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It is thoughtless and possibly worse for a dealership to replace the emission control valve when your car begins to stall, and then tell you that everything is all right. A week later, when it stalls in an intersection, the dealer will find some other component. But the dealer is just treating the symptoms, not addressing the real cause. It is similar to a surgeon replacing your arm because the brain isn’t sending it the right commands for proper operation.
One answer, of course, is more rigorous testing of its products by the manufacturer. Mandatory programs to upgrade the skills of mechanics would also go a long way toward improving service, safety, and the vehicle ownership experience. Until then, consumers will continue to suffer the consequences of overly complex vehicles.
How Many People Just Give Up?
If lemon vehicles are produced at even one-tenth of the numbers mentioned earlier, how many of their owners take on the manufacturers or the dealerships, and finally get replacements or refunds for their defective cars? |
For every consumer who tries to reject his or her vehicle, there are probably fifteen more who are trying to drive to work, get the children to school, and do all the other driving that a family does in a year, all in a vehicle that has substantially impaired use, value, and safety-that is, is a lemon.
With the corporate model described in this chapter firmly in place, it is essential that consumers find protection in the law. This book is my attempt to ensure that the consumer has access to the information needed to level the playing field.
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