News 12 at 6, May 8, 2008

Every now and then you end up with a car that you aren't completely satisfied with, you call it a lemon. But remember, it may be a car that doesn't run well, but that doesn't mean it's a true lemon.

The number one type of call coming in to 12 On Your Side and Call For Action is about cars.

Someone buys a car, it doesn't run well and they think it's a lemon. Trouble is, most of the time it is not actually a lemon by the legal definition.

In both Georgia and South Carolina, a lemon is only a new vehicle that has a defect that can't be repaired in a reasonable amount of time.

A lemon is never, ever a used car. Used cars are almost always sold as-is, which means you not only buy the car, but also the problems that come with it.

If you think you may have a lemon, you must contact the manufacturer in writing during the course of the warranty.

You can also check your owner's manual to find out how to enter into arbitration with the manufacturer.