A manufacturer buyback is a vehicle that was sold back to its manufacturer from its former owner.

Vehicles are commonly repurchased by their manufacturers for being defective, meaning they’ve had mechanical problems that standard mechanics are unable to fix in a timely manner.

However, a defective vehicle isn’t always the case for a buyback. Sometimes, a customer would fabricate problems with the car to earn a refund by claiming that car as a “lemon.”

What does it mean when a car is a lemon?

A vehicle is claimed a lemon when it has several manufacturing defects, complicating its value, utility, or safety.

What are Lemon Laws?

“Lemon Laws” are legal standards for warranty repairs. They are found in all 50 states, slightly varying from state to state. They were enacted to protect consumers with defective vehicles. According to these laws, when a manufacturer cannot repair a car after a reasonable number of attempts (usually 3 or 4), it must either replace the defective vehicle or refund the customer’s money. The refunded money will consist of down payments, monthly payments, taxes, registration, rental car or tow expenses, plus attorney fees.

What is a Lemon Law buyback?

A Lemon Law buyback is almost the same as a manufacturer buyback as it is a vehicle repurchased by a manufacturer for being a lemon.

What happens to these buyback vehicles?

When a vehicle is sold back to its manufacturer, the dealer does whatever they can to repair any problems with it. Most of these buyback vehicles are sent to dealer auctions that tell the dealer the status of the car and encourage them to extend the warranty on the car to make up for its history.

These cars are repaired as best they can before being sold back to any consumers. The buyback vehicle’s history as a “lemon” is unknown to many consumers.

How do I know if my car is a Lemon Law Buyback or a Manufacturer Buyback?

Vehicles like this often end up with branded titles. In most states, these titles are “branded” to let the owners or potential buyers know of the car’s unusual history. If the car was sold for salvage due to an insurance company labeling it a total loss, the word “salvage” possibly will be printed in bold lettering in a place on the title that is hard to miss.

In some states, the title is branded, but this is for only a few. It’s important to know a car’s history if you suspect it as a former lemon.

What to consider if you are purchasing a buyback

The status of the car isn’t always given to the buyer of the vehicle. Often the customer finds it a good buy, neglecting the vehicle’s history.

When purchasing a manufacturer buyback or lemon buyback, check its history. Ask why it was brought back. Look for anything suggesting the car was owned or resold by the manufacturer. Take it for a test drive and get a thorough inspection from a trusted mechanic.

Also, pay attention to any repeated repairs under the vehicle’s warranty. If it underwent repairs three times for the same problem, it might be a lemon, even if the title is not branded.

Are you selling your car and considering purchasing a manufacturer buyback?

Remember to review the vehicle’s history thoroughly before you decide to make a purchase – especially in the case of a manufacturer buyback.

If you are looking to sell your car or truck, We Buy All Cars in NJ has a convenient location in Voorhees, NJ open from 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday.

You can call the owner, Jason, directly at 856-834-5558 or fill out our form for a free quote!