Used Car Buyer’s Guide — Make the Dealer Put the Warranty Terms in Writing
What Is It?
FTC rules require many dealers to display and provide a Buyer’s Guide on used cars, and that guide can become powerful evidence about warranty promises and “as is” terms.
Do I Qualify?
- You are dealing with a used-car dealer covered by the FTC Used Car Rule
- The vehicle sale includes or should include a Buyer’s Guide
- The problem involves warranty terms, “as is” language, or missing disclosures
- You have the sales paperwork or photos of the window sticker
How To Use It
- Check whether the car had a Buyer’s Guide on the window before purchase.
- Save a copy of the guide and the final sales paperwork.
- Compare the guide to what the dealer promised verbally.
- Use the mismatch as leverage if the dealer later changes its story.
What Most People Don’t Know
- The Buyer’s Guide can become strong evidence in a later dispute.
- Verbal promises that conflict with the written guide are a warning sign.
- A missing or altered guide is not a trivial paperwork issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this automatic?
A: No. You have to save the guide and use it when the dispute happens.
What documents help most?
A: Photos of the window sticker, the Buyer’s Guide, repair records, and the sales contract are the best records.
Where do I start?
A: Start with the sales packet and any photo you took of the vehicle listing or window.
What is the biggest trap?
A: The biggest trap is letting the dealer keep all copies of the disclosure paperwork.