MyLemon Law Blog - Pennsylvania & New Jersey Lemon Law Help

Relocation of our corporate office

2008-11-04T12:15:00.002-05:00

1-800-MY-LEMON, Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s Lemon Law Attorneys, announces that it will relocate it’s corporate headquarters from Philadelphia to the Times Building located at Suburban Square, Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

"We are making this move to take advantage of an area that combines a strong talent pool and resources, with a cost-effective environment for our law firm” said David J. Gorberg, Esquire

The lemon law firm anticipates relocation of it’s headquarters to be complete by January 1, 2009.

5 Super Simple Tips to Get a Great Deal on a New Car

2008-11-03T07:56:00.003-05:00

Set a Budget and Stick to It – Start your car hunt by deciding on a maximum amount or monthly and down payment that you’d be willing to pay. With a max price in mind you can begin narrowing down the type of car that you’re looking for and you can use this number to your advantage as you negotiate prices later.

Research Cars and Prices Online – There are a bunch of websites that provide an incredible amount of free, no pressure information on cars. Automotive.com, for example, has reviews, prices, photos and more on both new cars and used cars, depending on which you’re in the market for. Take the time to do your research online before you go to any dealership and you’ll be rewarded when you finally come face to face with a salesperson. Once you’ve narrowed your list of cars down to just a handful then print out the quote that you received and the vehicle’s invoice price and bring these with you to the dealership.

Wait Until the End of the Month to Visit the Dealer – Car salesmen and dealerships have quotas to meet at the end of the month so, after researching prices online, wait until the last week of the month to go visit the dealer. Shopping at the end of the month alone could save you a few thousand on a car.

Avoid Trading In Your Car – Without fail dealerships will try to low ball you on any trade-in value. On top of that, trading in your car at the dealership adds another layer of complexity to getting a new car. While it may be more convenient to trade-in, almost always you’ll make a few thousand extra dollars by selling your used car independently. To get a better idea on your current car’s value be sure to consult the Kelley Blue Book.

Negotiate Like a Pro – For most, negotiation is not fun and especially not when you’re dealing with a car salesman. However, it’s not hard to walk in with a few tricks up your sleeve:
- Don’t mention money until the salesperson tells you how much the car would cost. Once they say a price, then you know your negotiation starting point.
- Once the initial price is stated, begin working the price downward toward the invoice price from online. Often you’ll be able to bring the price down to that price over even a bit lower.
- Be prepared for an onslaught of “I can get the price there if you…” responses. Hold steady on the price, if you feel uncomfortable just say “my spouse won’t let me spend more than…” and stand firm on that number.
- Turn and walk out if the salesperson can’t get you the price that you want. Odds are the salesperson will chase you down just before you get to the door. If not, you can always go back the next day if you really decide the price is worth it.

Halloween Lemon Law Humor

2008-10-29T16:25:00.003-04:00

Halloween is right around the corner, so we thought we would share a recent cartoon with our Pennsylvania and New Jersey lemon law clients. Happy Halloween!

Keep Your Car In Shape for 08 - Getting Better Fuel Mileage

2008-10-23T16:50:00.005-04:00

Looking to get better gas mileage, here are some helpful hints from our friends at fueleconomy.gov

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.

Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 4%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.12/gallon

Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Your car's air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine.

Air filter savings based on: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 1981, Automobile Fuel Consumption in Actual Traffic Conditions. Paris, France.
These tests were performed before the introduction of computer-controlled, fuel-injection engines. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is currently studying the fuel economy effects of clogged air filters on more modern engines.

Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 10%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.29/gallon

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 3%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.09/gallon

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil

You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1-2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2%
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.03-$0.06/gallon

Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $2.91/gallon.

Check List to Avoid Purchasing a Lemon Car

2008-10-19T10:34:00.008-04:00

Shopping for a car? 1-800-MY-LEMON, the lemon law attorneys, are posting a checklist which will help you avoid a lemon car. Here is a list of components to check before you buy a new or used car.

___ Frame and body: Is the frame straight and solid?

___ Engine: Is there excessive oil leakage? Are the belts in place? Is the block or head cracked? Is the exhaust normal?

___ Transmission and drive shaft: Is the transmission fluid proper and seepage normal? Is the transmission solid? Is the drive shaft in good shape?

___ Differential: Does the differential operate quietly without excessive seepage?

___ Cooling system: Does the water pump function properly? Is there any leakage, including any from the radiator?

___ Electrical system: Does the battery leak? Do the alternator, generator, battery, and starter work properly?

___ Fuel system: Is there any visible leakage?

___ Accessories: Do gauges and warning devices work? Do the air conditioner, heater, and defroster work?

___ Brake system: Do the warning lights work? Is the brake pedal firm under pressure? Does the vehicle stop in a straight line? Check the hoses, drum and lining for soundness. Are structural and mechanical parts solid?

___ Steering system: Is there too much free play in the steering? Are the front wheels aligned properly? Check the power unit belts for cracks or slippage and the unit fluid levels.

___ Suspension system: Are the ball joint seals intact? Are the structural parts solid and straight? Are springs and shocks properly connected? Check shock absorbers for leakage and loose mountings.

___ Tires: Check the tread for depth of wear, the tire sizes for matching, and for any other obvious damage.

___ Wheels: Look for any visible cracks, damage, or repairs. Check for loose or missing mounting bolts.

___ Exhaust system: Check for leakage and exhaust smoke when the engine is running

The 10 Largest Automotive Recalls of All Time

2008-10-07T15:08:00.006-04:00

We Americans have high expectations for the products we buy, especially for our vehicles. We want our cars and trucks to go where we point them, to not burst into flame in our garages, and to keep their various parts attached, even while in motion. But given the number of vehicles recalled over the past decades, we might be better off calling these hopes, rather than expectations...

#10 Ford 1987 (3.6 million vehicles)

Engine-compartment fires caused by faulty fuel-line connectors compelled Ford to issue this recall in 1987. While not the biggest in terms of vehicle numbers, this recall may be the widest: affected vehicles included virtually every model Ford made, including F150-350 trucks, and all Lincoln and Mercury models.

#9 GM 2004 (3.6 million vehicles)

From 1999 to 2004, tailgating took on a new dimension for the 134 customers who suffered minor accidents from collapsing tailgates. Corroded cables were the culprits. In 2004, GM offered to replace the tailgate cables on Silverados, Sierras, Escalades, and Avalanches. In their defense, it should be noted that customers are clearly warned not to stand on open tailgates. At least 134 have not read that part of the owner's manual.

#8 Volkswagen 1972 (3.7 million vehicles)

Lost visibility can be just as dangerous as fire or a failing seatbelt. Some Volkswagen of America customers found this out the hard way when their windshield wiper arms worked themselves loose and went spinning off into the rain or snow. So in 1972, Volkswagen offered to replace the part in Bugs built between 1949 and 1969.

#7 Honda 1995 (3.7 million vehicles)

In 1995, American Honda Motor Co. dealt with a serious concern in some of its models. Cracked and disintegrating safety-belt release buttons were causing belts to fail or-just as potentially dangerous-trapping passengers in their cars after an accident. The recall included Civic, Prelude, Accord, Acura, Legend, Integra, and NSX models.

#6 GM 1973 (3.7 million vehicles)

The ability to control where your car actually goes is important. GM saw the truth of this in 1973 when they agreed to install engine shields to prevent stones from disabling the steering assembly. 18 models were affected: Centurion, Electra, Estate Wagon, LeSabre, Riviera, Belair, Biscayne, Brookwood, Caprice, Impala, Kingswood, Kingswood Estate, Townsmen, Olds 88 and 98, Bonneville, Grand Ville, and Catalina.

#5. Ford 1971 (4.1 million vehicles)

Seatbelt shoulder harnesses on 1970 and '71 Ford Rancheros, Lincolns, Mercurys, and Fords (yes, there was at one time a Ford Ford) had an annoying tendency to fray and detach from the metal holding it to the frame. And though few drivers were even wearing seatbelts back then, Ford did the right thing and issued the recall.

#4 GM 1981 (5.8 million vehicles)

Some drivers learned the hard way that suspension bolts in certain GM models had a way of wiggling themselves loose. The result? The loss of ability to steer the car. In 1981, GM offered to replace the dubious bolts in the Century, Regal, El Camino, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Caballero, Cutlass, Grand Prix, and Lemans.

#3. GM 1971 (6.7 million vehicles)

In 1971, some GM customers got the ride of their lives as engine mounts began separating from frames and falling back onto throttles. The models with these rocket-like tendencies included Belair, Brookwood, Camaro, Caprice, Chevrolet, Chevy II, G Series, Impala, Kingswood, Nova, P Series, C Series, and Townsmen.

#2. Ford 1996 (8.6 million vehicles)

In 1996, after customers complained of fires caused by faulty ignition systems, Ford Motor Co. recalled vehicles including 1998-'93 Escorts, Mustangs, Tempos, Thunderbirds, Cougars, Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Cars, Aerostars, Broncos, and F-series trucks.

#1 Ford 2008 (12 million vehicles)

In February of 2008, Ford issued the industry's largest-ever recall, affecting Lincoln and Mercury SUVs, pickups, cars, and vans of model years '93 to '04. The lowly cruise-control switch was behind this mother-of-all do-overs. It had a nasty habit of catching fire, sometimes hours after the vehicle had been parked and turned off. Owner response, however, has been slow, so in a rare move Ford reissued the recall in September of 2008 for the 5 million vehicles still unrepaired.

Other recalls stand out in our automotive memory-exploding Ford Pintos and GM trucks with side-saddle gas tanks, for example-but these 10, affecting 55.5 million vehicles, represent the biggest so far. But we Americans have high expectations, and records here don't last long.

Pennsylvania Poised to Pass Law Protecting Againt Home Improvement Fraud

2008-10-05T11:50:00.004-04:00

Each year our firm receives many phone calls from Pennsylvania consumers seeking lemon law help for defective home improvement work. Unfortunately Pennsylvania does not have a lemon law for defective home improvements, however Pennsylvania is finally poised to pass a law which would protect consumers from fraudulent and or shoddy home improvement work.

The State House could vote on legislation this week that would require all contractors to register with the state, allowing consumers to verify a contractors reputation. Each contractor would be assigned a registration number which could be accessed by the public by phone or computer. The registration number would be required for all advertisements by contractors. Pennsylvania would join more than 35 states that register or license home improvement contractors.

In addition to the registration, the legislation would also create a new criminal offense for home improvement fraud, which would allow for easier prosecution. Finally the legislation would create a guarantee fund. Contractors would have to pay into the fund, which would be used to reimburse fraud victims.

1-800-MY-LEMON, Pennsylvania Lemon Law Attorneys, urges the house to pass this act and supports this bill which was sponsored by Sen. Robert Tomlinson, a Republican from lower Bucks County. Lehigh Valley Sens. Pat Browne, Lisa Boscola and Rob Wonderling.

Click here to review the legislation.

Lemon Law, Lemmon Law, Leamon Law & Even Lemom Law – Different Spellings for the Same Consumer Protection

2008-09-24T13:26:00.008-04:00

Here at MyLemon.com we find a number of people coming to our site using a variety of different spellings for 'lemon law'. While the searches vary from the more understandable, like lemmon law, to the downright weird, leamon law or lemaon law, the information and protection that people are looking for doesn't vary.

Here at MyLemon.com we take great pride in helping residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey understand their rights when it comes to their state's lemon laws.

Saturn Vue Recalled

2008-09-19T16:48:00.010-04:00

As reported in the automotive news, General Motors is recalling about 42,408 Saturn Vue compact SUVs built from February to July due to a potential leak of power steering fluid that could cause a fire, it said today.

GM said there had been no reports of accidents or injuries stemming from a potential loosening of a nut that secures the power steering line to the power steering pump. A fluid leak could lead to a possible engine compartment fire.

The recall covers a group of Saturn Vues from the 2008 and 2009 model years that are equipped with six-cylinder engines. GM said dealers would inspect and tighten the nut and check the fluid level as needed.

If you are driving a Saturn Vue, which was purchased in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, and have experienced a problem call our law firm at 1-800-MY-LEMON for free legal help

Understanding Extended Warranties

2008-09-09T15:23:00.002-04:00

An extended warranty may be purchased at the time you buy your vehicle; it's also possible to purchase one much further along in your ownership experience. If you're the type who likes to be prepared for all eventualities, an extended warranty may be just what you're looking for. Bearing in mind the ever-increasing cost of vehicle repairs, these contracts can make a lot of sense.

In deciding whether an extended warranty is right for you, and in selecting the best plan for your needs, you'll need to ask yourself the following questions:

To what extent is your vehicle already under warranty, and is this coverage in sync with how long you anticipate owning it? If the car you've just bought is new, take a close look at its factory warranty before making an extended warranty decision. If, for example, the vehicle has a factory warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, and you plan on keeping it for two or three years -- with an anticipated annual mileage of about 10,000 -- then an extended warranty makes little sense, since you'll likely be covered under the manufacturer's plan. However, if you plan on keeping the car long after the factory warranty expires, an extended warranty is worth considering. If the car you've just purchased is used, you'll need to ascertain if there is warranty coverage from the dealership (coverage periods may range from as little as a month to up to a year, or more). If you're buying a late-model used vehicle, it's possible that the vehicle's original factory warranty is still in effect (this will be dependent on how many miles the car has under its tires, and on how much time has passed since it was originally titled). Some manufacturers also offer "certified used" programs that extend original factory warranty terms on pre-owned vehicles. If the car isn't under warranty, or if you plan on keeping it past its warranty's expiration, an extended warranty makes sense.

What's the reliability record of the model you're purchasing? Take a look at the reliability history of the model you're buying. Though this is by no means a fail-safe way of predicting what your repair bill will look like, it does give you an idea of what you may be in for service-wise; bear this information in mind when making a warranty decision.

Who is behind the warranty that you're considering? An extended warranty may be backed by an independent warranty company (these are known as aftermarket warranties) or by the covered vehicle's manufacturer. Knowing who will be underwriting your policy can give you insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the contract you're considering. Manufacturer-backed warranties score very highly when it comes to ease of use. However, aftermarket warranties are often cheaper. (If you opt to purchase an aftermarket warranty, take a look at how the company's financial strength has been rated by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor's; this will give you an indication as to its ability to pay your claim. Your safest bet is to choose a company that has a minimum "A" rating with Standard & Poor's, and/or a minimum "A" or "A-" rating with A.M. Best.)

What's the nature of its deductible? Fully investigate a policy's deductible before signing on the dotted line. Consider not only its amount, but also whether it's per visit or per repair. With a per visit deductible, each visit to the shop will run you a fixed amount, regardless of how many parts are repaired; a per repair deductible applies to each serviced part. What sounds like a minor difference may, under certain circumstances, have a major impact on your wallet. If, for example, you've got a $100 per repair deductible and you take your car in to get the air conditioner, fuel pump and alternator serviced, you'll be out $300; had you opted for a per visit deductible, those repairs would only have cost you $100. Charier still is a $0 deductible policy. You will have to pay extra for this, but if your circumstances become such that you have to take your car in frequently, you'll find that this policy more than pays for itself.

Is the warranty transferable? Some warranties end when the person who bought the warranty sells the car. A warranty that allows you to transfer it to a new buyer is preferable; it's an excellent selling point for prospective buyers.

Can repairs be performed at any repair shop? Some warranties stipulate that repairs must be performed at the dealership from which the warranty was purchased; this can prove limiting and inconvenient. It's best to opt for a warranty that, at the very least, gives you more than one service facility to choose from. You'll appreciate this should the vehicle ever need service while you're on a road trip, miles away from home.

What exactly is covered? Know what's covered -- and what's not covered -- by the warranty you're considering. Does the contract cover breakdown as well as wear and tear? Under a "breakdown" warranty, coverage is extended only to parts that break. Such a policy can prove less inclusive than is desirable, since not all parts fail due to breakage. Some need to be replaced because they've worn down over a period of time; a "wear-and-tear" warranty extends coverage to worn-down parts in need of replacement. Additionally, some "entry level" contracts don't cover ABS brakes, so if your vehicle has this feature, you should consider upgrading to this level. And overheating -- regardless of its cause -- isn't covered in many warranties. Thus, if overheating occurred due to problems with an expensive part such as your radiator, you'd be stuck with a hefty repair bill. Before committing to a warranty, take the time to fully explore the ins and outs of its coverage implications. The distinctions between the various plans might seem slight, but they can prove quite important.

Is a cash layout required for repairs? Some warranties require that you pay the bill, then send the receipt in and wait for reimbursement; in many cases, months elapse before you get your money back. Ideally, you'll want a warranty that pays the dealership directly with a credit card.

Remember to compare all your options before making a warranty decision. Utilize the Internet; many companies sell directly online, and, at the very least, getting quotes from them can help give you a ballpark idea of what an extended warranty with your desired features should cost. In warranty buying, as in so many other aspects of life, it helps to be fully informed.

My Lemon Law Air Banner Featured On YouTube

2008-08-10T16:23:00.003-04:00

It's not a day at the Jersey beach, unless the 1-800-MY-LEMON air banner flys by. Click here to see the most recent sighting as captured by a beach goer and recently posted on YouTube.

4 Tips For A Better Car Lease

2008-08-02T09:10:00.007-04:00

Thinking of leasing a car? Follow these 4 tips to get the best deal.

1. Before you go to a dealership, check with a local bank or credit union to see what they can do for you.

2. Make sure to look at all the costs in the lease plans you're considering. Besides monthly payments, there could be up-front costs and closing costs.

3. Check the number of miles you're allowed to drive the car during the lease term. Make sure it more than covers your actual driving habits.

4. If you're leasing an imported car, it's more-or-less business as usual, but leases on large vehicles, no matter what the make, will probably be more expensive.

Buying A Used Car In New Jersey - Check The Lemon Law List of Repurchased Cars

2008-07-31T10:51:00.007-04:00

At 1-800-MY-LEMON we are always asked "how do I know if my car was declared a lemon before I purchased it?" The good news is that in New Jersey you can actually check to see if your car was repurchased under the lemon law.

The state of New Jersey requires the manufacturer to brand the title of any car that is repurchased under the lemon law. A complete list of all cars which were repurchased under the New Jersey Lemon Law is available online, and can be viewed by clicking here.

Before purchasing a used car in New Jersey, it is recommended that you check the vin number with the list of repurchase cars under the New Jersey Lemon Law. Just another step in helping you avoid a lemon car.

Warranty Coverage - Do I Have A Lemon Law/Breach Of Warranty Claim

2008-07-30T13:03:00.007-04:00

1-800-MY-LEMON, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh's largest, and most successful, lemon law firm, represents thousands of consumers for claims regarding defective cars. The firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and has become a household name throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Each day we receive numerous phone calls from PA and NJ consumers requesting lemon law information about their defective cars. We have noticed that many consumers are not fully aware of their warranty coverage. In an effort to educate the public we are posting a list of car manufacturers and the mileage and term of the warranties with respect to it's cars. This information will assist you in determining whether a lemon law and/or breach of warranty claim is viable.

Manufacturer Basic Warranty Powertrain Warranty
Acura Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Audi Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Bentley Warranty 2 years/unlimited miles
BMW Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Buick Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Cadillac Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Chevrolet Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Chrysler Warranty (10/31/01 or earlier) 3 years/36,000 miles
Chrysler Warranty (11/1/01-7/8/02) 3 years/36,000 miles 7 years/100,000 miles
Chrysler Warranty (7/9/02 or later) 3 years/36,000 miles 7 years/70,000 miles
Dodge Warranty (10/31/01 or earlier) 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Dodge Warranty (11/1/01-7/8/02) 3 years/36,000 miles 7 years/100,000 miles
Dodge Warranty (7/9/02 or later) 3 years/36,000 miles 7 years/70,000 miles
Ford Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
GMC Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Honda Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Hummer Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Hyundai Warranty (1998 and earlier) 3 years/36,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Hyundai Warranty (1999 and later) 5 years/60,000 miles 10 years/100,000 miles
Infiniti Warranty 4 years/60,000 miles 6 years/70,000 miles
Isuzu Warranty (1999 and earlier) 3 years/50,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Isuzu Warranty (2000 - 2002) 3 years/50,000 miles 10 years/120,000 miles
Isuzu Warranty (2003+) 3 years/50,000 miles 7 years/75,000 miles
Jaguar Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Jeep Warranty (10/31/01 or earlier) 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Jeep Warranty (11/1/01 - 7/8/02) 3 years/36,000 miles 7 years/100,000 miles
Jeep Warranty (7/9/02 or later) 3 years/36,000 miles 7 years/70,000 miles
Kia Warranty (7/2000 and earlier) 3 years/36,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Kia Warranty (7/2000 and later) 5 years/60,000 miles 10 years/100,000 miles
Lexus Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 6 years/70,000 miles
Lincoln Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Mazda Warranty (2003 and earlier) 3 years/50,000 miles 3 years/50,000 miles
Mazda Warranty (2004 and later) 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Mercury Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Mitsubishi Warranty (2003 and earlier) 3 years/36,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Mitsubishi Warranty (2004 and later) 5 years/60,000 miles 10 years/100,000 miles
Nissan Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Oldsmobile Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Plymouth Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Pontiac Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Porsche Warranty (1998 and earlier) 2 years/unlimited 2 years/unlimited
Porsche Warranty (1999 and later) 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Saab Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Saturn Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Scion Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Subaru Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Suzuki Warranty (prior to 8/1/02) 3 years/36,000 miles 3 years/36,000 miles
Suzuki Warranty (8/1/02 and later) 3 years/36,000 miles 7 years/100,000 miles
Toyota Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Volkswagen Warranty (2001 and older) 2 years/24,000 miles 10 years/100,000 miles
Volkswagen Warranty (2002 and later) 4 years/50,000 miles 5 years/60,000 miles
Volvo Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles

1-800-MY-LEMON Air Banner Featured In Atlantic City Press

2008-07-27T08:29:00.011-04:00

A big thank you to Eric Oritz at the Atlantic City Press for featuring 1-800-MY-LEMON, and lemon law attorney, David Gorberg, in his article about the successful use of air banners over the beaches of New Jersey.

Banner planes still soar despite high gas prices

By ERIK ORTIZ Staff Writer
Published: Sunday, July 27, 2008

The soaring cost of gas may force drivers to scale back on their road trips, but it's sure not grounding pilots - at least not those working for local banner plane companies.

Banner plane advertising "has become an accepted form of media, whereas before it was seen as guerrilla advertising," Dempsey said. "You're seeing a lot of big-name brands you haven't seen before."

For Dempsey, that includes flying banners for nationally recognized companies such as State Farm, regional businesses such as the lemon law firm 1-800-MY-LEMON and local businesses, from the Atlantic City casinos to well-established restaurants.

"I can tell you that the beaches are packed," Dempsey said, "but they've been packed in years past, too."

Attorney David Gorberg, whose firm specializes in lemon law cases in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, said he's employed banner plane advertising for at least the past five years because of the audience it garners.

High Exposure usually flies the 1-800-MY-LEMON banner on weekends from Cape May to Atlantic City, Gorberg said. The lemon law banner features a man driving a lemon as cash blows out of his hand.

"There's not a day that goes by when someone doesn't tell us, 'Hey, we saw the banner while we were sitting on the beach,'" Gorberg said. "It's a great way of getting our name and our phone number in front of thousands of beach goers, and also providing brand recognition."

Click here to view the entire lemon law air banner article.

Summer Rain Causes Lemon Car Pain

2008-07-25T18:33:00.012-04:00

With the heavy rain we experienced yesterday, our lemon law firm was inundated, or better yet, flooded with calls from Pennsylvania and New Jersey consumers requesting free lemon law help for car water leaks. So we decided to address this possible lemon law condition.

For most people, heavy summer rain results in congested rush hour roadways and perhaps increased travel time. However, for some unlucky car owners, driving in heavy rain means having to deal with annoying water leaks. Rainwater dripping steadily down from the bottom of the dash and causing water damage to the carpet and underlying pad. The water leak is not only aggravating, but if allowed to persist, can turn into a hazardous mold condition.

At 1-800-MY-LEMON we have discovered that water leaks are usually caused by 2 problems..defective seals and/or defective drains.

1. Seals – Window seals and weatherstripping are designed to keep interior air in and the outside air out. A hissing or whistle condition is a sign that the seal or weatherstripping is damaged. Inspect the windows for missing or damaged seals. Specifically, lumps or other imperfections may be preventing a seal and letting water in. There are 2 ways to check if the seal is working properly:

a. Chalk – Rub chalk on the surface of the weather strip. When you close the door, chalk will transfer from the strip to the door on areas that are sealed properly.

b. Dollar – Place a dollar bill in between the door and the car. Shut the door and then try and pull the dollar out. If your car is properly sealed, you will not be able to pull the dollar out.

2. Drains – Cars are made to channel water to places that are designed as drains. You may not realize it, but water flows all over the inside of a car body. Water can run inside the C pillars, the inside of doors, and through the cowl vents. Therefore it is important that you inspect your car for debris that can block the drains. This is especially true in cowling shields.

Needless to say, it is very important to service your car for any leaks at the dealer. By following the above you may be able to isolate the auto water leak and inform the dealer as to the location. Should the dealer fail to repair the leak, you should contact a lemon law firm, such as 1-800-MY-LEMON (1-800-695-3666) to obtain a refund or new car under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law or New Jersey Lemon Law.

GM shares nearly double from historic low

2008-07-24T15:46:00.004-04:00

Shares of General Motors yesterday reached levels that nearly doubled their value from half-century lows set earlier this month.

GM shares closed at $14.58 a share, up 26 cents, or 1.82 percent. Shares of GM had traded as high as $16.43, or up almost $1.75 a share, in earlier trading today. Earlier this month, GM's stock price had fallen to as low as $8.81 a share.

The rise in GM's stock, seems to have been caused by two factors: Bill Gate's entry into the automotive business world through his purchase of 5% of AutoNation Inc, the largest dealership group in the United States; and GM's disclosure that it's global sales totaled 4.5 million vehicles in the first six months of this year, with rapid growth overseas.

Clearly, the rumors of GM's demise, or the suggestion of the need to file bankruptcy is over exaggeration. One has to wonder whether GM's stock has finally hit bottom and is now on the road to recovery. Only time will tell, however at 1-800-MY-LEMON , Philadelphia and Pittsburgh's largest lemon law firm, we noticed a continued support of the company by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey clients and a strong desire to remain a GM owner even after filing a Pennsylvania lemon law or New Jersey lemon law claim.

Bill Gates Buys Stake in AutoNation

2008-07-22T17:14:00.004-04:00

Each day we are faced with pessimistic news regarding the sales of new and used cars. Dealerships are stuck with inventory they can't sell and manufacturers are trying to cope with rapidly declining sales. With all this gloomy news it's hard to be optimistic. So is the auto business glass half empty or possibly half filled?

Bill Gates seems to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and must be thinking that the auto business glass is half filled. According to the SEC Mr. Gates just purchased a 5% stake in the dealership chain AutoNation Inc. The stake makes Gates AutoNation's third-largest shareholder, according to Bloomberg News.

According to Automotive News, AutoNation, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the largest dealership group in the United States with 321 franchises, selling U.S, Asian and European cars with retail sales of 328,963 mew cars in 2007.

In betting on auto dealerships, Gates joins fellow technology pioneer Michael Dell. Dell, the founder of Dell Computers, announced plans in May to team with former Sonic Automotive President Jeffrey Rachor to start a joint dealership venture.

NHTSA Investigates engine stalling in 2007-08 Hyundai Elantras

2008-07-21T17:49:00.004-04:00

The National Highway Transportation Saftey Advisory Board (NHTSA) said on its Web site today that it has opened a preliminary investigation (action number PE08044) into complaints of engine stalling in low-mileage 2007-08 Hyundai Elantras.

The agency has received complaints, including one reported crash with an injury. Fuel pump module failure is the suspected cause. About 167,000 Hundai Elantras are currently on the road.

Lemon Law Mascot?

2008-07-19T10:04:00.012-04:00

It's the weekend, the temperature is over 90, so we thought we would share some humor with our readers.

A New Jersey lemon law client, Wendy S., sent us a picture of a robotic mannequin, named "Leminem", dancing to a rap song. The picture was taken at a mall on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Our client thought it would be a prefect mascot for our lemon law firm and wondered if we could have it dance to our famous 1-800-MY-LEMON jingle.

We all had a good laugh over this picture, and thank Wendy S. for sending it to us. Have a great weekend and stay cool.

Toyota Offers to Buy Back Rusty Tacomas

2008-07-18T18:08:00.005-04:00

Toyota has announced that it is buying back 1995-2000 Tacoma pickup trucks with badly rusted frames. The buy back program that covers 813,000 trucks may cost Toyota as much as 100 million dollars. In addition to the buy back offer, Toyota is also extending the warranty on those frames to 15 years with unlimited mileage.

If a truck qualifies for a buy back Toyota will will pay 1.5 times the suggested retail price for a vehicle in excellent condition as calculated by Kelley Blue Book.

Owners of badly rusted Toyota Tacoma pick up trucks are instructed to return to the selling dealer for a free inspection. Tacoma owners who paid to have a rusty frame repaired and still own the vehicle can ask for compensation by calling Toyota at (888) 270-9371.

1-800-MY-LEMON has represented many Pennsylvania and New Jersey clients for rusted frames with their lemon cars. Should your vehicle or truck have rust and the manufacturer fails to repair the damage give us a call. In most cases we are able to get compensation due to the damage.

Congress moves to bar mandatory dealer-consumer arbitration

2008-07-15T22:04:00.004-04:00

Each year 1-800-MY-LEMON represents consumers for claims against dealerships for fraud, such as non disclosed prior sale damage. Unfortunately many consumers are not able to pursue these claims in court due to binding arbitration agreements. Specifically, at the time of purchase of the car, the dealership has the consumer sign away his or her rights to pursue any and all claims in court. Many times the consumer is not aware that he or she is signing away rights. As a result of the binding arbitration agreement, the consumer is compelled to litigate his or her claim in a private arbitration favoring the dealerships.

Fortunately Congress has recognized this problem and is taking steps to correct the misuse of binding arbitration agreements by dealerships. According to the Automotive News, a congressional panel today approved a bill that would prohibit auto dealers from forcing customers into binding arbitration to settle disputes. The chief sponsor of the bill is Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., who chairs the subcommittee on commercial and administrative law.

The voice vote by a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee appeared to be along party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. Based on the partisan split, the bill will most likely not become law this year. However, the subcommittee action could prepare a path toward enactment next year, should the Democrats win the White House and increase their majorities in Congress in the November elections, as many forecasts suggest.

The measure is part of a broader push in Congress to eliminate requirements for mandatory binding arbitration from all kinds of business transactions.

1-800-MY-LEMON, Pennsylvania and New Jersey's Lemon Law attorneys, supports this bill and congratulates Rep. Linda Sanchez for sponsoring the legislation, and protecting consumers rights.

Buying A Used Car - Follow These FTC Tips to Avoid A Lemon

2008-07-15T21:09:00.004-04:00

Buying a used car this summer? Follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid a lemon car.

Before you start shopping for a used car, do some homework. It may save you serious money. Consider driving habits, what the car will be used for, and your budget. Research models, options, costs, repair records, safety tests, and mileage through libraries, book stores, and web sites.

Cash or Credit?
Once you’ve settled on a particular car, you have two payment options: paying in full or financing over time. Financing increases the total cost of the car because you’re also paying for the cost of credit, including interest and other loan costs. You also must consider how much money you can put down, the monthly payment, the loan term, and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Rates usually are higher and loan periods shorter on used cars than on new ones. Dealers and lenders offer a variety of loan terms. Shop around and help your teenager negotiate the best possible deal. Be cautious about financing offers for first-time buyers. They can require a big down payment and a high APR. To get a lower rate, you may decide to cosign the loan for your teen. If money is tight, you might consider paying cash for a less expensive car than you first had in mind.

Dealer or Private Sale?
The Federal Trade Commission’s Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale. The Buyers Guide gives a great deal of information, including:

whether the vehicle is being sold "as is" or with a warranty;

what percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;

the fact that spoken promises are difficult to enforce; and

the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for.
The Buyers Guide also tells you to:

get all promises in writing;

keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale; and

ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before the purchase.
Buying a car from a private individual is different from buying from a dealer. That’s because private sales generally aren’t covered by the Used Car Rule, or by "implied warranties" of state law. A private sale probably will be "as is" — you’ll have to pay for anything that goes wrong after the sale.

Before You Buy...
Whether you buy a used car from a dealer or an individual:

examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find checklists in magazines and books and on Internet sites that deal with used cars;

test drive the car under varied road conditions — on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go-traffic;

ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop; and

hire a mechanic to inspect the car.

Other Costs to Consider
There’s more to buying a car than just paying for it. Other items to budget for include insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs. Here are some tips to help you save money:

Compare coverage and premiums with several insurance companies. Buy from a low-price, licensed insurer, or add your teen to your policy. Some companies offer discounts to students with good grades. Remind your teenager that it pays to drive safely and observe speed limits. Traffic violations can cost money in tickets and higher insurance premiums.

Pump your own gas and use the octane level your owner’s manual specifies.

Keep your car in safe driving condition. Following the vehicle’s maintenance schedule can help forestall costly repairs.

Look for a mechanic who is certified, well established, and communicates well about realistic repair options and costs. Find one who has done good work for someone you know.

If your used car turns out to be defective, contact a lemon law attorney, such as 1-800-MY-LEMON to assist in filing a claim against the manufacturer.

MyLemon On Philadelphia Radio Station, 98.1 WOGL

2008-07-11T09:30:00.008-04:00

Thank you to everyone at Philadelphia radio station 98.1, WOGL, for the fantastic shout out to 1-800-MY-LEMON during the popular morning show.

Not only is our famous jingle popular with the younger set, but also with the older set as well!

Everyone at our lemon law firm enjoyed the spot, and most importantly, it allows your listeners to call Philadelphia's largest lemon law firm for free lemon law help.

CLICK HERE to listen to this fantastic lemon law radio spot.

Philadelphia Passes Used Car Lemon Law

2008-07-09T10:46:00.007-04:00

Philadelphia has a new lemon 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 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.

1-800-MY-LEMON, Philadelphia's largest lemon law firm, is 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.

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