If only it were that easy. But, the truth is that even though Lemon Laws are in place for buyers of new cars, there isn't always a foolproof way to absolutely prevent you from being stuck with a lemon when you're shopping for used cars because not every state covers these vehicles.

So, why bother with a vehicle history report (VHR), then? Because for a small amount of money, you can sharply reduce the odds of buying a lemon car.

What's in a Vehicle History Report?

A VHR examines a number of aspects about a vehicle's past.

For instance, it lets you know if it's been declared a salvage vehicle, flood-damaged vehicle, rental car, or a lemon car. It also looks into the ownership history, and detects possible odometer fraud. A VHR gives you a glimpse into the maintenance records of the vehicle, tells you if the airbags were ever deployed, and checks for frame damage. (Some VHRs are more complete than others; see what types of information a report will contain before buying it.)

When you piece together these nuggets of information, you'll have a better of idea of what went on with the car before you found it. Again, a VHR won't guarantee you'll avoid being saddled with lemons, but it helps.

It's also smart to augment a vehicle history report by having a skilled auto repair mechanic inspect the vehicle. Doing both forms a solid combination that will eliminate many lemon car possibilities.

Lemon Laws

What if you take these precautions and still end up with a lemon? 

Find out what sort of Lemon Law protection your state offers. And, consider hiring a Lemon Law attorney. An experienced Lemon Law lawyer can guide you through the complex process and help ensure you'll get your refund or a replacement vehicle.