Legal Question in Consumer Law in Virginia

Lemon Laws for New Cars

MY husband and I recently purchased a 2000 Hyundai Elantra Sedan. The purchase date on this car was

May 1, 2000. The car has had all the recommended care ie: oil changes etc...Well, the car began to have problems around the 1st or 2nd week of October. The check engine light came on, the car had difficulty when starting,and it bucked and jumped while attempting to accelerate. Soon after I got the car fixed (or so I thought) ..and one week later the car was back to its old ways...same problems...I had made note to bring the car in on Wednesday the 25th of October,but I broke down on my way to work and.I had to push the gas pedel to the floor just to get it to hit 40 MPH. A strong "burning " smell came from under the hood area as well.Needless to say ,I had the car towed to the dealership. I am awaiting word o what is wrong with it. I am concerned that I am being "taken for a ride" as they say. (no pun intended). I really need to know what my options are..can I get a replacement car? How do I know that the damage hasnt affected some other part of the car? What am I entiled to as far as compensation?.Can I ask for a different car because a new car shouldnt have these problems? Thanks for your time.


Asked on 10/24/00, 10:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Rubinstein David Rubinstein

Re: Lemon Laws for New Cars

You should have rights under the Virginia Lemon Law. If they cannot fix the car properly this time, you should seek to have the car replaced by the manufacturer. You should wait until the car is repaired this time, and see how it performs. The manufacturer has a reasonable opportunity to repair the car under the Lemon Law. If it performs badly for the same reasons thereafter, you should demand your money back.

Read more
Answered on 11/16/00, 9:54 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Virginia