Buying a used car - know your consumer rights
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 the maintenance record of the car owner, dealer or repair shop.
Determine the value of the vehicle before negotiating the purchase Check NADA Guides National Automobile Dealers Association Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book Consumer Reports Some of these organizations charge for the information.
Research the maintenance costs for the 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 if unrepaired recalls on a vehicle Start by asking the dealer if the vehicle you are considering a reminder, you can see for yourself by entering the VIN or calling to the National Highway Traffic Safety Hotline NHTSA Safety Administration vehicle 1 -888-327-4236 If there is a recall, contact your dealer to repair or provide information showing that it was set Keep in mind that federal law doesn t require dealers to set reminders on used cars, you might need to get the repair done but you do not expect according to NHTSA, all safety recalls have security risks and on the left unrepaired could lead to accidents.
Get an independent review of a vehicle history check a reliable database service that collects state information and the local authorities, salvage yards, and insurance companies, for example, the Ministry of system National information motor vehicle Title NMVTIS of Justice provides information on a vehicle's title, odometer data and some history of damage Expect to pay a small fee for each report, the National Insurance crime Bureau NICB maintains a free database that includes flood damage and other information, you can study by VIN vehicle identification number you the story of a car can also conduct online searches for companies that sell vehicle history reports if the report is not recent or you suspect it has missing information or are made, check with the company reporting the information in the reports can not be complete, you can get a second report of a different reporting business Some dealers sites have links to free reports.
You have two choices pay in full or finance over time funding increases the total cost of the car because you are also paying for the cost of credit, including interest and other costs take into account how much you can put down, the monthly payment, the term of financing, such as 48 months and the annual rate APR rates are generally higher and shorter funding periods on used cars than new.
Brokers and other funding sources such as finance companies, credit unions and banks offer a variety of Shop financing conditions, compare the offers and negotiate the best deal you can, if you are a buyer for the first time or if your is not much to be cautious on the credit offer special financing They may require a large down payment and a higher APR If you agree to financing that carries a high APR, you take a big risk.
If you decide to sell the car before the end of the funding period, the amount you get from the sale may be less than the amount you have to repay the funding agreement.
If the car is repossessed or declared a total loss because of an accident, you may have to pay a considerable sum to repay the loan even after the proceeds from the sale of the car or the insurance payment have been deducted.
If money is tight, you might consider paying money for a cheaper car.
If you decide to finance, make sure you understand the financing agreement before signing any document.
What is the exact price you pay for the vehicle.
What is the financial cost of the credit amount will cost you.
What is the APR measure the cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate.
How many payments do you go and how much is each.
What is the total selling price, the amount of monthly payments and the down payment.
used cars are sold through a variety of franchised outlets and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, major used car surfaces and online Ask friends, relatives and colleagues recommendations Contact your local office of consumer protection and the state attorney general to find if any unresolved complaints on file about a broker, you can search online or complaints Enter the seller's name and the word review or complaint in a search engine.
Some dealers attract customers with price without haggling, used cars certified factory and better guarantees consider dealer's reputation when evaluating its ads.
Dealers are not required by federal law to give buyers of used cars right three days to cancel In some states, dealers are required to give a right to cancel In other states, the right to return the car in a few days for a refund exists if the dealer chooses to offer this privilege can describe the dealer the right to cancel a period of reflection, a money back guarantee, and no questions asked return policy before buying home a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully.
The Federal Trade Commission FTC Used Car Rule requires dealers to display a buying guide in every used car they offer for sale, and give buyers after the sale This includes light trucks, light trucks , protesters, and protesters Car program are new haven t been detained cars, leased or used as rental but were driven out by the staff of the program Car dealers are low-mileage, current vehicle model year returned of short-term leases or buyers guides do not rent to be posted on motorcycles and most recreational vehicles anyone who sells or offers for sale, less than six cars a year didnt issue a Buyer's Guide.
The major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look for.
If the vehicle is sold as is or with a warranty.
What percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty.
To request to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.
To obtain a vehicle history report and visit for information on how to get a vehicle history report, how to check the safety reminders, and other topics.
To request a Spanish shopping guide if the sale is conducted in Spanish.
The dealer's contact, including contact for complaints; and.
Not to mention the oral promises are difficult to enforce.
Keep the purchase reference guide after the sale.
Maine and Wisconsin are exempt from the FTC's Used Car Rule The states require dealers to display a different version of the Buyer's Guide.
When buying a used car from a dealer, the guide must take into account changes in the negotiated warranty coverage, it is part of your sales contract and overrides any contrary provisions For example, if 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 guarantee described in the Guide.
When the dealer offers a vehicle is, the box next to the Ace - No disclosure of the warranty the dealer on the Buyer's Guide should be checked if the box is checked, but the dealer promises to repair the vehicle or cancel sale if you are not satisfied, make sure that the promise is written on the Buying Guide Otherwise, you might have trouble getting the dealer to make good on his word Some states of Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and the District of Columbia allow don t like sales many used vehicles.
Louisiana, New Hampshire and Washington require different information from those of the Buyer's Guide to create a valid is for sale If the dealer does provide appropriate status information, the sale is not is to know what information is needed as the sales in your state, contact your state Attorney General.
the state laws hold dealers responsible if cars they sell don t meet reasonable standards of quality These bonds are called guarantees implicit unspoken, unwritten promises from the seller to the buyer However, dealers in most states may use words as is or with all faults in a written notice to buyers to eliminate any implied warranty There is no fixed time for the implied warranties.
If you have a written warranty that covers doesn t your problems, you can always have an implicit guarantee of coverage is because when a dealer sells a vehicle with a written warranty or service contract, the implied warranties are automatically the Dealers can t remove this protection if they provide a written guarantee that any time limit implied warranty must be included in the written warranty.
The most common type of implied warranty is the warranty of merchantability The seller promises that the product offered for sale will do what it is supposed that a car will run is an example of a warranty of merchantability This promise applies to a basic functions as it does not cover everything that could go wrong.
Failures and other problems after donation selling t prove the seller violated the warranty of merchantability Failure only happens if the buyer can prove that a defect existed at the time of sale A problem that occurs after sale may be the result of a defect existed at the time of sale or not and therefore the responsibility of a dealer 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 advice of the appropriate dealer for a particular purpose, for example, a broker who suggests you buy a specific vehicle to transport a trailer is promising that the vehicle suitable for this purpose.
Dealers can offer a comprehensive limited warranty on all or part of systems or components of a vehicle are limited warranties of most used cars and coverage varies Comprehensive coverage includes the following conditions.
Anyone who owns the vehicle during the warranty period is entitled to warranty service.
Warranty service will be provided free of charge, including the removal and reinstallation of a covered system.
You can choose a replacement or a full refund if the dealer can t repair the vehicle or cover system after a reasonable number of tries.
Simply tell the seller that warranty service is needed to get it, unless the dealer can prove that it is reasonable to require you to do more.
If any of these statements doesn t apply, the guarantee is limited.
A full or limited warranty does not have to cover the entire vehicle Dealer may indicate that only certain systems are covered Some parts or systems can be covered by a comprehensive warranty.
Make sure you get a copy of the warranty document dealer if you buy a car that comes with a warranty examine it carefully to determine what is covered Warranty provides detailed information, such as how to obtain repairs to a covered part or system It also indicates who is legally responsible to fulfill the conditions of the warranty If Sá third, investigate their online reputation Read reviews.
If the manufacturer warranty is still in effect, the dealer may be noted that in the period covered systems section of the Shopping guide To ensure that you can enjoy coverage, ask the dealer for the car's warranty documents Check the information that's covered miles of the expiration date, and the required documentation by calling the manufacturer's zone office Make sure you have the VIN when you call.
A service contract is a promise to perform or pay for certain repairs or services Although a service contract is sometimes called an extended warranty, it is not a guarantee as defined by federal law service contract can be arranged any time and always costs extra; a guarantee comes with a new car and is included in the original price of used cars can also come with some type of guarantee included in the sales price of the additional cost and a separate distinguishes a service contract guarantee.
To decide whether you need a service contract to consider.
Whether the service contract duplicates warranty or offers protection that begins after the warranty expires The service contract extend beyond the time you expect to own the car If so, the portable service contract or is available shorter contract.
If the vehicle is likely to need repairs and how much they'll cost you can determine the value of a service contract by determining if the repair cost is likely to exceed the contract price.
Whether the service contract covers all parts and systems Verify all claims carefully, for example, cover bumper to bumper does not necessarily mean what you think.
Whether a franchise is necessary and, if applicable, the amount and terms.
Whether the contract covers incidental expenses, such as fees for towing and rental car while your car is being repaired.
Repairs and routine maintenance should be performed by your dealer.
Whether it's a cancellation policy and reimbursement for the service contract, and if it has a cancellation fee.
Whether the dealer or company offering the service contract is reputable Some dealers sell third-party service contracts.
If you buy a service contract with the dealer within 90 days of buying a used vehicle, federal law prohibits the dealer to eliminate the implied warranties on the systems covered in the contract, for example, you buy a car, the car is normally not covered by the implied warranties But if you buy a service contract covering the engine, you automatically get implied warranties on the latter engine can give you protection beyond the scope of the service contract Make sure to obtain written confirmation that your service contract is in force.
It is better to have a used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy it for around 100, you will get a general indication of the mechanical condition of the vehicle Inspection is a good idea even if the car has been certified and inspected by the dealer and is sold with a warranty or a mechanical inspection service differs from a safety inspection safety inspections usually focus on the conditions that make a dangerous car 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 telephone book under Automotive Diagnostic Service, go online or ask your friends, relatives and colleagues for referrals Look for facilities that display certification as a seal ASE auto service excellence, and search online for reviews.
Ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes and how much it costs.
If the dealer won let you take the car off the lot, perhaps because of insurance restrictions, you might be able to find a mobile inspection service that will go to the dealer if this is not an option, ask the dealer to have the vehicle inspected at an institution that you designate you will pay inspection fees If a dealer won t allow independent inspection, you may want to consider doing business elsewhere.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic of a written report with a cost estimate for any needed repairs Make sure the report includes make, model and VIN of the vehicle if you decide to make an offer of purchase at the dealership after reviewing the results of the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.
Buying a car from an individual is different from buying from a dealer.
private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and do not have to use the Buyer's Guide However, you can use the Guide List of major systems of an automobile as a commercial tool, and you can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
The private sales are generally not covered by the implied warranties of state law This means a private sale will likely be on a like basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise If you a written contract, the seller has to live up to the promises set out in the contract.
The car can be covered by a manufacturer warranty or service contract purchased separately However, warranties and service contracts are not transferable, and other limits or costs may apply Before buying the car, request 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 guarantee before offering them for sale, you can ask your state Attorney offices or local consumer protection agency about your state's requirements.
If you have a problem that you think is covered by a warranty or a service, follow the instructions to get the service In case of dispute, try to work with the Talk with the seller or dealer, if applicable, the owner of the dealership many problems can be resolved at this level, however, if you believe you are entitled to service, but the dealer disagrees, you have some options.
If the guarantee is backed by a car manufacturer, contact the manufacturer of the local representative's local representative or area is allowed to decide warranty service issues and repairs to satisfy customers Some manufacturers are willing to repair certain problems in specific models free, even if the manufacturer warranty does not cover the problem Ask the representative of the manufacturer or service area 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 the dealer and you are ready Under many safeguards, this may be a necessary first step before continuing your dealer or manufacturer if you bought your car from a dealer franchisee, you are able to seek mediation through the action of automobile automatic cap consumer program resolution program coordinated dispute at national level by the national Association of automobile Dealers and sponsored by dealers associations national and local in many cities Check with the association of dealers in your area to see if they work a program mediation.
If none of these steps is successful court small claims is an option Here you can resolve disputes involving small amounts of money, often without a lawyer's clerk of court your local small claims can tell you how to file a complaint and the dollar limit in your state.
The Act Magnuson-Moss warranty can also be helpful Under this federal law, you can sue based on the explicit breach of warranty, the implied warranties or service contracts If successful, consumers can recover reasonable attorney fees and other legal costs A lawyer can advise you if this law is applicable.
Buying a used car consumer information, purchase, use, consumption.