Wirtz Law Blog

California lemon law protects those who purchase or lease a vehicle at retail, only to discover a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s usability, safety, or value. In California, at the election of the buyer, automakers must replace the lemon with a “substantially similar” vehicle or offer a buyback. 

Getting a fair buyback deal can be tough. Automakers often try to take deductions that are not permitted. For example, automakers are not allowed to reduce the statutorily required amount by adjusting for wear and tear on your car. Additionally, there are add on damages you are entitled to for towing and other incidental and consequential expenses. When an automaker estimates a buyback amount, it may leave out other losses, like towing fees. To ensure you receive a full, fair and maximum buyback deal, work with an experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney. 

What Are The CA Lemon Law Basics I Need To Know?

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, also known as its “lemon law,” protects vehicle owners if their car qualifies as a “lemon.” Cars purchased or leased “at retail” are covered. For most vehicle owners, this means buying or leasing the car through a dealership. Some owners buy their cars directly from the manufacturer. 

A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if it has a defect that “substantially impairs” the “use, value, or safety” of the vehicle. The issue must arise while the vehicle is still under its original or CPO warranty. 

If you have a lemon, you can seek compensation. Compensation includes a refund or “buyback,” or a replacement vehicle; you may choose which you prefer. It also includes coverage for losses related to your lemon vehicle problems, like towing fees or rental car costs. Compensation also includes your reasonable attorney’s fees, costs and litigation expenses. 

Why Navigating The Lemon Law Process With A Top-Rated Lemon Law Attorney Is The Best First Step To Take

Navigating buyback negotiations can be tough. Automakers have entire legal departments that specialize in representing the automaker. These attorneys push back against any legal challenges, including consumers’ demands that their rights be respected under California lemon law and take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Sometimes, they only offer a small goodwill payment in exchange for a complete waiver of all of your lemon law buyback rights. Such a goodwill offer is not in line with California’s lemon law.

First, negotiating can be tough. Like all court cases, lemon law claims follow certain rules. Completing the paperwork, adhering to the deadlines, and getting answers from an automaker can prove challenging. Lemon law attorneys are skilled at ensuring these cases move smoothly and that automakers respond and can make certain you do not miss any prerequisite demands that could make you miss out on civil penalties.

Many Los Angeles vehicle owners also find that automakers undervalue their buyback offer. An automaker may claim the time passed or excessive mileage on the vehicle reduces the amount of the buyback offer more than state law allows. Or an automaker may ignore your additional costs. Towing fees, rental car expenses, and Uber or Lyft costs can add up quickly, totaling thousands of dollars. Yet an automaker may ignore all these when offering a buyback amount. 

California’s lemon laws recently changed. In 2025, the state legislature passed new rules that narrow the scope of lemon law protections. Understanding how these new rules apply can make it harder to win a full, fair buyback. In addition, the legislature is now considering changes to the new rules. These changes would allow automakers to opt in or out of certain processes. To understand how the rules apply, you need the help of an experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney. Now more than ever it is critical to get top notch legal advice from one of the best lemon law firms in California.

3 Ways A Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You With Your Lemon Law Claim

Los Angeles lemon law attorneys know how automakers operate. They understand how these companies undervalue buyback amounts to save themselves money at the vehicle owner’s expense. A dedicated lemon lawyer can help you:

1. Gather and present evidence to support your case. From getting records from the dealership to evaluating your vehicle’s value, your attorney can gather and present evidence to prove you deserve the buyback amount you’re requesting.
2. Identify any expenses that should be included. California lemon law requires automakers to pay “incidental and consequential damages,” but the law does not list exactly what these costs are. They commonly include towing fees, rental car costs, bus passes, taxi fare, and similar costs, but they can include other expenses related to your lemon vehicle as well. Experienced lemon law attorneys know where to look for these expenses and how to ensure your case includes them.
3. Save time and reduce stress. Taking on a multinational automobile corporation is tough. It’s particularly difficult when you have little or no experience filing lemon law claims. It’s even tougher when you’re stuck without safe, reliable transportation for everyday needs, like traveling to work or school. Your lemon law attorney can protect your legal rights, advocate for you throughout the process, and handle your case, so you can focus on your daily responsibilities. 

California lemon law requires the automaker to pay your attorney’s fees if your car is a lemon. This means you can work with an experienced lawyer on your side while paying little or nothing out of pocket. 

Contact our office today by calling (858) 259-5009. We proudly serve all of California; whether you purchased your car in Northern California and now live in Southern California, we can help you. Our attorneys take pride in helping consumers like you. We understand how important it is to have a reliable and safe car, especially if you have a family and need to pick up children from school and local activities. You can also fill out our online form to get started, and someone from our office will follow up with you.