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Columns: Driving for Dollars
Terry Jackson   Expert: Terry Jackson
Driving for Dollars
Check with state complaint department
Driving for Dollars

Lemon law may apply to car gone sour
 

Dear Terry,
I've only had my 2002 Lincoln LS for three months, but it has gone into the repair shop each of those months! It's been there an average of three days to seven days each time. What an inconvenience!

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I have an extended warranty in which the dealer guarantees to fix the car for a deductible of $50 if anything goes wrong. But I'm just sick of the hassle of having it repaired so often. I want to get out of this vehicle immediately because who knows what problems will erupt down the road?

The dealership will only honor their contract by fixing it. They won't let me return the car or make an even trade. I know that if I trade in this vehicle, I'll be upside down in my loan. Can you recommend anything?
-- Marcus

Dear Marcus,
Check with your state's consumer complaint bureau to see if the state has a used car lemon law. If it does, you may be able to file a claim. Do it soon, because there is a short time frame for pursuing these things.

If that fails, check the car's VIN number with the service department of your local Lincoln dealer. That way, you can see the car's repair history before you bought it. You may find this car was a lemon-law buyback, in which case it should be noted on the title. If it is a buyback and you weren't told this in writing, you may have a legal case against the selling dealer.

This week:
Dirt-cheap used car is no bargain
Can I protect my credit score during loan search?
What can I do with my lemon?
How can I buy a car with bad credit?
Bankrate.com's corrections policy -- Posted: Oct. 26, 2007
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