lawyers.

OhioLemonLawInfo.com is the creation of David Levin and Mitchel Luxenburg, a pair of lawyers with considerable experience in Ohio lemon law cases and consumer protection litigation. These Ohio lemon lawyers have pooled their expertise to create a resource for consumers. They present an overview of the typical dispute resolution process and answer common questions about lemon law litigation and consumer fraud.

Along with an in-depth treatment of the Ohio lemon law, the website contains other useful information on a variety of topics related to the sale and repair of automobiles. Fraudulent dealer practices, spot delivery issues, bait-and-switch sales tactics, invalid warranties and contracts, and failure to disclose relevant vehicle history issues are all addressed by the re-launched OhioLemonLawInfo.com site.

Informative articles further increase the site’s utility to the Ohio car-buying public. A representative article covers the process of informal dispute resolution, a state-required process that consumers must complete before having the option to pursue litigation. Although focused on the Ohio lemon law, other subjects include working with an auto dealership, vehicle recalls and technical service bulletins.

For more information, please call 440-364-1869 or visit http://www.ohiolemonlawinfo.com.

(1-800-MY-LEMON), Philadelphia’s largest lemon law firm, is proud to announce that Philadelphia has passed a new law covering the sale of used cars. The Philadelphia Used Car Lemon Law, sponsored by Councilman Darrell L. Clarke, was signed by Mayor Nutter on July 2, 2008.

The used car lemon law protects purchasers of used cars in Philadelphia by giving them the opportunity to have their used car inspected by a licensed mechanic with 72 hours of purchase. If a defect is discovered, the purchaser has the right to seek a full refund from the selling dealer.

The Philadelphia Used Car Lemon Law is a benefit to consumers since the Pennsylvania Lemon Law only covered the sale of new cars, and does not apply to used cars.

Congratulations to Mayor Nutter, Councilman Darrell L. Clarke, Lance Haver at the Consumer Affairs Office, and the City of Philadelphia, for giving used car buyers greater rights.

David J. Gorberg & Associates, 1-800-MY-LEMON, Philadelphia’s largest lemon law firm, are thrilled with the passage of this new law!

Below is a summary of the Philadelphia Used Car Lemon Law:

1. A purchaser of a used vehicle may return the vehicle within 72 hours after purchase if it is:

a. Unable to pass safety or emission inspection; or

b. Is found by a certified inspection mechanic to have an undisclosed major structural defect. *mechanic must do so in writing.

2. Upon return of any such vehicle the dealer shall within 10 days either repair the vehicle at the dealers own expense; or refund all moneys paid for such vehicle.

3. Dealers must also provide a copy of any written warranty to the purchaser within fifteen (15) days of payment for the warranty, and shall perform the repairs set forth in the warranty promptly upon presentation of the warrantied vehicle for repair. At the time of purchase, the dealer shall disclose to the purchaser, in writing in large capital letters, whether the warranty is provided by the dealer, the manufacturer or a third party.

4. Office of Consumer Affairs will take complaints and determine their merit. L&I will thereafter issue citations and enforce. If you purchased a used car and feel the dealer is not upholding their responsibilities, contact the Philadelphia Office of Consumer Affairs at 215-686-7598

5. 1st offense is a Code Violation Notice (CVN). (accrues each day issue not rectified); Repeat offense may result in suspension or revocation of the dealer’s Automobile Sales License and/or Business Privilege License.

David J. Gorberg has arbitrated, settled and litigated thousands of Pennsylvania lemon law claims to date, recovering millions of dollars for it’s clients. Mr. Gorberg along with his associates at David J. Gorberg & Associates practice lemon law across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Firm has become a household name throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey as a result of it’s extensive TV, Radio and Billboard advertising, and use of it’s famous 1-800-MY-LEMON jingle.

David J. Gorberg & Associates is the largest lemon law firm in Philadelphia and one of the most successful lemon law firms in country. The firm’s offices are located in Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh PA and Marlton, New Jersey. Mr. Gorberg can be reached at 1-800 MY LEMON (1-800-695-3666) or by visiting the David J. Gorberg & Associates website at http://www.mylemon.com