An automobile is a major expenditure, so you want to know that you are protected in your purchase. For that reason, Arizona's Motor Vehicle Warranties Law, which is defined under the Arizona Revised Statutes 44-1261 to 1267, outlines your rights in dealing with a "lemon."

Automobiles Covered by the Lemon Law

Arizona's Lemon Law applies only to new automobiles. In the case of motor homes, the law applies only to the vehicle and chassis; it does not protect the section used for habitation. Further, the statute does not protect your purchase if it weighs more than 10,000 pounds or was purchased at a public auction.

Statute of Limitations

If you have purchased a new vehicle that does not "conform to express warranties," the dealer from whom you purchased the automobile is responsible for repairs to make it do so. However, you must report the defects within the first two years or 24,000 miles that you have the car or before the end of the express warranty, whichever comes first.

Dealer Responsibilities

Under the Motor Vehicle Warranties Law, the dealer from which you purchased your defective vehicle is allowed a "reasonable number of attempts" to bring your car to the standards defined by the express warranty. Four repair attempts or a combined 30 calendar days in the shop qualify as "reasonable."

If after that number of repairs or amount of time the defect has not been corrected, you are entitled to a vehicle replacement or a refund of the purchase price (minus a fair amount for the time the automobile was used successfully).

Protecting Yourself with Paperwork

The guidelines of the law seem straightforward, but it is always good to cover yourself with documentation if you find yourself with the pink slip to a "lemon." Keep all documents that pertain to the automobile's purchase and repairs, as well as to any communications with the dealer and/or manufacturer regarding the defect. The documents will come in handy if you need to hire a lawyer and go to court.

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