Lemon Law success - opinions?
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Burlington VT
Lemon Law success - opinions?
Howdy,
Well, not too long ago I posted a vent regarding some major warranty work I've had done since the purchase of my 04 FX4. Earlier this week, I just picked up my truck after being in a dealership for 3 weeks with a bad steering column/steering wheel/etc. causing a horrible binding....almost as if there was no power steering. Apparently my truck already had a new steering wheel installed by the dealer before I bought it. Also, I got a nice big crack in the windshield from the dealership and I know it wasn't there when I dropped it off (having just washed it!). I just got it replaced, but no thanks to the dealership!
I'm sick of all these problems, all the waiting, and not being able to use my 4x4 truck to do what it should. So, I have done my research and found that I more than qualify to file for Lemon Law arbitration. I'm curious if anyone can lend their opinions if I have a chance of replacement/reimbursement, or maybe who has been through the process and what I should expect.
Personally, I feel the justification based on the law; that the work affects the resale, safety and reliability of the vehicle, and it has been out of service more than 30 days, and even 3 times for the same repair!
Here's a summary of my vehicle and warranty repairs:
2004 F150 FX4 9 months ownership, currently 13K miles
-No working A/C, tested, replaced relay (happened same day of purchase!)
-Gas cap door wouldn't shut, replaced/repainted
-(2 times) Tire Vibration, road force balance, replace tire
-(3 times) ABS light/problems, wheel speed sensor failure
-(2 times) 4x4 pulling & grinding, replace front end gearing and components(due to factory gearing error, first time I was told it was 'normal operation')
-Rear water leak into headliner/window, replace high stop lamp
-(2 times) Brake pulsation, resurface rotor then replace pads/rotor
-Sluggish highway driving, reflash PCM
-Binding steering, replaced steering wheel, column, clock spring
-Dash/door rattles, tranny clunk (lube slip yoke?) which can't be detected
-one or two other minor repairs I can't recall now
My only modifications:
-Installed Daystar leveling kit in front
-Flowmaster dual exhaust
-33 in ProComp tires on 17 in ProComp rims (still on factory 17's through winter and going to the dealerships!)
The questions:
1.) If I start arbitration, do I have a good case given my repair history?
2.) Is it benifical/necessary to involve a lawyer?
3.) Do my modifications pose a threat to Lemon Law ruling for my repairs?
4.) If my claim for refund/replacement is denied, can I file in the future after more warranty work?
My baby was great when I got her. I cleaned her inside and out frequently, oil changes each 3K miles, and never abused her offroad or street racing. Now, she's feeling like second-hand truck at a new price. I traded in my 2000 F150 for this one, and my 2000 with 95K miles only ever needed spark plugs!
Any and all suggestions appreciated!
Well, not too long ago I posted a vent regarding some major warranty work I've had done since the purchase of my 04 FX4. Earlier this week, I just picked up my truck after being in a dealership for 3 weeks with a bad steering column/steering wheel/etc. causing a horrible binding....almost as if there was no power steering. Apparently my truck already had a new steering wheel installed by the dealer before I bought it. Also, I got a nice big crack in the windshield from the dealership and I know it wasn't there when I dropped it off (having just washed it!). I just got it replaced, but no thanks to the dealership!
I'm sick of all these problems, all the waiting, and not being able to use my 4x4 truck to do what it should. So, I have done my research and found that I more than qualify to file for Lemon Law arbitration. I'm curious if anyone can lend their opinions if I have a chance of replacement/reimbursement, or maybe who has been through the process and what I should expect.
Personally, I feel the justification based on the law; that the work affects the resale, safety and reliability of the vehicle, and it has been out of service more than 30 days, and even 3 times for the same repair!
Here's a summary of my vehicle and warranty repairs:
2004 F150 FX4 9 months ownership, currently 13K miles
-No working A/C, tested, replaced relay (happened same day of purchase!)
-Gas cap door wouldn't shut, replaced/repainted
-(2 times) Tire Vibration, road force balance, replace tire
-(3 times) ABS light/problems, wheel speed sensor failure
-(2 times) 4x4 pulling & grinding, replace front end gearing and components(due to factory gearing error, first time I was told it was 'normal operation')
-Rear water leak into headliner/window, replace high stop lamp
-(2 times) Brake pulsation, resurface rotor then replace pads/rotor
-Sluggish highway driving, reflash PCM
-Binding steering, replaced steering wheel, column, clock spring
-Dash/door rattles, tranny clunk (lube slip yoke?) which can't be detected
-one or two other minor repairs I can't recall now
My only modifications:
-Installed Daystar leveling kit in front
-Flowmaster dual exhaust
-33 in ProComp tires on 17 in ProComp rims (still on factory 17's through winter and going to the dealerships!)
The questions:
1.) If I start arbitration, do I have a good case given my repair history?
2.) Is it benifical/necessary to involve a lawyer?
3.) Do my modifications pose a threat to Lemon Law ruling for my repairs?
4.) If my claim for refund/replacement is denied, can I file in the future after more warranty work?
My baby was great when I got her. I cleaned her inside and out frequently, oil changes each 3K miles, and never abused her offroad or street racing. Now, she's feeling like second-hand truck at a new price. I traded in my 2000 F150 for this one, and my 2000 with 95K miles only ever needed spark plugs!
Any and all suggestions appreciated!
Last edited by alcyone2k1; May 5, 2005 at 05:32 PM.
