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The lemon law in the state of Washington cover not only motor vehicles but also motor homes and motorcycles with displacement of more than 750cc. this law sets up a mechanism where in the consumer is shielded form the defects his new vehicle may encounter.

If in the event that the new motor vehicle does not confer to the warranty and the consumer inform the manufacturer as such, then the manufacturer should undertake repairs at his costs as soon as possible.

The consumer should be given a detailed report of all the work done on the vehicle by the manufacturer or his dealer.

If even after sincere attempts the defect is not solved, then at the option of the consumer, the manufacturer may either replace the vehicle with a comparable one, or refund the price paid.

The refund should include along with the along with the purchase price, all the incidental expenses incurred by the consumer due to the defect. Here the manufacturer is permitted to deduct a reasonable sum towards the depreciation of the vehicle.

The manufacturer is allowed to try repairs for at least four times or is permitted to keep the vehicle un-operational for thirty days before the consumer takes a decision on replacement or refund.

Resale of defective vehicles

In case the defect is of such a nature that the user will be in danger of serious injury, then such vehicle will not be sold under any circumstances.

In other cases the defect should first be corrected, and the new buyer should be informed about the exact nature of the defect and the reasons for the return in the first place.

Dispute settlement

In case of a dispute the state Attorney General shall set up an arbitration panel. This should be an independent panel, not attached to any manufacturer.

In case the decision of the tribunal is unacceptable to either of the parties, then they can appeal for a trial in the superior court.

In case the consumer is successful here, then, he will be entitled to damages and costs.

If however it is held that the appeal was frivolous in nature, then the court is entitled to triple the award given.

The US federal law governing lemons is officially called The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, however, most American states each have their own lemon law.


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