Consumer Information

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Before you begin shopping for a used car, do some homework. It may save you serious money. Consider your driving habits, what the car will be used for, and your budget. Research models, options, costs, repair records, safety tests, and mileage — online and through libraries and bookstores.

Whether you buy a used car from a dealer or an individual:

• Test drive the car under varied road conditions — on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
• Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the holder, dealer, or repair shop.
• Determine the value of the vehicle before you negotiate the purchase. Check the National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) Guides, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports. Some of these organizations charge for this information.
• Research the upkeep costs for models you’re interested in, including the frequency of repairs and maintenance costs.
• Examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find checklists in magazines, books, and on websites that deal with used cars.
• Check whether there are any unrepaired recalls on a vehicle. Commence by asking the dealer if the vehicle you’re considering has a recall. You also can check yourself by injecting the VIN at safercar.gov, or by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. If there is a recall, ask the dealer to fix it, or to give you information demonstrating it was immobile. Keep in mind that federal law doesn’t require dealers to fix recalls on used cars, so you might need to get the repair done yourself. But don’t wait — according to NHTSA, all safety recalls pose safety risks and, left unrepaired, might lead to accidents.
• Get an independent review of a vehicle’s history. Check a trusted database service that gathers information from state and local authorities, salvage yards, and insurance companies. For example, the Department of Justice’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) offers information about a vehicle’s title, odometer data, and certain harm history. Expect to pay a petite fee for each report. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) maintains a free database that includes flood harm and other information. You can investigate a car’s history by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You also can search online for companies that sell vehicle history reports. If the report isn’t latest or you suspect that it has missing or fabricated information, verify it with the reporting company. The information in the reports may not be accomplish, so you may want to get a 2nd report from a different reporting company. Some dealer websites have links to free reports.
• Consider hiring a mechanic to inspect the car.

Payment in Utter or Finance

You have two choices: pay in utter or finance over time. Financing increases the total cost of the car because you’re also paying for the cost of credit, including interest and other costs. Consider how much you can put down, the monthly payment, the financing term (such as forty eight months), and the annual percentage rate (APR). Rates usually are higher and financing periods shorter on used cars than on fresh ones.

Dealers and other finance sources (like finance companies, credit unions, and banks) suggest a diversity of financing terms. Shop around, compare offers, and negotiate the best deal you can. If you’re a first-time buyer — or if your credit isn’t fine — be cautious about special financing offers. They can require a big down payment and a high APR. If you agree to financing that carries a high APR, you may be taking a big risk.

• If you determine to sell the car before the end of the financing period, the amount you get from the sale may be less than the amount you need to pay off the financing agreement.
• If the car is repossessed or announced a total loss because of an accident, you may have to pay a considerable amount to repay the loan even after the proceeds from the sale of the car or the insurance payment have been deducted.

If money is taut, you might consider paying cash for a less expensive car.

If you determine to finance, make sure you understand the financing agreement before you sign any documents.

• What is the exact price you’re paying for the vehicle?
• How much are you financing?
• What is the finance charge (the dollar amount the credit will cost you)?
• What is the APR (a measure of the cost of credit, voiced as a yearly rate)?
• How many payments will you make — and how much is each one?
• What is the total sales price — the sum of the monthly payments plus the down payment?

Dealer Sales and the Buyers Guide

Used cars are sold through a diversity of outlets: franchised and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, used car superstores, and online. Ask friends, relatives, and co-workers for recommendations. Contact your local consumer protection agency and state Attorney General to find out if any unresolved complaints are on file about a particular dealer. You also can search online for reviews or complaints. Inject the name of the seller and the word “review” or “complaint” into a search engine.

Some dealers attract customers with “no-haggle prices,” “factory certified” used cars, and better warranties. Consider the dealer’s reputation when you evaluate its ads.

Dealers are not required by federal law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel. In some states, dealers are required to give a right to cancel. In other states, the right to come back the car in a few days for a refund exists only if the dealer chooses to suggest this privilege. Dealers may describe the right to cancel as a “cooling-off” period, a money-back ensure, or a “no questions asked” come back policy. Before you buy from a dealer, ask about the dealer’s comeback policy, get it in writing, and read it cautiously.

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Used Car Rule requires dealers to display a Buyers Guide in every used car they suggest for sale, and to give it to buyers after the sale. This includes light-duty vans, light-duty trucks, demonstrators, and program cars. Demonstrators are fresh cars that haven’t been possessed, leased, or used as rentals, but have been driven by dealer staff. Program cars are low-mileage, current-model-year vehicles returned from short-term leases or rentals. Buyers Guides do not have to be posted on motorcycles and most recreational vehicles. Anyone who sells, or offers for sale, fewer than six cars in a year doesn’t have to post a Buyers Guide.

• the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for;
• whether the vehicle is being sold “as is” or with a warranty;
• what percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;
• to get all promises in writing;
• to ask to have the car examined by an independent mechanic before you buy;
• to get a vehicle history report and to visit ftc.gov/usedcars for information on how to get a vehicle history report, how to check for safety recalls, and other topics;
• to ask for a Spanish Buyers Guide if the sale is conducted in Spanish;
• the dealer’s contact information, including the contact for complaints; and
• to recall: spoken promises are difficult to enforce.

Keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale.

Maine and Wisconsin are exempt from the FTC’s Used Car Rule. Those states require dealers to display a different version of the Buyers Guide.

Warranties

When you buy a used car from a dealer, the Guide must reflect any negotiated switches in warranty coverage. It becomes part of your sales contract and overrides any contrary provisions. For example, if the Buyers Guide says the car comes with a warranty and the contract says the car is sold “as is,” the dealer must give you the warranty described in the Guide.

As Is – No Dealer Warranty

When the dealer offers a vehicle “as is,” the box next to the “As Is – No Dealer Warranty” disclosure on the Buyers Guide must be checked. If the box is checked but the dealer promises to repair the vehicle or cancel the sale if you’re not pleased, make sure the promise is written on the Buyers Guide. Otherwise, you may have a hard time getting the dealer to make good on his word. Some states — Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Fresh Jersey, Fresh Mexico, Fresh York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia — don’t permit “as is” sales for many used vehicles.

Louisiana, Fresh Hampshire, and Washington require different disclosures from those on the Buyers Guide to create a valid “as is” sale. If the dealer fails to provide decent state disclosures, the sale is not “as is.” To find out what disclosures are required for “as is” sales in your state, contact your state Attorney General.

Implied Warranties

State laws hold dealers responsible if cars they sell don’t meet reasonable quality standards. These obligations are called implied warranties — unspoken, unwritten promises from the seller to the buyer. However, dealers in most states can use the words “as is” or “with all faults” in a written notice to buyers to eliminate implied warranties. There is no specified time period for implied warranties.

If you have a written warranty that doesn’t cover your problems, you still may have coverage through implied warranties. That’s because when a dealer sells a vehicle with a written warranty or service contract, implied warranties are included automatically. Dealers can’t delete this protection if they provide a written warranty. Any limit on an implied warranty’s time must be included on the written warranty.

Implied Warranty of Merchantability

The most common type of implied warranty is the warranty of merchantability: The seller promises that the product suggested for sale will do what it’s supposed to. That a car will run is an example of a warranty of merchantability. This promise applies to the basic functions of a car. It does not cover everything that could go wrong.

Breakdowns and other problems after the sale don’t prove the seller breached the warranty of merchantability. A breach occurs only if the buyer can prove that a defect existed at the time of sale. A problem that occurs after the sale may be the result of a defect that existed at the time of sale or not. As a result, a dealer’s liability is judged case by case.

Implied Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose

A warranty of fitness for a particular purpose applies when you buy a vehicle based on the dealer’s advice that it is suitable for a particular use. For example, a dealer who suggests you buy a specific vehicle for hauling a trailer is promising that the vehicle will be suitable for that purpose.

Total and Limited Warranties

Dealers may suggest a utter or limited warranty on all or some of a vehicle’s systems or components. Most used car warranties are limited and their coverage varies. A utter warranty includes the following terms and conditions:

• Anyone who possesses the vehicle during the warranty period is entitled to warranty service.
• Warranty service will be provided free of charge, including removing and reinstalling a covered system.
• You have the choice of a replacement or a total refund if the dealer can’t repair the vehicle or covered system after a reasonable number of attempts.
• You only have to tell the dealer that warranty service is needed to get it, unless the dealer can prove that it is reasonable to require you to do more.
• Implied warranties have no time thresholds.

If any of these statements doesn’t apply, the warranty is limited.

A utter or limited warranty doesn’t have to cover the entire vehicle. The dealer may specify that only certain systems are covered. Some parts or systems may be covered by a utter warranty.

Warranty Documents

Make sure you get a copy of the dealer’s warranty document if you buy a car that is suggested with a warranty. Review it cautiously to determine what is covered. The warranty gives detailed information, such as how to get repairs for a covered system or part. It also tells who is legally responsible for fulfilling the terms of the warranty. If it’s a third party, investigate their reputation. Look up reviews online.

Unexpired Manufacturer’s Warranties

If the manufacturer’s warranty still is in effect, the dealer may note that in the “systems covered/duration” section of the Buyers Guide. To make sure you can take advantage of the coverage, ask the dealer for the car’s warranty documents. Verify the information (what’s covered, expiration date/miles, and necessary paperwork) by calling the manufacturer’s zone office. Make sure you have the VIN when you call.

Service Contracts

A service contract is a promise to perform (or pay for) certain repairs or services. Albeit a service contract is sometimes called an extended warranty, it is not a warranty as defined by federal law. A service contract may be arranged any time and always costs extra; a warranty comes with a fresh car and is included in the original price. Used cars also may come with some type of warranty coverage included in the sales price. The separate and extra cost distinguishes a service contract from a warranty.

To determine if you need a service contract, consider:

• whether the service contract duplicates warranty coverage or offers protection that starts after the warranty runs out. Does the service contract extend beyond the time you expect to own the car? If so, is the service contract transferable or is a shorter contract available?
• whether the vehicle is likely to need repairs and how much they’re going to cost. You can determine the value of a service contract by figuring whether the cost of repairs is likely to exceed the price of the contract.
• whether the service contract covers all parts and systems. Check out all claims cautiously. For example, “bumper to bumper” coverage may not mean what you think.
• whether a deductible is required and, if so, the amount and terms.
• whether the contract covers incidental expenses, like towing and rental car charges while your car is being serviced.
• whether repairs and routine maintenance have to be done at the dealer.
• whether there’s a cancellation and refund policy for the service contract, and if it has cancellation fees.
• whether the dealer or company suggesting the service contract is reputable. Some dealers sell third-party service contracts.

If you buy a service contract from the dealer within ninety days of buying a used vehicle, federal law prohibits the dealer from eliminating implied warranties on the systems covered in the contract. For example, if you buy a car “as is,” the car normally is not covered by implied warranties. But if you buy a service contract covering the engine, you automatically get implied warranties on the engine. These may give you protection beyond the scope of the service contract. Make sure you get written confirmation that your service contract is in effect.

An Independent Inspection Before You Buy

It’s best to have any used car probed by an independent mechanic before you buy it. For about $100, you’ll get a general indication of the mechanical condition of the vehicle. An inspection is a good idea even if the car has been “certified” and examined by the dealer and is being sold with a warranty or service contract. A mechanical inspection is different from a safety inspection. Safety inspections usually concentrate on conditions that make a car unsafe to drive. They are not designed to determine the overall reliability or mechanical condition of a vehicle.

To find a pre-purchase inspection facility, check the phone book under “Automotive Diagnostic Service,” go online, or ask friends, relatives, and co-workers for referrals. Look for facilities that display certifications like an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal, and search online for comments.

Ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and how much it costs.

If the dealer won’t let you take the car off the lot, perhaps because of insurance limitations, you may be able to find a mobile inspection service that will go to the dealer. If that’s not an option, ask the dealer to have the car probed at a facility you designate. You will have to pay the inspection fee. If a dealer won’t permit an independent inspection, you might want to consider doing business elsewhere.

Once the vehicle has been examined, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model, and VIN. If you determine to make a purchase suggest to the dealer after considering the inspection’s results, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Private Sales

Buying a car from a private individual is different from buying from a dealer.

• Private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an automobile’s major systems as a shopping instrument, and you can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle explored by a mechanic.
• Private sales usually are not covered by the “implied warranties” of state law. That means a private sale very likely will be on an “as is” basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller must live up to the promises stated in the contract.
• The car may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. However, warranties and service contracts may not be transferable, and other boundaries or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask to review its warranty or service contract. Many states do not require individuals to ensure that their vehicles will pass state inspection or carry a minimum warranty before they suggest them for sale. You can ask your state Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency about the requirements in your state.

If You Have Problems

If you have a problem that you think is covered by a warranty or service contract, go after the instructions to get service. If a dispute arises, attempt to work it out with the dealer. Talk with the salesperson or, if necessary, the holder of the dealership. Many problems can be resolved at this level. However, if you believe you’re entitled to service, but the dealer disagrees, you have some options:

• If your warranty is backed by a car manufacturer, contact the local representative of the manufacturer. The local or zone representative is authorized to determine issues of warranty service and repairs to please customers. Some manufacturers are willing to repair certain problems in specific models for free, even if the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover the problem. Ask the manufacturer’s zone representative or the service department of a franchised dealership that sells your car model whether there is such a policy.
• Contact your state Attorney General or the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
• You might consider using a dispute resolution organization if you and the dealer are willing. Under the terms of many warranties, this may be a required very first step before you can sue the dealer or manufacturer. If you bought your car from a franchised dealer, you may be able to seek mediation through the Automotive Consumer Activity Program (AUTOCAP), a dispute resolution program coordinated nationally by the National Automobile Dealers Association and sponsored through state and local dealer associations in many cities. Check with the dealer association in your area to see if they operate a mediation program.

If none of these steps is successful, puny claims court is an option. Here, you can resolve disputes involving petite amounts of money, often without an attorney. The clerk of your local petite claims court can tell you how to file a suit and the dollar limit in your state.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also may be helpful. Under this federal law, you can sue based on breach of express warranties, implied warranties, or service contracts. If successful, consumers can recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other court costs. A lawyer can advise you if this law applies.

Buying a Used Car, Consumer Information

Consumer Information

Share This Page

Before you commence shopping for a used car, do some homework. It may save you serious money. Consider your driving habits, what the car will be used for, and your budget. Research models, options, costs, repair records, safety tests, and mileage — online and through libraries and bookstores.

Whether you buy a used car from a dealer or an individual:

• Test drive the car under varied road conditions — on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
• Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the proprietor, dealer, or repair shop.
• Determine the value of the vehicle before you negotiate the purchase. Check the National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) Guides, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports. Some of these organizations charge for this information.
• Research the upkeep costs for models you’re interested in, including the frequency of repairs and maintenance costs.
• Examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find checklists in magazines, books, and on websites that deal with used cars.
• Check whether there are any unrepaired recalls on a vehicle. Embark by asking the dealer if the vehicle you’re considering has a recall. You also can check yourself by injecting the VIN at safercar.gov, or by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. If there is a recall, ask the dealer to fix it, or to give you information displaying it was immobilized. Keep in mind that federal law doesn’t require dealers to fix recalls on used cars, so you might need to get the repair done yourself. But don’t wait — according to NHTSA, all safety recalls pose safety risks and, left unrepaired, might lead to accidents.
• Get an independent review of a vehicle’s history. Check a trusted database service that gathers information from state and local authorities, salvage yards, and insurance companies. For example, the Department of Justice’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) offers information about a vehicle’s title, odometer data, and certain harm history. Expect to pay a puny fee for each report. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) maintains a free database that includes flood harm and other information. You can investigate a car’s history by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You also can search online for companies that sell vehicle history reports. If the report isn’t latest or you suspect that it has missing or fabricated information, verify it with the reporting company. The information in the reports may not be finish, so you may want to get a 2nd report from a different reporting company. Some dealer websites have links to free reports.
• Consider hiring a mechanic to inspect the car.

Payment in Total or Finance

You have two choices: pay in total or finance over time. Financing increases the total cost of the car because you’re also paying for the cost of credit, including interest and other costs. Consider how much you can put down, the monthly payment, the financing term (such as forty eight months), and the annual percentage rate (APR). Rates usually are higher and financing periods shorter on used cars than on fresh ones.

Dealers and other finance sources (like finance companies, credit unions, and banks) suggest a diversity of financing terms. Shop around, compare offers, and negotiate the best deal you can. If you’re a first-time buyer — or if your credit isn’t fine — be cautious about special financing offers. They can require a big down payment and a high APR. If you agree to financing that carries a high APR, you may be taking a big risk.

• If you determine to sell the car before the end of the financing period, the amount you get from the sale may be less than the amount you need to pay off the financing agreement.
• If the car is repossessed or proclaimed a total loss because of an accident, you may have to pay a considerable amount to repay the loan even after the proceeds from the sale of the car or the insurance payment have been deducted.

If money is taut, you might consider paying cash for a less expensive car.

If you determine to finance, make sure you understand the financing agreement before you sign any documents.

• What is the exact price you’re paying for the vehicle?
• How much are you financing?
• What is the finance charge (the dollar amount the credit will cost you)?
• What is the APR (a measure of the cost of credit, voiced as a yearly rate)?
• How many payments will you make — and how much is each one?
• What is the total sales price — the sum of the monthly payments plus the down payment?

Dealer Sales and the Buyers Guide

Used cars are sold through a multitude of outlets: franchised and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, used car superstores, and online. Ask friends, relatives, and co-workers for recommendations. Contact your local consumer protection agency and state Attorney General to find out if any unresolved complaints are on file about a particular dealer. You also can search online for reviews or complaints. Inject the name of the seller and the word “review” or “complaint” into a search engine.

Some dealers attract customers with “no-haggle prices,” “factory certified” used cars, and better warranties. Consider the dealer’s reputation when you evaluate its ads.

Dealers are not required by federal law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel. In some states, dealers are required to give a right to cancel. In other states, the right to comeback the car in a few days for a refund exists only if the dealer chooses to suggest this privilege. Dealers may describe the right to cancel as a “cooling-off” period, a money-back assure, or a “no questions asked” come back policy. Before you buy from a dealer, ask about the dealer’s comeback policy, get it in writing, and read it cautiously.

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Used Car Rule requires dealers to display a Buyers Guide in every used car they suggest for sale, and to give it to buyers after the sale. This includes light-duty vans, light-duty trucks, demonstrators, and program cars. Demonstrators are fresh cars that haven’t been wielded, leased, or used as rentals, but have been driven by dealer staff. Program cars are low-mileage, current-model-year vehicles returned from short-term leases or rentals. Buyers Guides do not have to be posted on motorcycles and most recreational vehicles. Anyone who sells, or offers for sale, fewer than six cars in a year doesn’t have to post a Buyers Guide.

• the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for;
• whether the vehicle is being sold “as is” or with a warranty;
• what percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;
• to get all promises in writing;
• to ask to have the car studied by an independent mechanic before you buy;
• to get a vehicle history report and to visit ftc.gov/usedcars for information on how to get a vehicle history report, how to check for safety recalls, and other topics;
• to ask for a Spanish Buyers Guide if the sale is conducted in Spanish;
• the dealer’s contact information, including the contact for complaints; and
• to reminisce: spoken promises are difficult to enforce.

Keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale.

Maine and Wisconsin are exempt from the FTC’s Used Car Rule. Those states require dealers to display a different version of the Buyers Guide.

Warranties

When you buy a used car from a dealer, the Guide must reflect any negotiated switches in warranty coverage. It becomes part of your sales contract and overrides any contrary provisions. For example, if the Buyers Guide says the car comes with a warranty and the contract says the car is sold “as is,” the dealer must give you the warranty described in the Guide.

As Is – No Dealer Warranty

When the dealer offers a vehicle “as is,” the box next to the “As Is – No Dealer Warranty” disclosure on the Buyers Guide must be checked. If the box is checked but the dealer promises to repair the vehicle or cancel the sale if you’re not sated, make sure the promise is written on the Buyers Guide. Otherwise, you may have a hard time getting the dealer to make good on his word. Some states — Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Fresh Jersey, Fresh Mexico, Fresh York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia — don’t permit “as is” sales for many used vehicles.

Louisiana, Fresh Hampshire, and Washington require different disclosures from those on the Buyers Guide to create a valid “as is” sale. If the dealer fails to provide decent state disclosures, the sale is not “as is.” To find out what disclosures are required for “as is” sales in your state, contact your state Attorney General.

Implied Warranties

State laws hold dealers responsible if cars they sell don’t meet reasonable quality standards. These obligations are called implied warranties — unspoken, unwritten promises from the seller to the buyer. However, dealers in most states can use the words “as is” or “with all faults” in a written notice to buyers to eliminate implied warranties. There is no specified time period for implied warranties.

If you have a written warranty that doesn’t cover your problems, you still may have coverage through implied warranties. That’s because when a dealer sells a vehicle with a written warranty or service contract, implied warranties are included automatically. Dealers can’t delete this protection if they provide a written warranty. Any limit on an implied warranty’s time must be included on the written warranty.

Implied Warranty of Merchantability

The most common type of implied warranty is the warranty of merchantability: The seller promises that the product suggested for sale will do what it’s supposed to. That a car will run is an example of a warranty of merchantability. This promise applies to the basic functions of a car. It does not cover everything that could go wrong.

Breakdowns and other problems after the sale don’t prove the seller breached the warranty of merchantability. A breach occurs only if the buyer can prove that a defect existed at the time of sale. A problem that occurs after the sale may be the result of a defect that existed at the time of sale or not. As a result, a dealer’s liability is judged case by case.

Implied Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose

A warranty of fitness for a particular purpose applies when you buy a vehicle based on the dealer’s advice that it is suitable for a particular use. For example, a dealer who suggests you buy a specific vehicle for hauling a trailer is promising that the vehicle will be suitable for that purpose.

Total and Limited Warranties

Dealers may suggest a utter or limited warranty on all or some of a vehicle’s systems or components. Most used car warranties are limited and their coverage varies. A total warranty includes the following terms and conditions:

• Anyone who wields the vehicle during the warranty period is entitled to warranty service.
• Warranty service will be provided free of charge, including removing and reinstalling a covered system.
• You have the choice of a replacement or a total refund if the dealer can’t repair the vehicle or covered system after a reasonable number of attempts.
• You only have to tell the dealer that warranty service is needed to get it, unless the dealer can prove that it is reasonable to require you to do more.
• Implied warranties have no time boundaries.

If any of these statements doesn’t apply, the warranty is limited.

A utter or limited warranty doesn’t have to cover the entire vehicle. The dealer may specify that only certain systems are covered. Some parts or systems may be covered by a utter warranty.

Warranty Documents

Make sure you get a copy of the dealer’s warranty document if you buy a car that is suggested with a warranty. Review it cautiously to determine what is covered. The warranty gives detailed information, such as how to get repairs for a covered system or part. It also tells who is legally responsible for fulfilling the terms of the warranty. If it’s a third party, investigate their reputation. Look up reviews online.

Unexpired Manufacturer’s Warranties

If the manufacturer’s warranty still is in effect, the dealer may note that in the “systems covered/duration” section of the Buyers Guide. To make sure you can take advantage of the coverage, ask the dealer for the car’s warranty documents. Verify the information (what’s covered, expiration date/miles, and necessary paperwork) by calling the manufacturer’s zone office. Make sure you have the VIN when you call.

Service Contracts

A service contract is a promise to perform (or pay for) certain repairs or services. Albeit a service contract is sometimes called an extended warranty, it is not a warranty as defined by federal law. A service contract may be arranged any time and always costs extra; a warranty comes with a fresh car and is included in the original price. Used cars also may come with some type of warranty coverage included in the sales price. The separate and extra cost distinguishes a service contract from a warranty.

To determine if you need a service contract, consider:

• whether the service contract duplicates warranty coverage or offers protection that starts after the warranty runs out. Does the service contract extend beyond the time you expect to own the car? If so, is the service contract transferable or is a shorter contract available?
• whether the vehicle is likely to need repairs and how much they’re going to cost. You can determine the value of a service contract by figuring whether the cost of repairs is likely to exceed the price of the contract.
• whether the service contract covers all parts and systems. Check out all claims cautiously. For example, “bumper to bumper” coverage may not mean what you think.
• whether a deductible is required and, if so, the amount and terms.
• whether the contract covers incidental expenses, like towing and rental car charges while your car is being serviced.
• whether repairs and routine maintenance have to be done at the dealer.
• whether there’s a cancellation and refund policy for the service contract, and if it has cancellation fees.
• whether the dealer or company suggesting the service contract is reputable. Some dealers sell third-party service contracts.

If you buy a service contract from the dealer within ninety days of buying a used vehicle, federal law prohibits the dealer from eliminating implied warranties on the systems covered in the contract. For example, if you buy a car “as is,” the car normally is not covered by implied warranties. But if you buy a service contract covering the engine, you automatically get implied warranties on the engine. These may give you protection beyond the scope of the service contract. Make sure you get written confirmation that your service contract is in effect.

An Independent Inspection Before You Buy

It’s best to have any used car investigated by an independent mechanic before you buy it. For about $100, you’ll get a general indication of the mechanical condition of the vehicle. An inspection is a good idea even if the car has been “certified” and studied by the dealer and is being sold with a warranty or service contract. A mechanical inspection is different from a safety inspection. Safety inspections usually concentrate on conditions that make a car unsafe to drive. They are not designed to determine the overall reliability or mechanical condition of a vehicle.

To find a pre-purchase inspection facility, check the phone book under “Automotive Diagnostic Service,” go online, or ask friends, relatives, and co-workers for referrals. Look for facilities that display certifications like an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal, and search online for comments.

Ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and how much it costs.

If the dealer won’t let you take the car off the lot, perhaps because of insurance limitations, you may be able to find a mobile inspection service that will go to the dealer. If that’s not an option, ask the dealer to have the car probed at a facility you designate. You will have to pay the inspection fee. If a dealer won’t permit an independent inspection, you might want to consider doing business elsewhere.

Once the vehicle has been investigated, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model, and VIN. If you determine to make a purchase suggest to the dealer after considering the inspection’s results, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Private Sales

Buying a car from a private individual is different from buying from a dealer.

• Private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an automobile’s major systems as a shopping instrument, and you can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle examined by a mechanic.
• Private sales usually are not covered by the “implied warranties” of state law. That means a private sale very likely will be on an “as is” basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller must live up to the promises stated in the contract.
• The car may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. However, warranties and service contracts may not be transferable, and other thresholds or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask to review its warranty or service contract. Many states do not require individuals to ensure that their vehicles will pass state inspection or carry a minimum warranty before they suggest them for sale. You can ask your state Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency about the requirements in your state.

If You Have Problems

If you have a problem that you think is covered by a warranty or service contract, go after the instructions to get service. If a dispute arises, attempt to work it out with the dealer. Talk with the salesperson or, if necessary, the proprietor of the dealership. Many problems can be resolved at this level. However, if you believe you’re entitled to service, but the dealer disagrees, you have some options:

• If your warranty is backed by a car manufacturer, contact the local representative of the manufacturer. The local or zone representative is authorized to determine issues of warranty service and repairs to sate customers. Some manufacturers are willing to repair certain problems in specific models for free, even if the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover the problem. Ask the manufacturer’s zone representative or the service department of a franchised dealership that sells your car model whether there is such a policy.
• Contact your state Attorney General or the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
• You might consider using a dispute resolution organization if you and the dealer are willing. Under the terms of many warranties, this may be a required very first step before you can sue the dealer or manufacturer. If you bought your car from a franchised dealer, you may be able to seek mediation through the Automotive Consumer Activity Program (AUTOCAP), a dispute resolution program coordinated nationally by the National Automobile Dealers Association and sponsored through state and local dealer associations in many cities. Check with the dealer association in your area to see if they operate a mediation program.

If none of these steps is successful, petite claims court is an option. Here, you can resolve disputes involving petite amounts of money, often without an attorney. The clerk of your local puny claims court can tell you how to file a suit and the dollar limit in your state.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also may be helpful. Under this federal law, you can sue based on breach of express warranties, implied warranties, or service contracts. If successful, consumers can recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other court costs. A lawyer can advise you if this law applies.

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