
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, February 18, 1991                   TAG: 9102160269
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE: QUICKLINE                                 LENGTH: Medium

WHEN IS A CAR A LEMON?

Q: I'm afraid the new car I bought is a lemon. I've taken it back to the dealer several times for the same problem. They keep fixing different things each time, but the problem persists.

What requirements does a vehicle have to meet to be considered a lemon? To whom can I complain? - A.W., Daleville

A: Your new car may be a lemon if it has spent more time in the mechanic's garage than in yours. Most states define a lemon as a car that requires three or four repair attempts for the same problem, or that has been out of service for 30 days within the first year or 12,000 miles of the warranty period. That definition comes from the "Lemon Book" and the state Division of Consumer Affairs in Richmond.

To qualify for help under the lemon law, you must first report the defect in writing to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. If the dealer and manufacturer refuse to recognize the defect, you may take your case to one of a number of arbitration programs, if they're applicable to your situation. Those programs are less expensive and less time-consuming than filing a lawsuit. But you still have a right to sue if you go through arbitration and are not satisfied with the decision.

In Virginia, contact the Division of Consumer Affairs in Richmond at (804) 786-2042 to receive a form if you wish to file a complaint about your vehicle. Be prepared to provide copies of work orders, bills and correspondence.

Arbitration also is available through one of these programs:

Autoline programs at 150 Better Business Bureaus arbitrate complaints for Audi, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Rolls-Royce, Saab and Volkswagen. In Roanoke, the BBB's number is (703) 342-3455.

The American Arbitration Association at 140 W. 51st St., New York, N.Y. 10020 runs manufacturer-sponsored programs for owners of Mazda, Volvo, Porsche and Suzuki vehicles.

The National Association of Auto Dealers' Autocap program at 8400 Westpark Dr., McLean 22102 arbitrates cases for Alfa Romeo, Austin Rover, BMW, Fiat, Honda, Isuzu, Jaguar, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Volvo and Yugo. Decisions are not binding.

Some information is from Changing Times, The Kiplinger Magazine

by CNB