When you go out car shopping, you may hear the term “lemon” thrown around a little. No, they aren’t referring to the deliciously sour fruit, nor are they instructing you on how to make lemonade. A “lemon,” in car terms, is a vehicle you purchase that has had shoddy repairs done to it. It may look to be in excellent condition when you view it at the dealership, and you may even be lead to believe that it’s brand spanking new. But after you drive that “lemon” out of the lot and back home, you have a sour surprise waiting for you. Lemons are cars that you sink money into endlessly. They are bottomless pits that will suck your wallet dry. Essentially, they are the cons of the car world.

So how do you avoid getting the wool pulled over your eyes? Thankfully, every state has a “lemon law” of sorts. This is a law that makes dealerships adhere to certain repairs and evaluations- so they are legally bound to have a car in a certain condition when retailing it. And if there are problems with, say, a used vehicle, those must be listed specifically so that the potential owner knows about them. In the event that one of these laws is violated, you can turn to a- you guessed it- “lemon lawyer.”

Most general attorneys at law are able to take these cases, but it’s a good idea to look for one that specializes in the situation you’re in. That’s not to say, however, that you should plan to have to turn to the law for help. The very best way to avoid buying a lemon is to know your stuff! Go prepared when you’re out shopping for a new car. Go to a trusted dealership; private sellers may offer tempting prices, but you have to be realistic. As much as it stinks, those unbelievable offers are usually a sign of a bad vehicle. Sometimes it’s worth the money to get a dependable vehicle from a trustworthy source than to get a great deal on something that will leave a bitter taste in your mouth.