Used vehicles are not required to have a warranty. Federal law requires all dealers to publish a Buyer's Guide on the window of each vehicle they offer for sale. The Buyer's Guide notifies the buyer if the vehicle is being sold with warranty or as is, without warranty of any kind. Buyers who purchase a vehicle as is should know that all repairs are their responsibility.
Buyers should carefully read the warranties, especially the small print, and be sure to obtain copies of all signed documents. Remember that there is no warranty or agreement unless it is in writing and signed by all parties. Get any promises made in writing. You can save money if you buy a used car from an individual, for example, through the classified ads section of your local newspaper or online.
However, keep in mind that private sellers don't have to provide you with the Buyer's Guide required by the Federal Trade Commission's Used Vehicle Rule and they don't offer implied warranties under state law. So it may be even more important to get warranty promises in writing and have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy it. When you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, you are not required to return to that dealer for any reason to retain the warranty. Under federal law, you have the right to have your car inspected and repaired wherever you want.
While vehicle manufacturers and dealers can (and will) insist that their vehicle be properly maintained, they cannot require where the consumer does that work to maintain the validity of the warranty.
Extended warranty
companies don't usually ask potential customers to bring their vehicles in for inspection. They make a warranty decision based on the make, model, year and mileage of the vehicle at the time of purchase. These companies then rely on the extended warranty waiting period for protection.In addition to a home, buying a car is often the biggest financial transaction that many consumers will make. However, the desire to save a considerable amount of money and drive in the car of your dreams can quickly turn into a nightmare of breakdowns and expensive repairs. Consult the Internet or at your local library or bookstore for reference material on various car models, options, their comparative costs and their history of reliability. While state and federal laws may require inspections for your vehicle, these inspections have nothing to do with your car's warranty.
For example, keep in mind that dealerships sometimes advertise very low interest rates for specific cars or models, but they may not be willing to negotiate the price of these cars or may require a high down payment so that the buyer can opt for these low rates. An unreliable car can cost you much more in frequent repairs, not to mention the hassles and wasted time at work you may experience. If the dealer does not affirmatively disclaim all warranties in writing, you will at least be covered by the implied warranties of merchantability (the product will do what it is supposed to do), fitness for a particular purpose (the dealer's advice that the car will be suitable for a particular use, such as hauling a trailer) and a good title. Vehicle inspections and maintenance Vehicle inspections and maintenance are a vital part of keeping your car in good working order and keeping your warranty intact.
If you consult the owner's manual, you'll see a list of prescribed maintenance, based on the mileage of your car, how long you've had it, and how you use it. The national car club offers a vehicle service contract that combines warranty protections with additional services, such as battery replacement, trip reimbursement and car rental coverage. These are typically included in certified used cars sold by dealerships, along with a thorough inspection. If you want to buy an extended warranty, remember that the price can be negotiated, as is the purchase price of the car.
Keep in mind that car sales agents may earn additional commissions if they can convince you to finance your car through your dealer. If the dealer doesn't have the vehicle with the options you want in their lot, consider ordering your new car to avoid paying more for unwanted options. .
