It’s not the way you’d expect an article on the Michigan lemon law to begin, but we’re sorry you need to find information about it. We hope that we’re writing here will help you get through this difficult, frustrating and unpleasant time.

To start, here are some basic facts about Michigan’s lemon law—

: you must give your car’s manufacturer the opportunity to fix the problem (which they’ll usually do through your local dealership)

: document every problem you have with your car. The more details you have, the stronger your case will be. Include all your service records, the mileage and date of each incident, who you talk to at the dealership, manufacturer, etc., what they and you say, etc. The more records you have, the better

: before your car has been fixed for the fourth time, or it’s been out of service for its 30th day, contact the manufacturer and tell them you believe you’ve got a lemon on your hands.

: Michigan’s Lemon Law applies to all new and leased cars. (This is a recent change, to our benefit.)

: a car’s problem is now defined by us, rather than the manufacturer (more good news for us)

: Michigan cars are covered for two years after the first lemon problem surfaces OR once the car’s been in the shop for 30 days or more

: your car’s first problem must come up within 12 months of your buying the car

: if your car is a lemon, you CAN get a refund or a replacement vehicle

You can also try calling 1 877 765 8388 for help. There’s more information about Michigan’s lemon law at http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-17278-47386--,00.html.

If you’ve done all of this but haven’t gotten any satisfaction with your lemon law issue, there are a couple of other laws that might help. These are federal laws: the Uniform Commercial Code and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. You’re fast getting to the point where you’re going to need professional legal help; if neither of these laws help, successful lawsuits have been won using breach of contract or unfair marketing laws. Michigan’s lemon law has gotten a lot better in recent years, but having a car that’s a lemon is still enormously frustrating. Good luck, and hang in there.