[NorCalMada]

I own a 2017 Nissan Armada two wheel drive Platinum. I purchased it in March of 2017. It has been in the shop on five-plus occasions. The main issue has been electrical. I am on my third battery. Another issue that may or may not be related is the vehicle doesn't completely start or runs for a short time at a very rough idle. My question is to anybody that lives in California or that has dealt with a lemon law car. Should I seek an attorney or try and deal with Nissan myself?

 

[crazy4trains]

State laws differ. I suggest you bypass Nissan and go straight to an attorney.

 

[marctronixx]

agree!

 

[nolimits76]

The fact you are unfamiliar with the process or necessary procedures to follow is confirmation you need to consult with a legal expert. Many people think getting a lawyer means a big lawsuit. However, that isn't always the case. Point in case we signed a multi million contract at work and I used our company attorney to help critique my deletions and request for change to select contract verbiage. He did this and found additional information as well.

My point is simple. Wise people surround themselves with good counsel. Especially in matters where they may lack sufficient understanding or clarity.

That said, I like to also do my own research and attempt to partially understand subject matters that will involve my time and cause potential conflict in my life. Lots of good information can be found on the CA.gov website concerning lemon laws to help you self educate a little.

This PDF might be very useful for instance:

https://www.dca.ca.gov/acp/pdf_files/englemn.pdf

I don't live in CA but from scanning the PDF one of my concerns would be if you bought new and if you are still eligible as there is an 18 month/18,000 mile condition. Also there appears to be some constraints on what sort of repairs, the frequency (for the same identical issue with no resolve) and other criteria for determining if the dealer made "reasonable" attempts to resolve. It sounds to me like if you can't prove the dealer is at fault then you may be fighting an uphill battle.

I'm not being negative but simply sharing concerns I had when reading the PDF. A legal expert will be able to further guide you in the matter.

Good luck!

 

[Campfamily]

I did a lemon law buyback a bunch of years ago with my 2004 Armada. I also live in California. I used an attorney, rather than try to do it myself. They reviewed my case for free, and then let me know if they felt I had a case (the answer was yes). They told me they would submit a letter to Nissan demanding a buyback (actually, they requested 3 times the value of the car; always ask high, settle low!!). The fee to do this was $750, only payable if a buyback occurred. About a month later, I got word back from the attorney that Nissan had agreed to buy my vehicle back at full purchase price, minus a mileage allowance from the mileage on the car at the first occurence requiring a dealer visit (in my case, was 1700 miles), plus registration fees, taxes, and the costs of any modifications I had done to the car (tint, etc). I have no idea if Nissan also paid them a fee. I was instructed to take my car to the local Nissan dealer for inspection, kind of like a lease return. They inspected the car (pretty perfunctory), and then handed me some paperwork, and I left the car with them. About two weeks later, FedEx showed up at my door with a check for the full amount, minus the $750 for the attorney. Easy-peasy. Everything on-line or on the phone, no face to face interaction. For $750, I got a professional letter written on the letterhead of a law firm known for Lemon Law cases, and somebody to handle all of the logistics for me.

I took the money and went out and bought a 2006 Armada. Just recently got rid of my 3rd Armada, a 2012.

Keith

 

[nolimits76]

I took the money and went out and bought a 2006 Armada. Just recently got rid of my 3rd Armada, a 2012.

This is an awesome share of info. Thank you!

But what caught my attention and would like to emphasize is that apparently @Campfamily not only quickly & easily resolved his dispute with Nissan, but apparently bought a 2006 and later a 2012 Armada. What impresses me is that frequently we only hear the portion of the story where someone gets burnt. Apparently Nissan did something right that allowed him to buy 2 more Armada's after getting off to a rough start.

Impressive.

 

[marctronixx]

these forums are mostly for people needing to get something fixed, or are a new member who is excited to have a new (to them) car.

ive had two armadas - a 2006 and 2008 both new, and a new 2012 qx. im a fan of nissan.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I agree, get some legal help. An expert is probably the way to go.

I may be wrong, but I think the problem(s) have to be repeating (same issue over and over) and unfixable, you also have to be the first, original owner.