FTC Used Car Rule (Buyer's Guide): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand your rights and the mandatory disclosures you should receive when purchasing a used vehicle from a car dealership.
This rule requires car dealers to provide you with a specific document that explains the warranty status of the vehicle you are buying.
Who it's for
Anyone buying a used car from a dealer.
What you get
You receive a mandatory disclosure regarding the car's warranty. This document tells you clearly whether the vehicle comes with a warranty or if it is being sold without one.
What it costs you
It is free. This is a mandatory disclosure that the dealer must provide to you.
The catch to know
If the guide says the car is being sold "As Is," you have zero recourse if the vehicle breaks down immediately after the purchase. This means you are accepting the car in its current condition without any protection from the dealer.
How to apply
- Visit a dealership to view used vehicles.
- Ask the dealer for the Buyer's Guide for the specific car you are interested in.
- Carefully read the document to see if a warranty is included or if the car is marked "As Is."
- Confirm the details on the guide match what the dealer is telling you verbally.