Lemon Squad Used Car Inspection Service

2012-01-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

2012 Best Cars for the Money Awards - MSN Autos

It has a salvaged title but the accident was very minor.

2011-11-07T06:22:00.001-08:00

Yeah right. Why do most sellers of salvaged cars always make out that the accident was minor? If it has a salvaged title then you are safe to assume that the car was most likely in a major accident. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes they are fixed appropriately. Unfortunately most of the salvaged cars we look at were fixed by people that have no idea what they are doing and are only looking to make a quick easy buck. Be careful when buying a salvaged vehicle. You might get a good vehicle out of it but it may turn out to be a lemon.

WHAT AN INSPECTOR SEES IS WHAT THE BUYER GETS

2011-11-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

Nearly all auto service facilities — from chain repair stores to dealerships to independent garages — offer some type of pre-purchase inspection. The going price is about $200 to $300. Most repair facilities will give a quick description of the number of points in the inspection and how it is conducted. Not all who claim to be pre-purchase used car inspectors, however, do a thorough job. The findings of inspections are not guaranteed.

One of the biggest problems in private-party transactions is setting expectations. With a good inspection, you know what you are getting. Automotive experts agree that a good inspection serves several functions:

* Verifies the equipment, or options, on the car

* Confirms the condition level of the car

* Reveals hidden problems with the body, frame or engine

* Finds engine codes that can reveal engine problems

* Builds confidence in the value of the vehicle

Many major problems that can be spotted by a good inspector include:

Frame damage — If the frame shows damage it indicates the car has been in a serious accident. Unless it has been repaired correctly, the car's wheels might not track properly, causing the vehicle to pull to one side and eventually leading to tire damage.

Poor previous repair work — This could range from sloppy bodywork to improper installation of modifications.

Smoker's car — If a car is being purchased remotely, via eBay for example, the seller could disguise the fact that someone has smoked in the car. Smoke gets into the vehicle's headliner and upholstery, and it is impossible to remove the smell.

Flood-damaged car — A vehicle history report can red flag a flood-damaged car unless its title has been falsified. If that's the case, then it's important for an inspector to check for signs of water damage.

Mobile or Garage Inspection?

Many people will be faced with the choice of having a mobile inspector look at a car or taking the vehicle to a local mechanic. While it's most important to get a qualified inspection, each method offers its advantages and disadvantages.

A mobile inspection is fast and convenient. The inspector comes to your home or office and performs the inspection on-site. An inspection report is printed out on the spot and given to the buyer or seller. Inspectors also photograph any damage and take shots of the vehicle from different angles.

Inspections done by your local mechanic, or the service department of a dealership specializing in that brand of car, are performed with more specialized equipment. Primarily, the car can be put up on a lift and the underside of the car examined for fluid leaks.

Now, however, there are mobile inspectors who can perform the same functions.

Lemon Squad Used Car Inspections Don't Buy a Lemon

2011-11-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

"Million Mile Joe" One of our inspectors.

2011-11-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Wed all!

2011-11-02T06:09:00.001-07:00

Let's hope for some good non-snowy weather for our east coast friends. Some have yet to get their power back on. Yikes!

Fake Air Bags, Fatal Consequences - News Story - KIRO Seattle

2011-10-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Fake Air Bags, Fatal Consequences - News Story - KIRO Seattle

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Investigative Reporter

A lengthy KIRO Team 7 Investigation exposes a widespread, dishonest and deadly secret: You may not know if your car really has airbags until it's too late.

Investigative Reporter Chris Halsne discovers something no federal or state agency has ever attempted: how often phony airbags play a role in killing drivers.

Vik Lim is the Van Gogh of fake airbags. Our undercover investigation discovered his shop specializes in repairing wrecked car interiors, cutting out previously deployed airbags, then gluing the shells back together.

Chris: "What's the secret?"
Lim: "Just filling 'em up, just sanding, polishing ... smooth it out."

Lim is surprisingly proud of his cosmetic fixes. He leaves nothing inside the airbag compartment, but most consumers can't tell.

Consumers like the late Damaris Gatihi. The 50-year-old nursing assistant died Valentine's Day on Interstate 5. After getting bumped from behind, her car spun around and another vehicle hit her head on.

"The airbag did not come out. I said son of a b----," said Gatihi's brother, James Gatihi.

James Gatihi says his sister believed her newly-acquired car had airbags.

"There is no way she would have driven that car if she knew the airbags were not on or if she knew anything was wrong with that car. She wouldn't get in it, period. That's the way she was," he said.

"The airbag mechanism is disconnected in the back. Here's the plug for it right here," said a mechanical expert.

KIRO Team 7 Investigators dismantled Gatihi's totaled 1998 Toyota Corolla.

The airbags had been cut out year ago, covers glued to make them look functional.

We traced two fake airbags inside back to Vik Lim's shop, S-M Auto on Rainier Ave. Gatihi's brother Kenny says he personally went with Damaris to S-M after she bought the car from them, specifically to have the airbags checked out.

"I ask him is everything OK? He said 'Oh yah. We replaced everything,'" Kenny Gatihi said. "We thought the airbags were intact."
Chris: "Your sister believed there were airbags in that car?"
Kenny Gatihi: "That was my impression too, definitely."

An autopsy shows Damaris Gatihi died from massive bleeding in the heart. She was wearing her seat belt, but still, her body buckled the steering column. Experts tell us with airbags, Gatihi's accident may have been survivable.

Her brothers are tormented by that possibility.

"Now, we'll never know. We'll never know exactly what happened and if the airbags were there, what could have happened," said James Gatihi.

"That's probably what caused the death of my sister. She could be alive today," Kenny Gatihi said.

KIRO Team 7 Investigators paid Vik Lim a visit. We had tough questions about his handiwork and what he told Damaris Gatihi.

Chris: "I think she thought it had airbags in it?"
Lim: "No. [Coughs] Uh, we sold the car 'as is.' There was an aftermarket airbag, uh, cover. It didn't have any airbags in it.

Lim says Gatihi should have known there were no airbags in her Toyota, but can't prove he told her.

Chris: "They look like they're there, right?"
Lim: "Yah. The airbags look. They're not there. They're not going to deploy when you get in an accident."
Chris: "You don't feel like you have any responsibility for her death?"
Lim: [Silence.]

His silence told us more than his words.

Because of our investigation, Vik Lim is in hot water with several state agencies: Department of Licensing and Washington State Patrol.

Lemon Squad now sells Extended Warranties!

2011-10-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Check out our new Extended Warranty page! Lemon Squad is now offering extended warranties at a reasonable price. Please call for details. 888-231-7965
www.lemonsquad.com

Starting a car with a dead battery with a rope

2011-10-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

MAX Update No 67: Volkswagen' s Latest Gets 260 mpg - Energy Matters Blog - MOTHER EARTH NEWS

2011-02-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

MAX Update No 67: Volkswagen' s Latest Gets 260 mpg - Energy Matters Blog - MOTHER EARTH NEWS

Buying a used motorcycle? Follow these tips.

2010-12-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Don't drive away in a used motorcycle before you know exactly what you are paying for!

Questions to ask:

Has the bike been wrecked?
Was it broken in correctly?
How often does the owner ride the bike and in what kind of weather?
Has the bike been through a lot, or has it sat for years without proper maintenance?

How to Inspect a Motorcycle

Before taking a test drive on the motorcycle, do a thorough inpsection. It helps to come prepared with a list of items so you can make sure your check is thorough. Make sure to mark off each item as you go along, giving it a passing or failing grade. Also, be sure to bring a small flashlight with and clothes that you aren't afraid to get dirty. If possible, bring tools to remove the seat and side covers so that you can check underneath these areas.

Be sure to check these items:

Chain and sprocket
Turn signals
Headlight
Brake lights, etc work?
Brakes
Forks
Tires (these may have cracked treads or be worn out)
Fuel tank (look inside, these often have rust or other particles at the bottom)
Surface area: Is there any rust, cracks or problems with the frame?

Take a test ride before buying

Start up the bike and inspect the exhaust for excessive noise. If you are looking at a dual pipe motorcycle, verify that the pressure coming out of each exhaust pipe is the same. Check the cooling and fuel systems for leaks. How does it start, stop, and shift? Shift up, down and through all gears while riding. When you apply the brakes make sure there is the right amount of play and stopping distance. Make sure that the overall feel of the vehicle is good.

Note: Many owners are not comfortable letting someone ride off on their bike. But, as a buyer it is essential to get a feel for how well it runs, even if it's not possible to get it up to faster speeds.

Getting the motorcycle inspected by a trained mechanic

It's always a good idea when buying a used motor vehicle/motorcycle, to get it checked out by a mechanic. The cost of having an inspection done may or may not outweigh the potential cost of repairs. If you are looking at an expensive bike, or you are not sure what to inspect on the motorcycle, take it to a mechanical inspector. However, with a good checklist, and some research and knowledge before looking at the motorcycle, the cost and hassle of having the motorcycle inspected might not be worth it.

As with all purchases if you are unsure, or feel the seller is asking too much or hiding something, don't be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of bikes on the road and when it comes to a used motorcycle it is better to be safe and sure than to end up on the side of the road somewhere.

Final tips before signing

Make sure that the title is good and the vin numbers match up. If they have it get the service records, owner's manual, and tool kit. Don't forget to get a bill of sale.

If you found this post useful please consider emailing it a friend using the button below. Thanks!

~ The Lemon Squad

Who will you trust to inspect your next used car purchase?

2010-12-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today's used vehicles are technological marvels. They contain very sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems, complex frame construction, and have computers controlling many systems.

A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection can either be performed by a mobile service or a fixed location. Mobile service should include inspection and diagnostic equipment, and hydraulic lift to get under the vehicle. The Technician is the most important element of the inspection.

What type of Automotive Technician do you need?

To determine what type of Automotive Technician is needed, you need to understand how Technicians are tested and certified. Most automotive Technicians are certified by a national testing organization called National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Technicians need to be certified in at least one of the eight general automotive areas to be considered "ASE Certified." An ASE Master Technician is certified in all eight areas. A Master Certification is very difficult to accomplish. Most repair shops do not employ a Master Technicians. If they do, the Master Technician is usually the highest paid Technician and works on the most complicated repairs.

A Master Technician is a person that has obtained the required experience and is currently certified in the eight automotive testing areas below:

Engine Repair
Automatic Trans/Transaxle
Manual Drive Train and Axles
Suspension and Steering
Brakes
Electrical/Electrical Systems
Heating and Air Conditioning
Engine Performance

The best kind of certified technician is an ASE Certified Master Technician. These Technicians are qualified to inspect the entire vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems; and a ASE Frame Technician is needed to properly inspect for existing and previous frame damage.

Here's the tricky part.

Technicians get paid to repair vehicles. The more repairs they suggest, the more they get paid. There is a conflict of interest when a repair shop inspects a vehicle and then offers to fix what they have found. Every part and component of the vehicle has a useful lifespan, and some Technicians will try to replace components that sill have useful life on them just to make more money. A certified Technician who is independent from a shop that would be performing any repairs on your potential vehicle is probably the best.

Interested in having an ASE certified Master Technician inspect your next used car or truck? Visit LemonSquad.com.

Common Used Car Problems

2010-12-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

A certified ASE inspector can identify major problems with a used vehicle, before you drive it off the dealer's lot. When you make the choice to shop for a car online through Ebay Motors or Craigslist, it is especially important that you have an independent party verify the condition of a vehicle. Listed below are some of the most common issues sellers will try to cover up.

Frame damage: If the frame shows damage it indicates the car has been in a serious accident. Unless it has been repaired correctly, the car's wheels might not track properly, causing the vehicle to pull to one side and eventually leading to tire damage.

Poor previous repair work: This could range from sloppy bodywork to improper installation of modifications.

Smoker's car: If a car is being purchased remotely, via eBay for example, the seller could disguise the fact that someone has smoked in the car. Smoke gets into the vehicle's headliner and upholstery, and it is impossible to remove the smell.

Flood-damaged car: A vehicle history report can red flag a flood-damaged car unless its title has been falsified. If that's the case, then it's important for an inspector to check for signs of water damage.

Have you ever purchased a car and found out later it had a bad history? Leave a comment below and tell your story.

For information on how Lemon Squad can help with your next used vehicle purchase, visit our website.

(photo credit: Flickr user "Journ" - view original, licensed as CC 2.0 BY)

Why get a pre-purchase auto inspection?

2010-12-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

Most of us can remember a story about a friend or family member who bought a bad used car. They went to the local dealer, found what looked like a great buy and drove away after a short test-drive. Days later a problem appeared and a "great deal" turned out to be a lemon. Because state "lemon laws" don't apply to used cars and because many cars are sold "as-is," without any warranty, getting an independent inspection before you buy is a critical step.

Nearly all auto service facilities, from dealerships to independent garages, offer some type of pre-purchase inspection. The going price is about $200 to $300. Most repair facilities will give a quick description of the number of points in the inspection and how it is conducted. Consumers should be aware that not all who claim to be pre-purchase inspectors do a thorough job. The findings of an inspection are not guaranteed, but with a good inspection you should know what you are getting.

Experts agree that a good inspection serves several functions:

Verifies the equipment, or options, on the car
Confirms the condition level of the car
Reveals hidden problems with the body, frame or engine
Finds engine codes that can reveal engine problems
Builds confidence in the value of the vehicle

A good inspector will spot major problems and give you peace of mind. Afer all, you want your next used car purchase to be an investment, not a liability.

While no inspection is guaranteed to find every flaw in a used car, a trained eye can help you avoid serious problems. Given the fact that thousands of dollars are at stake, an hour of your time and a hundred dollars is good insurance against the unknown. To learn more about how the Lemon Squad helps consumers avoid bad used cars, please visit our website.

The Best and Most Reliable Used Cars: Buying Guide

2010-11-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

The Best and Most Reliable Used Cars: Buying Guide

Talking car. Who needs a laugh?

2010-10-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Make sure you're not paying too much for fall car care. Part 2

2010-10-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Fall is an important time to give your car a thorough checkup, before it has to carry you through cold winter months of potentially foul weather. Keeping up with routine maintenance can help ensure reliable operation, and some key replacement items can be inspected right in the driveway, such as the battery, tires, and wiper blades. These basic items can prove vital in a tough winter storm. In addition, a basic emergency kit can prepare you for the worst.

While you can inspect your car, most motorists will turn to a dealership or service center for maintenance and repair. This is a solid, ownership practice, but be forewarned that we've found that taking your car into the shop and asking for, say, a 60,0000-mile service can be a recipe for paying too much. In a study last year, we found that dealerships often did work that wasn't required in the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. And they charged higher rates for similar service than independent mechanics did. (Read: "Save hundreds on auto service.")

Even after that survey, we found that one of our own staff members got charged too much when he took his minivan in and asked for a 60,000-mile service. For example, the shop replaced a cabin air filter that had been replaced a year before and charged him to rotate tires that were bald and needed replacing.

Bottom line: It's important to keep your car maintained. But make sure you're only paying for maintenance that is truly needed.

Make sure you're not paying too much for fall car care

2010-10-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

www.lemonsquad.com

Interesting. Charles Manson escape truck

2010-10-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Ghost Parking Lot

2010-10-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a little more info on the cement car art. It comes courtesy of www.lostinjersey.com

Established in 1978, this art exhibit called the Ghost Parking Lot is located in the parking lot of a shopping plaza in Hamden, CT. James Wine sank 20 cars into the ground at varying depths then covered them with concrete. The concrete followed the form of the vehicles, allowing the observer to easily identify the various makes and models, through some were harder then others to ID. The convertible was quite interesting as we could easily see the steering wheel emerging from the rest of the concrete.

The space it occupies was leased from the shopping plaza, and expired in 2003. The land was considered “valuable real estate”, but that sounds like a bogus argument because the parking spaces it takes up are the farthest from the stores (and the lot was half empty too). The Ghost Parking Lot was demolished in September 2003, so I decided to contact the creator, James Wine.

Mr Wines founded Site in 1970, an organization which works combines art & architecture. According to their website, they offer a “wide variety of design services – including buildings, public spaces, landscapes, interiors, graphics, and industrial products. SITE’s capacity to work in so many fields is based on a philosophy that sees all of the arts as a fusion of related ideas.” The owner of the Hamden Shopping Plaza was an art lover and so in 1978 he commissioned Site to build some sort of public art. All decisions as to design and subject matter were left up to Mr Wines and his staff.

Said Mr Wines, “Public art often derives it’s meaning from its location. You go to a parking lot and expect to see cars in the lot, not under it. It’s inverting expectations. You’re seeing something in a place which makes sense but whose presentation does not. Now remove this from the parking lot and place it in a museum and it loses all meaning, all relevance.” The owner leased the last few parking spaces nearest the street to Site for 20 years, and soon construction began. Wines and his crew began collected typical cars of the day for burial under a thin layer of cement. (note I said thin and cement…) As the project began construction, many locals did not “get it” and some even objected. Local high school students began threatening to damage the project, and generally were a nuisance to the point that a security guard had to be hired.

Once the concrete was poured over the cars, the local kids did a 180. It went from something to be vandalized to something cool. “They even volunteered to help is the construction but we politely declined.” The cars chosen included Cadillac’s and VW bugs, even a convertible. He chose these cars to represent what the average person drove, as well as to be instantly recognizable. The cars were often donated, and often were left with personal items inside, which later would become entombed. One car which troubled him belonged to a young man who died in Vietnam. His mother donated the car and even left his dog tags inside. Mr Wines always felt conflicted about this vehicle, leaving something so personal inside. Ultimately it was the mothers decision and he accepted the donation.

The interiors were filled with concrete, poured thru a hole in the roof. Some were filled completely, while others were filled only to the bottom edge of the window. In many cases you could still see steering wheels, dials and gauges, even radio knobs, which was possible because the concrete was a thin layer. Once completed, Wines realized that this would eventually deteriorate. People passing by would chip off chunks of concrete, and he said some even brought those pieces to his office to be autographed (which he did sign)

After 5-6 years though the cars clearly needed touching up, as pieces of metal were exposed. No one contracted him about what to happen next, and he is not sure who was responsible but someone decided to do some “touch up” and simply poured asphalt all over the cars completely covering many of the details. In his eyes the art was now ruined, the details completely lost. “It’s like taking a Rembrandt and removing some of the paint and just anybody repairing it. It’s not the same painting any more.”

Always controversial, it may have been cool to some when constructed, but the ravages of time and “touch ups” led most locals to consider it an eye sore. In the late 90′s the shopping mall was sold, but since the parking spaces were leased by Site they could do nothing about it. Once the lease was up there were really on two options, do a decent restoration or demolish it. Mr Wines said he had no problem with demolishing it because it was never meant to last forever and he felt it was no longer even his, thanks to the bad touch up job done in the mid 80′s.

There was an effort made to preserve it, but Mr Wines said it would probably cost 150-200K and involve completely removing the asphalt, and then relayering it. The local newspaper ran columns on the subject and not a single positive response was received. Perhaps no one could remember the project was new, perhaps the novelty had worn off. It seems it’s only function now was as a landmark for giving directions thru town. With no funding and no interest, the owners had the artwork scrapped on 9/23/03.

The ghost parking lot when first constructed

www.usedcarinspectors.com

Car Art? Maybe.

2010-10-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Toyota’s Runaway Cars Caused by Floor Mats or is it More?

2010-10-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

I saw this article over at http://www.carsafetytoday.org/. I thought it was very informative. Give it a read!

In the last two years, there have been five fatal accidents involving runaway Toyota or Lexus vehicles made by Toyota Motor Corp. In addition to those, there have been hundreds of other incidences of runaway Toyota and Lexus vehicles that didn’t end fatally. What’s going on?

Toyota blamed the incidents on the vehicles’ floor mats, claiming that if they are not properly installed, they can jam the accelerator open, causing the vehicles to accelerate suddenly, and leaving drivers in the seat of an out of control vehicle. Since the most recent fatal crash in August (which killed four), Toyota has asked all Toyota and Lexus drivers to remove their floor mats as an interim precaution. The floor mats are held in place by clips, which can easily come loose, causing the sudden accelerations. As a result, Toyota has issued the largest recall in the company’s history. The floor mat recall affects 3.8 million vehicles from models dating as far back as 2004.

It seems Toyota may still have a few problems, despite the recall. Auto safety experts say that Toyota’s complex computerized engine control system doesn’t provide a sure-fire way to bring the car to a stop if a sudden acceleration happens, regardless of the cause. Toyota has considered remedying this by programming the engine’s computer to cut off all power when the gas and brake pedals are depressed simultaneously. Another possibility is redesigning the accelerator pedal and the floor mats to make it more difficult for the mat to lodge the accelerator open.

In the meantime, what should a driver do if he or she finds her Toyota or Lexus (or any car) suddenly accelerating to dangerous speeds?

Try applying the brakes: The obvious instinct is to try to apply the brakes. In some situations this may work, but because of the design of newer braking systems, it might not. The brake failure happens because modern power-assisted brakes draw their power from a vacuum in the engine. If the throttle is fully open and the car is in full on acceleration mode, the vacuum pressure drops, leaving the brakes without power, and the driver without brakes. Without the power assist, it can take 225 pounds of pressure on the brake pedal to get a car to stop. Most drivers can’t get that kind of force on the pedal in the seated driving position.
Shift into neutral: Many people who have grown up driving automatic cars don’t know what “being in neutral” does to an engine, and maybe that’s a driver education issue. But if you find your car suddenly accelerating, throwing the vehicle in neutral will slow you down
Shut off the engine: Shutting off the engine will cut power. Without the engine running, it doesn’t matter how much gas is getting to the engine. No fuel will be combusted, and the car will slow to a stop.

All of these solutions require quick thinking on the part of the driver. The driver has to pay attention to traffic and steer to avoid an accident while simultaneously shifting or turning off the engine. And in higher end models (such as some of the Lexus models), these things are easier said than done. Some models have push button ignitions. To shut these off, the driver must hold the button down for more than three seconds–time that the driver doesn’t have if the car is rocketing through traffic at 120 miles per hour.

The best thing to do is remove your floor mats if they’ve been recalled, and to read your vehicle’s user manual. Most drivers don’t know how to do an emergency stop in their vehicles, but if you find yourself in a runaway car, the information could save your life.

www.lemonsquad.com

Safest Cars of 2010 Video. CHeck it out:)

2010-10-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a list for Safest Cars of 2010

2010-10-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Award for being the overall safest cars on the road today.

The 27 winners, by category, are:

Large cars

Buick LaCrosse

Ford Taurus

Lincoln MKS

Volvo S80

Midsize cars

Audi A3

Chevrolet Malibu built after October 2009

Chrysler Sebring 4-door with optional electronic stability control

Dodge Avenger with optional electronic stability control

Mercedes C class

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Outback

Volkswagen Jetta sedan

Volkswagen Passat sedan

Volvo C30

Small cars

Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control

Kia Soul

Nissan Cube

Subaru Impreza except WRX

Volkswagen Golf 4-door

Midsize SUVs

Dodge Journey

Subaru Tribeca

Volvo XC60

Volvo XC90

Small SUVs

Honda Element

Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags

Subaru Forester

Volkswagen Tiguan

This is a great Video from the boys over at Car Talk.

2010-09-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

I got a kick out of this video and thought I would share. Enjoy!

Fake air-bags installed.

2010-09-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

We looked at a car yesterday. We were told the car had never been in an accident. It was obvious that it had been. The car had fake cardboard airbags installed because they were to cheap to properly replace the airbags. If someone was to get into another accident with this car the airbags would not deploy since they are FAKE. These people should go to jail.

www.lemonsquad.com

Salvaged Titles. Good or Bad?

2010-09-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes to get a deal, or to save some money. If you are in the market for a vehicle, salvaged vehicles are a great way to save money, as long as you take some precautions.

What is a salvaged vehicle you ask? Well, if a vehicle has been in an accident and has sustained damages of 70%, or more, of the vehicle’s pre-accident value it is considered to be “a total loss”. Example: if a vehicle was worth $1,000.00 before an accident, and sustained damages in the amount of $700.00, this vehicle would be deemed “a total loss” by the Insurance Company.

So, the vehicle actually has two (2) values, 1), the pre-accident “market” value, and 2), the post accident “salvage” value. The Insurance Company doesn’t just throw the damaged vehicle away, but rather, sells the damaged vehicle, at auction, to the highest bidder. Therefore, recovering some $$$$ to offset their payout to the owner. The “salvage” buyer usually is a licensed “re-cycling” or, “Re-build” facility, depending on the location of and/or the severity of the damage to the vehicle. The age of the vehicle, the pre-accident condition of the vehicle and mileage are just a few of the other factors that are taken into consideration.

The usual, and correct, process goes like this. Most Insurance Companies contract with nationwide auction companies to handle the storage, marketing, bidding, ownership/sale transaction documents, for a percentage of the “salvage” sales final price, plus, certain fixed fees.

Usually, the insurance Company secures the title from the owner and “Brands” the title. This means, the title is stamped “SALVAGE”. The title is signed by the previous owner, and the new owner, the Insurance Company

The “Branded”, “SALVAGE”, title is then sent directly to the auction facility, which upon receipt thereof, proceeds with the sale process.

Once the “Salvage” is sold, the auction facility handles the processing of the next step in the ownership process.

The next buyer is the highest bidder.

But before we go any further, let’s re-cap.

A) The original owner(s) signature(s) should be on the title as the Seller(s).

B) The insurance Company should be filled in as the Buyer.

C) The Insurance Company should be listed as the Seller when the vehicle is bought by the Re-cycler or Re-builder.

D) The Re-cycling or Re-builder should be listed as the Buyer before the vehicle is taken off of the auction facility’s premises.

E) It must also be noted, the actual mileage on the vehicle AT EACH POINT OF SALE, must be sworn to, BY SIGNATURE, by each and every SELLER.

Is everybody on the same page so far?

The State will deem it salvage and the title will be stamped salvaged. Each State has their own requirement as to that percentage amount. What is known, is if the Title has been stamped Salvaged, it must have had major damage.

Other reasons for a salvaged title could be, flood or fire damage, or it may have been a stolen vehicle, and parts were removed. Whatever the case may be, salvage is determined by the percentage of what the car is worth.

Sometimes vehicles that should be salvaged seem to sneak through the system without getting the salvaged tag. It happens. States sometimes fail in this department. Also, in some states if the vehicle is fixed, you can get a re-inspect and get the salvaged tag removed to get a new "clean" title. The fixed vehicle can be sold as a

With this knowledge of salvaged titles, why you would consider buying a vehicle with a salvaged title? Well the reason is simple. They're inexpensive.

A deal is a deal, however you don't want to purchase a piece of junk. These vehicles can be fixed for resale in one of two ways. One way is they fix the vehicle properly and the other way is to "hack" it back together.

If it's put back together properly it will be safe and give the owner many stress free miles just like a non-salvaged tile vehicle would do.

If it has been hacked back together it could be very unsafe, go down the road crooked, pull hard one way or the other, electrical not functioning properly and a whole list of other things that are not very fun.

Here's the deal. Buying a salvaged car can save you thousands of dollars compared to a non-salvaged vehicle. It will never have a high resale value so don't think you'll get a ton for it when you sell it. You're buying it to have a cheap reliable car. You need to be weary though. Get it professionally inspected before you purchase it. If it passes the test, then buy it. If it doesn't, keep looking.

Lemon Squad Staff

We Need Automotive Mechanical Inspectors!!

2010-09-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Lemon Squad Used Car Inspectors is looking for new inspectors all across the US. Must be ASE certified. We do mechanical breakdown analysis for extended warranty companies. We also do off lease and pre-purchase used car inspections. If interested please got www.lemonsquad.com and click on Inspector Opportunities and fill out the form. A Lemon Squad representative will get back to shortly after.

Buy a New or Used Car?

2010-09-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

By purchasing a used car, you can save a lot of money. A new car depreciates in value quickly in the first few years and after 3 years, it is worth only about 60-70% of the original price. In fact, as soon as you leave the dealership, your new vehicle is suddenly worth $1000-$2000 less. It’s true in general, a new car requires less maintenance in first few years and most of the problems occurred within the original warranty coverage period will be covered by the car manufacturer. Yet, buying a new car does not always mean the buyer will get a trouble free car. A new car may come with problems associated with poor design or manufacturing defects.
Buying a used car is also a bit of a gamble - there is no guarantee that the car is accident-free, has real mileage, and or was properly maintained. There may be some hidden problems like a worn out automatic transmission, or engine problems that may not have been obvious when you test-drove the car. However, used cars are more reliable these days and there are number of ways to reduce the risks associated with used car buying. For example, you can check the used car history records and have a used car properly inspected by a pre purchase used car inspection company prior to purchase. If the car qualifies, you can buy an extended warranty to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs. All in all buying a used car is a great choice. You just need to make sure that what your buying is mechanically in great shape and that there are no signs of hiding known accident damage or rolling back mileage.

Lemon Squad Staff

What is The Lemon-Law? Will it Help You?

2010-09-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

What is the Lemon Law? All states have their version of this law. I'm listing the Minnesota Lemon Law to give you and idea what it's all about. Your state will probably be a little different so you'll need to check with your state for the particulars. It's a long read but interesting.

Enjoy.

Popularly known as the “lemon law,” Minnesota’s motor vehicle warranty statute was created to help protect you when you buy or lease a car, pickup truck, or van, that is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. The law is not intended to eliminate all problems you will ever encounter with your vehicle. What it does do is require manufacturers to honor the time and mileage provisions of their written warranties. And, it provides special arbitration, refund and replacement provisions for vehicles which are considered to be real “lemons.”

Which Motor Vehicles Are Covered?

The Minnesota lemon law covers new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Minnesota. The law covers passenger automobiles, as well as pickup trucks and vans. The self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van portion of a recreational vehicle is also covered. That means that as long as the “lemon” problem covers warranted portions of the chassis and van portion of a recreational vehicle, the entire recreational vehicle may be subject to replacement or refund. It does not cover areas other than the chassis, such as living areas or other amenities that may have been added to the chassis by the R.V. manufacturer. It also covers used vehicles that are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. The vehicles must be used at least 40 percent of the time for personal, family or household purposes (Leased vehicles are covered by the law if the lease term is longer than four months).

The first report of a defect must occur within the warranty period, or two years, whichever comes first. If you have continuing problems with the same defect, however, you still can make a claim until the end of the third year.

The Manufacturer's Duty to Repair

The manufacturer or its authorized dealer must repair a motor vehicle in accordance with the terms of the warranty, even after the manufacturer's warranty has expired, if:

The motor vehicle has a defect or problem which is covered by the warranty; and,

The problem has been reported by the vehicle's owner within the warranty period, or within two years after delivery of the vehicle, whichever comes first.

The Manufacturer's Duty to Refund or Replace

The law has special refund and replacement provisions for cars that have substantial defects or problems, commonly called “lemons.” Under the law, if the manufacturer or its authorized dealer has been unable to repair a car’s problem after a “reasonable number of attempts,” the buyer or lessee may go through a manufacturer’s arbitration program, or to court, to seek a full refund of the car’s purchase price (minus a deduction for use of the vehicle). The law considers a “reasonable number of attempts” to be any one of the following:

Four or more unsuccessful attempts to repair the same defect; or,

One unsuccessful attempt to repair a defect which has caused the complete failure of the steering or braking system and which is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; or,

A car which has been out of service due to warranty repairs for 30 or more cumulative business days.

In each case the initial defect must occur within the warranty period, or two years, whichever comes first, but the manufacturer’s repair attempts may extend to the end of the third year. Even if you do not meet one of the above categories, you may still have a lemon law claim, but it will be harder to prove.

Situations When Refunds or Replacements Are Not Given

Be aware that the manufacturer does not have to make a refund or replace the vehicle if:

The problem does not substantially impair the use or market value of the vehicle; or,

The problem is the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the vehicle.

Refund and Replacement Eligibility Requirements

Just because a repair shop has made a number of unsuccessful attempts to fix your car you are not automatically eligible for a refund or replacement vehicle. You must first:

Write to the manufacturer, zone representative or authorized dealer notifying them of the problem. Specifically state that your car is a lemon and that you want a buy-back under the lemon law. This does two things:

It gives the company an opportunity to fix the defect (the manufacturer gets one more chance to fix the defect after notification); and,

It lets the company know you plan to use Minnesota's lemon law if the defect is not properly repaired.

Try to resolve the problem through the manufacturer's automobile dispute arbitration program.

The manufacturer may require you to first go through the arbitration program before filing a lawsuit under the lemon law. Check with the manufacturer or the Minnesota Attorney General’s Consumer Division if you have questions about a manufacturer’s arbitration program.

If You Are Awarded a Refund

If you are awarded a refund under the terms of the lemon law, the manufacturer must refund:

The full purchase price of the vehicle, or the amount you actually paid on your lease. However, for either a purchased or leased vehicle, the manufacturer may deduct a reasonable allowance for the time that you were able to use the vehicle. This deduction cannot exceed 10 cents per mile or 10 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less;

The cost of certain options installed by the manufacturer or dealer;

Sales tax;

License fees;

Registration fees;

Reimbursement for towing; and,

Rental expenses.

Note: If you are awarded a replacement vehicle, you have the option of receiving a refund instead.

Arbitration

Automobile manufacturers doing business in Minnesota must offer consumers an arbitration program which considers consumers’ warranty related disputes.

A manufacturer’s arbitration program provides consumers a fast and simple way to resolve disputes. Arbitrators can consider arguments based on the lemon law. But, an arbitrator is not a judge and is not required to apply the law the way a court would.

If the manufacturer requires it, consumers must first go through the manufacturer’s arbitration program before filing a lawsuit under the lemon law. You may not have to wait until all the lemon law criteria are met before going through arbitration, but you might have a stronger case if all the criteria are met.

In fact, you may not even want to discuss the lemon law in arbitration if your car does not meet the lemon law criteria.

The consumer has certain rights during the arbitration process:

Lemon law information. You and the arbitrator(s) must receive a copy of this brochure from the manufacturer’s arbitration program.

Lemon law arguments. You may make any arguments to the arbitrator(s) you think necessary to support your complaint, including those based on the lemon law. The arbitrator(s) cannot be discouraged or prohibited from considering your arguments.

Documents. You are entitled to copies of all documents.

Oral presentation. You must be given reasonable written notice of the arbitration and an opportunity to make an oral presentation to the arbitrator(s), unless you agree to a telephone conference or to submit the case on the basis of documents alone. If the case is based on documents alone, the manufacturer or dealer representative cannot participate in discussion or resolution of the dispute. You may get better results if you make a personal oral presentation to the arbitrator(s).

Independent appraisal. You must be given an adequate opportunity to get an independent appraisal, at your own cost, of any manufacturer claim that your vehicle does not have a problem or that your vehicle is operating within normal specifications.

Repair attempts. You must be given a chance to inform the arbitrator(s) about the results of any recent repair attempts by the manufacturer.

Service bulletins. You must be provided with, at reasonable cost, any technical service bulletin which the manufacturer knows directly applies to the specific mechanical problem being disputed.

Attorney. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in the arbitration process. However, most arbitration participants appear before the arbitrator(s) without an attorney. Attorney’s fees for representation in arbitration are not recoverable under the lemon law.

Arbitration decision. You are not bound by the decision of the arbitrator(s), unless you agree to be bound. However, many manufacturers have agreed to be bound by the arbitration decision. If you are unhappy with an arbitration decision, you may wish to consult an attorney if you wish to file a lawsuit under the lemon law. The arbitration decision is admissible as nonbinding evidence in any subsequent legal action. If you wish to file an appeal of the arbitrator’s ruling in court, you must file in court within 6 months of the decision.

Refund amount. If the arbitrator(s) decides you should receive a refund or replacement vehicle under the terms of the lemon law, then you are entitled to the same refunds and reimbursements you would have received had you won in court.

Bad faith appeal. If a court determines that you or the manufacturer acted in bad faith when you appealed an arbitration decision, the party that wins in court may be entitled to receive three times the actual damages, plus attorney’s fees and court costs.

How to Use the Lemon Law in Arbitration or Court

To prepare for a dispute you should:

Keep copies of all purchase orders, sales receipts, lease agreements, warranties, repair invoices, letters and other documents concerning your vehicle and any of its problems or potential defects.

If your vehicle is in the shop for repairs for more than one day at a time, make sure that the repair invoice shows the date it was brought in and the date you were notified that it was ready to be returned.

If you think you are eligible for a refund or replacement vehicle, remember the law requires written notice be given to the manufacturer, zone representative or authorized dealer. You should send a letter by certified mail, with a return receipt requested. If you send the letter to the dealer, send a copy to the manufacturer and keep a copy for your records. You should include the following information in your letter:

Your name, address and telephone number.

The date you purchased or began leasing the automobile.

A list of defects and systems affected.

The number of times the vehicle has been subject to repairs for the same problem, and the dates of the repairs.

A statement that the defect still exists as of the date of the letter.

A reference to the lemon law (Minnesota Statutes, section 325F.665) and a statement that you will pursue a replacement or refund claim under this law if the vehicle is not made to conform to the warranty.

A request for information about the company's arbitration program.

Remember, the refund and replacement provisions of the lemon law are intended to provide a replacement or a refund only in the cases of the most serious defects ¾ faults which seriously impair the use or market value of the vehicle, or faults which involve life-threatening failures of the braking and steering systems.

If You Sue

If you feel you must bring a lawsuit under the lemon law for a refund or replacement vehicle, you should consult an attorney (you may be eligible to recover the attorney’s fees if you win). The law allows you to file suit any time within three years of the date of the original delivery of the vehicle, if you first reported the defect within the warranty period, or two years, whichever comes first. As of April 1995, if you go through a manufacturer’s arbitration program, you have six months to appeal in court. The company has only 30 days to appeal in court.

Automobile Arbitration Program Telephone Numbers

These numbers are accurate as of November 2007. If the listed program no longer works with your manufacturer, check your owner’s manual, or call your dealer or manufacturer for updated information.

The following manufacturers and distributors currently participate in arbitration programs administered by the Better Business Bureau: Acura, AM General, Audi, Bentley (Rolls-Royce), BMW, Mini Cooper, Ford Motors (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury), General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC Truck, Pontiac), Honda, Hyundai, Independent Mobility Systems (van conversions), Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Volkswagen, Volvo and Workhorse Custom Chassis.

Lemon Squad Staff

Making Sure The Used Car You Buy Is Dependable

2010-09-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Reliability is very much an important factor when you buy a used car. However many extras and luxuries a car has, it is more essential for the car to be able to get you from one place to another. When you are making your checklist for a used car, dependability should be at the top. So how do you find out whether or not a used car is reliable? The first thing to do is some research.

You can always check the consumer information relating to the make and model of the car you are looking at and how reliable it is. One of the most important aspects of any car is that you can depend on the engine to start first thing in the morning when you need to get to work.

Economy might be the second item on your list of priorities. Many people will base their decision to buy aused car on whether or not it is economical to run or maintain. It is more than just the fuel cost.

Knowing whether or not it is easy to locate parts for the car and the price of them should come into the equation. It is more expensive to look after certain cars than others.

Next, your family size is a consideration when choosing your used car. It is essential that you buy a car that will allow your entire family to fit in it. Storage might be another thing to think about when looking for a car. This is especially true if you often use the car to go on family trips as you will need room for the family as well as all the gear you will have to take with you.

You can always look for recommendations from other family members or friends on the type of car they think would be suitable. That way you can find out what types of cars others are happy with. It can be exciting to go looking for a used car but to prevent you from making a mistake when you purchase one, you should really do some research first.

When you think it’s time to look out for used cars, it’s always best to carry out a proper research ahead of time. This research will let you find the best cars available for each category you look at. And when you finally finish your research, you could find yourself leaving the car dealers with a splendid used Ford Focus or even aused Toyota Prius.