Free preview · from the dealership side of the desk
Every used car on a dealer’s lot is supposed to carry a federal form in the window called the Buyers Guide. Most buyers glance at it, see ‘AS IS - NO DEALER WARRANTY’ checked, and move on. But that sheet decides who pays if the transmission fails a week after you buy, it becomes part of your contract, and in some states the ‘as is’ box doesn’t mean what it seems to.
One rule worth knowing now: if your contract says something different from the Buyers Guide, the Buyers Guide generally controls, so photograph it before you sign. Used cars are also where dealers make some of their best margins, because every car is different and prices are hard to compare. Below: how to read the guide, ‘as is’ versus implied warranties, what reconditioning should cover, how dealers price used cars, a worked fair-price example, red flags and what to say.
Members read the rest · 8 more sections
In the full guide
- The Buyers Guide: what it is
- ‘As is’ versus implied warranties
- Reconditioning: what should have been done
- How dealers price used cars
- Worked example: is this price fair?
- Red flags at the dealer
- What to say
- Your game plan
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