If you’ve found yourself stuck with a defective vehicle, you might be wondering how much you could get back under California’s Lemon Law. The good news? There’s a formula to help calculate the refund amount you may be entitled to. Understanding this formula can give you a clearer picture of your potential buyback amount and prepare you for the claims process. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
How the California Lemon Law Buyback Formula Works
California law requires auto manufacturers to repurchase or replace vehicles that qualify as lemons. However, the amount you receive depends on a specific formula that considers the miles driven before the first repair attempt.
The formula is:
(Miles driven before first repair / 120,000) x Purchase price of the vehicle = Mileage Offset
This “mileage offset” is deducted from the total refund amount you receive. Let’s see an example to make it clearer.
Example of a Lemon Law Buyback Calculation
Let’s say:
- You bought your vehicle for $30,000.
- You drove it for 7,000 miles before taking it in for the first repair attempt.
Using the formula:
(7,000 / 120,000) x 30,000 = $1,750
In this case, the mileage offset is $1,750, meaning your estimated buyback amount would be:
$30,000 – $1,750 = $28,250
This buyback amount covers only the car itself, but you may also be entitled to other reimbursements such as repair costs, towing fees, and rental expenses.
Challenges in Getting Your Full Buyback Amount
While the formula is straightforward, actually getting the full amount from the manufacturer is often a battle. Here’s why:
- Proving Your Car Qualifies – Manufacturers will try to argue that your car doesn’t meet Lemon Law requirements.
- Mileage Disputes – They might claim that earlier repair attempts were unrelated to the major defect, which could impact the mileage offset.
- Delays and Pushback – Automakers might drag out the process or offer lowball settlements to avoid a full buyback payout.
This is why it’s crucial to have experts on your side who can negotiate for the maximum refund possible.
How Can Lemon Fixers Help Me?
Navigating the Lemon Law process can be frustrating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Lemon Fixers can help you fight for the buyback you deserve by:
- Evaluating whether your car qualifies as a lemon.
- Handling the legal process from start to finish.
- Ensuring you get the maximum refund possible.
If your car has been giving you endless problems, don’t wait—reach out to Lemon Fixers today and get the buyback you deserve!
