auto
How can I unload my lemon car?
Dear Driving for Dollars,
I have an auto I believe is a lemon car, but I can't get the dealer to do anything about it. I've owned it less than three years and it has been in for repairs countless times, including for replacing the transmission. The dealer offered me $17,000 on a trade, but the book value is $21,000. How can I get rid of this car and still get what it is worth?
-- Laura
Dear Laura,
While it certainly sounds like you've had a lot of trouble with your car, it may or may not qualify as a lemon car. Look up the lemon law for your state at the Center for Auto Safety website or your state website to see if it qualifies.
If you indeed own a lemon car, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement car. Read Bankrate's "4 juicy tips to win a lemon law case" for the details. If your car is not a lemon by your state's definition and you definitely want to sell it, research the private-party and trade-in values on all of the independent car-pricing sites. Print out the pricing pages, and use those to price the car in a private sale or in your negotiations for a trade.
Get more news, money-saving tips and expert advice by signing up for a free Bankrate newsletter.
Ask the adviser
If you have a car question, email it to us at Driving for Dollars. Read more Driving for Dollars columns and Bankrate auto stories. Follow her on Facebook here or on Twitter @SheDrives.
Bankrate's content, including the guidance of its advice-and-expert columns and this website, is intended only to assist you with financial decisions. The content is broad in scope and does not consider your personal financial situation. Bankrate recommends that you seek the advice of advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy. Please remember that your use of this website is governed by Bankrate's Terms of Use.