Spending $55 may save a driver's life

File lemon-law car complaint quickly

Dear Terry,
I purchased a 2004 Lincoln LS in November 2004. I have not had a chance to enjoy the car because it has stayed in the shop more than on the road. I believe the car is a lemon. It has been in the shop a total of 35 days.

Now it is back in the shop for a new transmission. The car is under warranty. I told the dealership I want another car because it has been in the shop for two weeks. The dealership told me that I have to keep the car until March before I can get rid of it.

Is this true? And what can I do? I do not want to keep paying for a lemon.
-- Kim

Dear Kim,
I'm sorry to tell you that you likely don't qualify to file a lemon-law complaint. The laws in most states require an owner to file for such a claim within the first year or so of ownership. You're well past that time.

I have no idea what the dealership is talking about when they say you can't get rid of the car until March. You can sell or trade a car at any time, even while it's in the shop. But you may not be able to get enough to cover the loan balance, provided you financed it.