We've all been there ... You look and look for the best car you can find, and when the moment seems right, you buy it. You drive it home and you invite your friends over to see it. You feel proud of it, and you begin to love it. You never expect anything to go wrong with it.

If you think your car is a lemon, then you probably feel like you're always in the repair shop for the same repair over and over again. Sure the repair is covered under the vehicle warranty or extended warranty, but it's always in the shop!

If it seems your car is in the repair shop time and time again for the same repair, you may be the lucky owner of a lemon. Fortunately, your state has recourse for you, so get started protecting yourself right away.

When it's time to purchase a car, you can often save hundreds of dollars or more by purchasing a used car. However, you'll want to be careful when buying used vehicles, to avoid buying a "lemon."

A little caution and taking some steps to reduce your chances of buying a car that you'll require help from the lemon law is worth the extra time and effort. The lemon law provides consumers with a way to receive a refund or replacement vehicle if the car purchased turns out to be a "lemon." While lemon law statutes vary from state to state, a breach of warranty on your car may constitute a violation of your state's lemon law.

You do have recourse with the lemon law. You don't have to keep your lemon. However, don't underestimate the importance of keeping a lemon paper trail!

Even if you think you've gotten a good deal, it is a good idea to start a paper trail, in case of problems down the road.

You will need documentation to back up your claim. Detailed records help you fight your lemon claim. If you think you have a lemon, you must keep extremely detailed maintenance records so that you have a fighting chance of getting your money back or obtaining a replacement vehicle.

If you think you have been scammed and bought a lemon, you will need to consult an attorney who will be able to advise you on your rights according to your state's laws. Your state may have provisions in place to help you or you make need to initiate legal action. Either way, an attorney can save you time and frustration.