|
Used
cars are sold through a variety of outlets: franchise
and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing
companies, and used car superstores. You can even buy
a used car on the Internet. Ask friends, relatives and
co-workers for recommendations. You may want to call
your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney
General (AG), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to
find out if any unresolved complaints are on file about
a particular dealer.
Some
dealers are attracting customers with "no-haggle
prices," "factory certified" used cars,
and better warranties. Consider the dealer's reputation
when you evaluate these ads.
Dealers
are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day
right to cancel. The right to return the car in a few
days for a refund exists only if the dealer grants this
privilege to buyers. Dealers may describe the right
to cancel as a "cooling-off" period, a money-back
guarantee or a "no questions asked" return
policy. Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about
the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read
it carefully.
The
Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Used Car Rule requires
dealers to post a buyers guide in every used car they
offer for sale. This includes light-duty vans, light-duty
trucks, demonstrators and program cars. Demonstrators
are new cars that have not been owned, 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 less than six cars a year
doesn't have to post a buyers guide.
The
Buyers Guide must tell you:
- 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;
- that
spoken promises are difficult to enforce;
- to
get all promises in writing;
- to
keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale;
- the
major mechanical and electrical systems on the car,
including some of the major problems you should look
for; and
- to
ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic
before you buy.
When
you buy a used car from a dealer, get the original Buyers
Guide that was posted in the vehicle, or a copy. The
Guide must reflect any negotiated changes in warranty
coverage. It also 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.
(Source:
www.ftc.gov)
| 