Used Automobile Buying Tips

questions & answers

Question: I purchased a used car from a car dealership after 5 days and less than 500 miles the transmission goes out. The dealer is saying I need to pay for all parts. I was under the assumption that he pays For the car repair

Answer:

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale. 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 out for • 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. When the dealer offers a vehicle "as is," the box next to the "As Is - No 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 satisfied, 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. In Arizona, you will have protection for the first 15 days or 500 miles after you buy a used car. If a major component breaks during that period, the dealer must repair it, but you will still have to pay up to $25 for the first two repairs. For more information about buying used cars view the “Used Automobile Buying Tips Article” http://azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?mc=4&sc=70&articleid=14