Federal Trade Commission | consumer.ftc.gov

Buying a Used Car
Contents

Before You Buy a Used Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Pay in Full or Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Dealer Sales and the Buyers Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

As Is - No Dealer Warranty..........................................................5

Implied Warranties ...................................................................... 6

Implied Warranty of Merchantability...................................... 6

Implied Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose .........7

Full and Limited Warranties .......................................................7

Warranty Documents ................................................................. 8

Unexpired Manufacturer’s Warranties ................................... 8

Service Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

An Independent Inspection Before You Buy . . . . . 10

Private Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

If You Have Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sample Buyers Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1

Before you start shopping for a used car, do some homework. It may save you serious money. Consider your driving habits, 

what the car will be used for, and your budget. Research models, 

options, costs, repair records, safety tests, and mileage — online 

and through libraries and bookstores. 

Before You Buy a Used Car

Whether you buy a used car from a dealer or an individual:

● Test drive the car under varied road conditions — on hills, 

highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

● Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, 

or repair shop.

● Determine the value of the vehicle before you 

negotiate the purchase. Check the National 

Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) Guides 

(www.nadaguides.com), Edmunds (www.edmunds.com), 

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com), and Consumer Reports 

(www.consumerreports.org). Some of these organizations 

charge for this information.

● Research the upkeep costs for models you’re interested in, 

including the frequency of repairs and maintenance costs.

● Examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find 

checklists in magazines, books, and on websites that deal 

with used cars.

● Check whether there are any unrepaired recalls on a vehicle. 

Start by asking the dealer if the vehicle you’re considering 

has a recall. You also can check yourself by entering the VIN 

at safercar.gov, or by calling the National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 

1-888-327-4236. If there is a recall, ask the dealer to fix it, or 

to give you information showing it was fixed. Keep in mind 

that federal law doesn’t require dealers to fix recalls on used 

cars, so you might need to get the repair done yourself. But 

don’t wait — according to NHTSA, all safety recalls pose 

safety risks and, left unrepaired, might lead to accidents.
2

● Get an independent 

review of a vehicle’s 

history. Check a 

trusted database 

service that gathers 

information from state and local authorities, salvage yards, 

and insurance companies. For example, the Department of 

Justice’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System 

(NMVTIS) (nmvtis.gov) offers information about a vehicle’s 

title, odometer data, and certain damage history. Expect to 

pay a small fee for each report. The National Insurance Crime 

Bureau (NICB) (www.nicb.org) maintains a free database 

that includes flood damage and other information. You 

can investigate a car’s history by its Vehicle Identification 

Number (VIN). You also can search online for companies 

that sell vehicle history reports. If the report isn’t recent or 

you suspect that it has missing or fabricated information, 

verify it with the reporting company. The information in 

the reports may not be complete, so you may want to get 

a second report from a different reporting company. Some 

dealer websites have links to free reports.

● Consider hiring a mechanic to inspect the car.

Pay in Full or Finance

You have two choices: pay in full or finance over time. Financing 

increases the total cost of the car because you’re also paying for 

the cost of credit, including interest and other costs. Consider how 

much you can put down, the monthly payment, the financing term 

(such as 48 months), and the annual percentage rate (APR). Rates 

usually are higher and financing periods shorter on used cars than 

on new ones.

Dealers and other finance sources (like finance companies, credit 

unions, and banks) offer a variety of financing terms. Shop around, 

compare offers, and negotiate the best deal you can. If you’re a 

first-time buyer — or if your credit isn’t great — be cautious about 

special financing offers. They can require a big down payment and 

You can investigate a 

car’s history by its Vehicle 

Identification Number (VIN).
3

a high APR. If you agree to financing that carries a high APR, you 

may be taking a big risk. 

● If you decide to sell the car before the end of the financing 

period, the amount you get from the sale may be less than the 

amount you need to pay off the financing agreement. 

● If the car is repossessed or declared a total loss because of 

an accident, you may have to pay a considerable amount to 

repay the loan even after the proceeds from the sale of the car 

or the insurance payment have been deducted. 

If money is tight, you might consider paying cash for a less 

expensive car.

If you decide to finance, make sure you understand the financing 

agreement before you sign any documents.

● What is the exact price you’re paying for the vehicle?

● How much are you financing?

● What is the finance charge (the dollar amount the credit will 

cost you)?

● What is the APR (a measure of the cost of credit, expressed 

as a yearly rate)?

● How many payments will you make — and how much is 

each one?

● What is the total sales price — the sum of the monthly 

payments plus the down payment?

Dealer Sales and the Buyers Guide

Used cars are sold through a variety of outlets: franchised and 

independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, used 

car superstores, and online. Ask friends, relatives, and co-workers 

for recommendations. Contact your local consumer protection 

agency (www.usa.gov/state-consumer) and state Attorney General 

(www.naag.org) to find out if any unresolved complaints are on file 

about a particular dealer. You also can search online for reviews or 

complaints. Enter the name of the seller and the word “review” or 

“complaint” into a search engine.
4

Some dealers attract customers with “no-haggle prices,” “factory 

certified” used cars, and better warranties. Consider the dealer’s 

reputation when you evaluate its ads.

Dealers are not required by federal law to give used car buyers a 

three-day right to cancel. In some states, dealers are required to 

give a right to cancel. In other states, the right to return the car in a 

few days for a refund exists only if the dealer chooses to offer this 

privilege. Dealers may describe the right to cancel as a “coolingoff” period, a money-back guarantee, or a “no questions asked” 

return policy. Before you buy 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 display a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for 

sale, and to give it to buyers after the sale. This includes lightduty vans, light-duty trucks, demonstrators, and program cars. 

Demonstrators are new cars that haven’t 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 shortterm leases or rentals. Buyers Guides do not have to be posted on 

motorcycles and most recreational vehicles. Anyone who sells, or 

offers for sale, fewer 

than six cars in a year 

doesn’t have to post a 

Buyers Guide.

The Buyers Guide 

tells you:

● the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, 

including some of the major problems you should look out 

for;

● 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;

● to get all promises in writing;

● to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic 

before you buy; 

The FTC’s Used Car Rule requires 

dealers to post a Buyers Guide in 

every used car they offer for sale. 
5

● to get a vehicle history report and to visit ftc.gov/usedcars 

for information on how to get a vehicle history report, how to 

check for safety recalls, and other topics; 

● to ask for a Spanish Buyers Guide if the sale is conducted in 

Spanish; 

● the dealer’s contact information, including the contact for 

complaints; and

● to remember: spoken promises are difficult to enforce.

Keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale.

Maine and Wisconsin are exempt from 

the FTC’s Used Car Rule. Those states 

require dealers to display a different 

version of the Buyers Guide.

Warranties

When you buy a used car from a dealer, the Guide must reflect any 

negotiated changes in warranty coverage. It 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.

As Is - No Dealer Warranty

When the dealer offers a vehicle “as is,” the box next to the “As 

Is - No Dealer 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. 

Some states — Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, 

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, 

New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District 

of Columbia — don’t allow “as is” sales for many used vehicles.

A sample of the 

Buyers Guide is on 

pages 14 - 16.
6

Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Washington require different 

disclosures from those on the Buyers Guide to create a valid “as is” 

sale. If the dealer fails to provide proper state disclosures, the sale 

is not “as is.” To find out what disclosures are required for “as is” 

sales in your state, contact your state Attorney General.

Implied Warranties

State laws hold dealers responsible if cars they sell don’t meet 

reasonable quality standards. These obligations are called implied 

warranties — unspoken, unwritten promises from the seller to 

the buyer. However, dealers in most states can use the words “as 

is” or “with all faults” in a written notice to buyers to eliminate 

implied warranties. There is no specified time period for implied 

warranties.

If you have a written warranty that doesn’t cover your problems, 

you still may have coverage through implied warranties. That’s 

because when a dealer sells a vehicle with a written warranty or 

service contract, implied warranties are included automatically. 

Dealers can’t delete this protection if they provide a written 

warranty. Any limit on an implied warranty’s time must be 

included on the written warranty.

Implied Warranty of Merchantability

The most common type of implied warranty is the warranty of 

merchantability: The seller promises that the product offered for 

sale will do what it’s supposed to. That a car will run is an example 

of a warranty of merchantability. This promise applies to the 

basic functions of a car. It does not cover everything that could go 

wrong.

Breakdowns and other problems after the sale don’t prove the 

seller breached the warranty of merchantability. A breach occurs 

only if the buyer can prove that a defect existed at the time of sale. 

A problem that occurs after the sale may be the result of a defect 

that existed at the time of sale or not. As a result, a dealer’s liability 

is judged case by case.
7

Implied Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose

A warranty of fitness for a particular purpose applies when you 

buy a vehicle based on the dealer’s advice that it is suitable for 

a particular use. For example, a dealer who suggests you buy a 

specific vehicle for hauling a trailer is promising that the vehicle 

will be suitable for that purpose.

Full and Limited Warranties

Dealers may offer a full or limited warranty on all or some of a 

vehicle’s systems or components. Most used car warranties are 

limited and their coverage varies. A full warranty includes the 

following terms and conditions:

● Anyone who owns the vehicle during the warranty period is 

entitled to warranty service.

● Warranty service will be provided free of charge, including 

removing and reinstalling a covered system.

● You have the choice of a replacement or a full refund if the 

dealer can’t repair the vehicle or covered system after a 

reasonable number of tries.

● You only have to tell the dealer that warranty service 

is needed to get it, unless the dealer can prove that it is 

reasonable to require you to do more.

● Implied warranties have no time limits.

If any of these statements doesn’t apply, the warranty is limited.

A full or limited warranty doesn’t have to cover the entire vehicle. 

The dealer may specify that only certain systems are covered. 

Some parts or systems may be covered by a full warranty.
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Warranty Documents

Make sure you get a copy of the dealer’s warranty document if 

you buy a car that is offered with a warranty. Review it carefully 

to determine what is covered. The warranty gives detailed 

information, such as how to get repairs for a covered system or 

part. It also tells who is legally responsible for fulfilling the terms 

of the warranty. If it’s a third party, investigate their reputation. 

Look up reviews online. 

Unexpired Manufacturer’s Warranties

If the manufacturer’s warranty still is in effect, the dealer may 

note that in the “systems covered/duration” section of the Buyers 

Guide. To make sure you can take advantage of the coverage, ask 

the dealer for the car’s warranty documents. Verify the information 

(what’s covered, expiration date/miles, and necessary paperwork) 

by calling the manufacturer’s zone office. Make sure you have the 

VIN when you call.

Service Contracts

A service contract is a promise to perform (or pay for) certain 

repairs or services. Although a service contract is sometimes called 

an extended warranty, it is not a warranty as defined by federal 

law. A service contract may be arranged any time and always 

costs extra; a warranty comes with a new car and is included in 

the original price. Used cars also may come with some type of 

warranty coverage included in the sales price. The separate and 

additional cost distinguishes a service contract from a warranty.

To decide if you need a service contract, consider:

● whether the service contract duplicates warranty coverage or 

offers protection that begins after the warranty runs out. Does 

the service contract extend beyond the time you expect to 

own the car? If so, is the service contract transferable or is a 

shorter contract available?
9

● whether the vehicle is 

likely to need repairs and 

how much they’re going to 

cost. You can determine the 

value of a service contract 

by figuring whether the cost of repairs is likely to exceed the 

price of the contract.

● whether the service contract covers all parts and systems. 

Check out all claims carefully. For example, “bumper to 

bumper” coverage may not mean what you think.

● whether a deductible is required and, if so, the amount and 

terms.

● whether the contract covers incidental expenses, like towing 

and rental car charges while your car is being serviced.

● whether repairs and routine maintenance have to be done at 

the dealer.

● whether there’s a cancellation and refund policy for the 

service contract, and if it has cancellation fees.

● whether the dealer or company offering the service contract 

is reputable. Some dealers sell third-party service contracts.

If you buy a service contract from the dealer within 90 days 

of buying a used vehicle, federal law prohibits the dealer from 

eliminating implied warranties on the systems covered in the 

contract. For example, if you buy a car “as is,” the car normally 

is not covered by implied warranties. But if you buy a service 

contract covering the engine, you automatically get implied 

warranties on the engine. These may give you protection beyond 

the scope of the service contract. Make sure you get written 

confirmation that your service contract is in effect.

A service contract may 

be arranged any time and 

always costs extra.
10

An Independent Inspection Before You Buy

It’s best to have any used car inspected by an independent 

mechanic before you buy it. For about $100, you’ll get a 

general indication of the mechanical condition of the vehicle. 

An inspection is a good idea even if the car has been “certified” 

and inspected by the dealer and is being sold with a warranty or 

service contract. A mechanical inspection is different from a safety 

inspection. Safety inspections usually focus on conditions that 

make a car unsafe to drive. They are not designed to determine the 

overall reliability or mechanical condition of a vehicle.

To find a pre-purchase inspection facility, check the phone book 

under “Automotive Diagnostic Service,” go online, or ask friends, 

relatives, and co-workers for referrals. Look for facilities that 

display certifications like an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) 

seal, and search online for comments.

Ask what the inspection 

includes, how long it takes, 

and how much it costs. 

If the dealer won’t let you 

take the car off the lot, 

perhaps because of insurance restrictions, you may be able to find 

a mobile inspection service that will go to the dealer. If that’s not 

an option, ask the dealer to have the car inspected at a facility you 

designate. You will have to pay the inspection fee. If a dealer won’t 

allow an independent inspection, you might want to consider doing 

business elsewhere.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a 

written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be 

sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model, and VIN. If 

you decide to make a purchase offer to the dealer after considering 

the inspection’s results, you can use the estimated repair costs to 

negotiate the price of the vehicle.

It’s best to have any used car 

inspected by an independent 

mechanic before you buy it.
11

Private Sales

Buying a car from a private individual is different from buying 

from a dealer.

● Private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car 

Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you 

can use the Guide’s list of an automobile’s major systems as a 

shopping tool, and you can ask the seller if you can have the 

vehicle inspected by a mechanic.

● Private sales usually are not covered by the “implied 

warranties” of state law. That means a private sale probably 

will be on an “as is” basis, unless your purchase agreement 

with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a 

written contract, the seller must live up to the promises stated 

in the contract. 

● The car may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a 

separately purchased service contract. However, warranties 

and service contracts may not be transferable, and other 

limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask to 

review its warranty or service contract. Many states do not 

require individuals to ensure that their vehicles will pass state 

inspection or carry a minimum warranty before they offer 

them for sale. You can ask your state Attorney General’s 

office or local consumer protection agency about the 

requirements in your state.
12

If You Have Problems

If you have a problem that you think is covered by a warranty or 

service contract, follow the instructions to get service. If a dispute 

arises, try to work it out with the dealer. Talk with the salesperson 

or, if necessary, the owner of the dealership. Many problems can 

be resolved at this level. However, if you believe you’re entitled to 

service, but the dealer disagrees, you have some options:

● If your warranty is backed by a car manufacturer, contact the 

local representative of the manufacturer. The local or zone 

representative is authorized to decide issues of warranty 

service and repairs to satisfy customers. Some manufacturers 

are willing to repair certain problems in specific models for 

free, even if the manufacturer’s warranty does not cover the 

problem. Ask the manufacturer’s zone representative or the 

service department of a franchised dealership that sells your 

car model whether there is such a policy.

● Contact your state Attorney General or the American 

Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators 

(www.aamva.org). 

● You might consider using a dispute resolution organization 

if you and the dealer are willing. Under the terms of many 

warranties, this may be a required first step before you can 

sue the dealer or manufacturer. If you bought your car from a 

franchised dealer, you may be able to seek mediation through 

the Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP), 

a dispute resolution program coordinated nationally by the 

National Automobile Dealers Association (www.nada.org) 

and sponsored through state and local dealer associations in 

many cities. Check with the dealer association in your area to 

see if they operate a mediation program.

If none of these steps is successful, small claims court is an option. 

Here, you can resolve disputes involving small amounts of money, 

often without an attorney. The clerk of your local small claims 

court can tell you how to file a suit and the dollar limit in your 

state.
13

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also may be helpful. Under this 

federal law, you can sue based on breach of express warranties, 

implied warranties, or service contracts. If successful, consumers 

can recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other court costs. A 

lawyer can advise you if this law applies.
14

ASK THE DEALER IF YOUR MECHANIC CAN INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON OR OFF THE LOT.

OBTAIN A VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT AND CHECK FOR OPEN SAFETY RECALLS. For information on 

how to obtain a vehicle history report, visit ftc.gov/usedcars. To check for open safety recalls, visit safercar.gov. 

You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN) shown above to make the best use of the resources on 

these sites.

SEE OTHER SIDE for important additional information, including a list of major defects that may occur in 

used motor vehicles.

Si el concesionario gestiona la venta en español, pídale una copia de la Guía del Comprador en español.

SERVICE CONTRACT. A service contract on this vehicle is available for an extra charge. Ask for details about 

coverage, deductible, price, and exclusions. If you buy a service contract within 90 days of your purchase of this 

vehicle, implied warranties under your state’s laws may give you additional rights.

Ask the dealer for a copy of the warranty document and an explanation of warranty coverage, exclusions, and repair 

obligations.

OTHER USED VEHICLE WARRANTY APPLIES.

MANUFACTURER’S USED VEHICLE WARRANTY APPLIES.

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY STILL APPLIES. The manufacturer’s original warranty has not expired on some 

components of the vehicle.

NON-DEALER WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE:

SYSTEMS COVERED: DURATION:

LIMITED WARRANTY. The dealer will pay ____% of the labor and ____% of the parts for the covered systems

that fail during the warranty period. Ask the dealer for a copy of the warranty, and for any documents that 

explain warranty coverage, exclusions, and the dealer’s repair obligations. Implied warranties under your 

state’s laws may give you additional rights. 

FULL WARRANTY.

DEALER WARRANTY

THE DEALER DOES NOT PROVIDE A WARRANTY FOR ANY REPAIRS AFTER SALE.

AS IS - NO DEALER WARRANTY

WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE:

VEHICLE MAKE MODEL YEAR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)

IMPORTANT: Spoken promises are difficult to enforce. Ask the dealer to put all promises in writing. Keep this form.

BUYERS GUIDE

Sample Buyers Guide

Actual Buyers Guide is at least 7.5” x 10”

Front Side of Buyers Guide
15

ASK THE DEALER IF YOUR MECHANIC CAN INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON OR OFF THE LOT.

OBTAIN A VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT AND CHECK FOR OPEN SAFETY RECALLS. For information on 

how to obtain a vehicle history report, visit ftc.gov/usedcars. To check for open safety recalls, visit safercar.gov. 

You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN) shown above to make the best use of the resources on 

these sites.

SEE OTHER SIDE for important additional information, including a list of major defects that may occur in 

used motor vehicles.

Si el concesionario gestiona la venta en español, pídale una copia de la Guía del Comprador en español.

SERVICE CONTRACT. A service contract on this vehicle is available for an extra charge. Ask for details about 

coverage, deductible, price, and exclusions. If you buy a service contract within 90 days of your purchase of this 

vehicle, implied warranties under your state’s laws may give you additional rights.

Ask the dealer for a copy of the warranty document and an explanation of warranty coverage, exclusions, and repair 

obligations.

OTHER USED VEHICLE WARRANTY APPLIES.

MANUFACTURER’S USED VEHICLE WARRANTY APPLIES.

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY STILL APPLIES. The manufacturer’s original warranty has not expired on some 

components of the vehicle.

NON-DEALER WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE:

SYSTEMS COVERED: DURATION:

LIMITED WARRANTY. The dealer will pay ____% of the labor and ____% of the parts for the covered systems

that fail during the warranty period. Ask the dealer for a copy of the warranty, and for any documents that 

explain warranty coverage, exclusions, and the dealer’s repair obligations. Implied warranties under your 

state’s laws may give you additional rights. 

FULL WARRANTY.

DEALER WARRANTY

The dealer doesn’t make any promises to fix things that need repair when you buy the vehicle or afterward. 

But implied warranties under your state’s laws may give you some rights to have the dealer take care of 

serious problems that were not apparent when you bought the vehicle.

IMPLIED WARRANTIES ONLY

WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE:

VEHICLE MAKE MODEL YEAR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)

IMPORTANT: Spoken promises are difficult to enforce. Ask the dealer to put all promises in writing. Keep this form.

BUYERS GUIDE

This Buyers Guide, with the paragraph about 

“Implied Warranties Only,” should be used in states that

do not allow “As Is” sales. (See page 5)
16

IMPORTANT: The information on this form is part of any contract to buy this vehicle. Removing this label before

consumer purchase (except for purpose of test-driving) violates federal law (16 C.F.R. 455).

FOR COMPLAINTS AFTER SALE, CONTACT:

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE EMAIL

DEALER NAME

Here is a list of some major defects that may occur in used vehicles.

Steering System

Too much free play at steering wheel 

(DOT specs.)

Free play in linkage more than 1/4 inch

Steering gear binds or jams

Front wheels aligned improperly 

(DOT specs.)

Power unit belts cracked or slipping

Power unit fluid level improper

Suspension System

Ball joint seals damaged

Structural parts bent or damaged

Stabilizer bar disconnected

Spring broken

Shock absorber mounting loose

Rubber bushings damaged or missing

Radius rod damaged or missing

Shock absorber leaking or functioning 

improperly

Tires

Tread depth less than 2/32 inch

Sizes mismatched

Visible damage

Wheels

Visible cracks, damage or repairs

Mounting bolts loose or missing

Exhaust System

Leakage

Catalytic Converter

Cooling System

Leakage including radiator

Improperly functioning water pump

Electrical System

Battery leakage

Improperly functioning alternator, generator, 

battery, or starter

Fuel System

Visible leakage

Inoperable Accessories

Gauges or warning devices

Air conditioner

Heater & Defroster

Brake System

Failure warning light broken

Pedal not firm under pressure (DOT spec.)

Not enough pedal reserve (DOT spec.)

Does not stop vehicle in straight line 

(DOT spec.)

Hoses damaged

Drum or rotor too thin (Mfgr. Specs)

Lining or pad thickness less than 1/32 inch

Power unit not operating or leaking

Structural or mechanical parts damaged

Air Bags

Frame & Body

Frame-cracks, corrective welds, or rusted 

through

Dog tracks—bent or twisted frame

Engine

Oil leakage, excluding normal seepage

Cracked block or head

Belts missing or inoperable

Knocks or misses related to camshaft

lifters and push rods

Abnormal exhaust discharge

Transmission & Drive Shaft

Improper fluid level or leakage, excluding 

normal seepage

Cracked or damaged case which is visible

Abnormal noise or vibration caused by faulty 

transmission or drive shaft

Improper shifting or functioning in any gear

Manual clutch slips or chatters

Differential

Improper fluid level or leakeage, excluding 

normal seepage

Cracked of damaged housing which is 

visible

Abnormal noise or vibration caused by faulty 

differential

The back of the Buyers Guide alerts you to 

problems that may occur in used vehicles.
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair 

business practices in the marketplace and to provide information 

to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or 

get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call tollfree, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. 

Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn 

more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer 

Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool 

used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies 

in the U.S. and abroad. 
Federal Trade Commission

consumer.ftc.gov

November 2016