What Are Your Lemon Law Rights? When a car is sold to you that is not in the same condition it was advertised to be in or breaks down soon after you buy it due to a long-term problem that existed before you purchased the car, it is considered to be a lemon. Buying a car that is a lemon is unacceptable. You should not have to put up with the consequences involved with the purchase of a lemon car, such as paying for repairs or replacing it. This applies to both a new car or a used car.