Buying a

Used Car

F C EDERAL RADE OMMISSION T FTC OR HE ONSUMER

1-877-FTC-HELP www.ftc.gov

A Consumer Guide from the

Federal Trade Commission

Before you start shopping for a car, youíll need to do some

homework. Spending time now may save you serious money

later. Think about your driving habits, your needs, and your

budget. You can learn about car models, options, and prices by

reading newspaper ads, both display and classified. There is a

wealth of information about used cars on the Internet: enter ìused

carî as the key words and youíll find additional information on

how to buy a used car, detailed instructions for conducting a prepurchase inspection, and ads for cars available for sale, among

other information. Libraries and book stores also have publications that compare car models, options, and costs, and offer

information about frequency-of-repair records, safety tests, and

mileage. Many of these publications have details on the doís and

doníts of buying a used car.

Once youíve narrowed your car choices, research the frequency of repair and maintenance costs on the models in autorelated consumer magazines. The U.S. Department of

Transportationís Auto Safety Hotline (1-800-424-9393) gives

information on recalls.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

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

finance, the total cost of the car increases. Thatís because youíre

also paying for the cost of credit, which includes interest and

other loan costs. Youíll also have to consider how much you can

put down, your monthly payment, the length of the loan, and the

annual percentage rate (APR). Keep in mind that annual percentage rates usually are higher and loan periods generally are shorter

on used cars than on new ones.

Dealers and lenders offer a variety of loan terms and payment

schedules. Shop around, compare offers, and negotiate the best

deal you can. Be cautious about advertisements offering financing

to first-time buyers or people with bad credit. These offers often

require a big down payment and 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 loan expires, the amount

you receive from the sale may be far less than the amount you

need to pay off the loan. If the car is repossessed or declared a

total loss because of an accident, you may be obligated 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 your budget is tight, you may want to consider

paying cash for a less expensive car than you first had in mind.

Looking for a

used car?

Start by doing

some homework. What

you learn now

may save you

serious money

later.

1
If you decide to finance, make sure you understand the following aspects of the loan agreement before you sign any documents:

! the exact price youíre paying for the vehicle;

! the amount youíre financing;

! the finance charge (the dollar amount the credit will cost you);

! the APR (a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a

yearly rate);

! the number and amount of payments; and

! the total sales price (the sum of the monthly payments plus

the down payment).

DEALER SALES

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 ìno-haggle

prices,î ìfactory certifiedî used cars, and better warranties.

Consider the dealerís 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 ìcoolingoffî period, a money-back guarantee, or a ìno questions askedî

return policy. Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the

dealerís return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully.

The Federal Trade Commissionís (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

The Federal

Trade

Commissionís

Used Car Rule

requires dealers to post a

Buyers Guide

in every used

car they offer

for sale.

2
rentals. Buyers Guides do not have to be posted on motorcycles

and most recreational vehicles. Anyone who sells less than six

cars a year doesnít have to post a Buyers Guide.

The Buyers Guide must tell you:

! whether the vehicle is being sold ìas isî 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; 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 ìas is,î the

dealer must give you the warranty described in the Guide.

As Is - No Warranty

When the dealer offers a vehicle ìas is,î the box next to the

ìAs Is ó No Warrantyî 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 youíre 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, including Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Maryland,

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York,

Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, donít allow ìas isî sales for many used vehicles.

Three states ó Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Washington

ó require different disclosures than those on the Buyers Guide.

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

not ìas is.î To find out what disclosures are required for ìas isî

sales in your state, contact your state Attorney General.

ìAs-Is ó No

Warrantyî

means that

the dealer

assumes no

responsibility

to fix anything

that goes

wrong after

the sale.

3
Implied Warranties

State laws hold dealers responsible if cars they sell donít meet

reasonable quality standards. These obligations are called implied

warranties ó unspoken, unwritten promises from the seller to the

buyer. However, dealers in most states can use the words ìas isî

or ìwith all faultsî in a written notice to buyers to eliminate

implied warranties. There is no specified time period for implied

warranties.

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 itís 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 donít 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

dealerís liability is judged case-by-case.

Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose

A warranty of fitness for a particular purpose applies when you

buy a vehicle based on the dealerís advice that it is suitable for a

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

specific vehicle for hauling a trailer in effect is promising that the

vehicle will be suitable for that purpose.

If you have a written warranty that doesnít cover your problems, you still may have coverage through implied warranties.

Thatís because when a dealer sells a vehicle with a written warranty or service contract, implied warranties are included automatically. The dealer canít delete this protection. Any limit on an

implied warrantyís time must be included on the written warranty.

In states that donít allow ìas isî sales, an ìImplied Warranties Onlyî disclosure is printed on the Buyers Guide in place of

the ìAs Isî disclosure. The box beside this disclosure will be

checked if the dealer decides to sell the car with no written

warranty.

If you have a

written

warranty that

doesnít cover

your problems,

you still may

have coverage

through

implied

warranties.

Warranty

4
In states that do allow ìas isî sales, the ìImplied Warranties

Onlyî disclosure should appear on the Buyers Guide if the dealer

decides to sell a vehicle with implied warranties and no written

warranty. A copy of the Buyers Guide with the ìImplied Warranties Onlyî disclosure is on page 13.

Dealers who offer a written warranty must complete the

warranty section of the Buyers Guide. Because terms and conditions vary, it may be useful to compare and negotiate coverage.

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

a vehicleís 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

such costs as removing and reinstalling a covered system.

! You have the choice of a replacement or a full refund if, after

a reasonable number of tries, the dealer cannot repair the

vehicle or a covered system.

! You only have to tell the dealer that warranty service is

needed in order 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 donít apply, the warranty is limited.

A full or limited warranty doesnít 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; others by a limited warranty.

The dealer must check the appropriate box on the Buyers

Guide to indicate whether the warranty is full or limited and the

dealer must include the following information in the ìWarrantyî

section:

! the percentage of the repair cost that the dealer will pay. For

example, ìthe dealer will pay 100 percent of the labor and

100 percent of the parts . . .î;

! the specific parts and systems ó such as the frame, body, or

brake system ó that are covered by the warranty. The back

You have the

right to see

a copy of the

dealerís warranty before

you buy.

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of the Buyers Guide lists the major systems where problems

may occur;

! the warranty term for each covered system. For example, ì30

days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes firstî; and

! whether thereís a deductible and, if so, how much.

You have the right to see a copy of the dealerís warranty

before you buy. 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 itís a third

party, investigate their reputation and whether theyíre insured.

Find out the name of the insurer, and call to verify the information. Then check out the third-party company with your local

Better Business Bureau. Thatís not foolproof, but it is prudent.

Make sure you receive a copy of the dealerís warranty document

if you buy a car that is offered with a warranty.

Unexpired Manufacturerís Warranties

If the manufacturerís warranty still is in effect, the dealer may

include it in the ìsystems covered/durationî section of the Buyers

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

the dealer for the carís warranty documents. Verify the information (whatís covered, expiration date/miles, necessary paperwork)

by calling the manufacturerís zone office. Make sure you have

the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) when you call.

Service Contracts

Like a warranty, a service contract provides repair and/or maintenance for a specific period. But warranties are included in the

price of a product, while service contracts cost extra and are sold

separately. 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?

! the vehicle is likely to need repairs and their potential costs.

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.

Warranties

are included

in the price

of a product.

Service contracts cost

extra and

are sold

separately.

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! the service contract covers all parts and systems. Check out

all claims carefully. For example, ìbumper to bumperî

coverage may not mean what you think.

! a deductible is required and, if so, the amount and terms.

! the contract covers incidental expenses, such as towing and

rental car charges while your car is being serviced.

! repairs and routine maintenance, such as oil changes, have to

be done at the dealer.

! thereís a cancellation and refund policy for the service contract and, whether there are cancellation fees.

! the dealer or company offering the service contract is reputable. Read the contract carefully to determine who is legally

responsible for fulfilling the terms of the contract. Some

dealers sell third-party service contracts.

The dealer must check the appropriate box on the Buyers

Guide if a service contract is offered, except in states where

service contracts are regulated by insurance laws. If the Guide

doesnít include a service contract reference and youíre interested

in buying one, ask the salesperson for more information.

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 ìas is,î 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.

Spoken Promises

The Buyers Guide cautions you not to rely on spoken promises.

They are difficult to enforce because there may not be any way

for a court to determine with any confidence what was said. Get

all promises written into the Guide.

Pre-Purchase Independent Inspection

Itís best to have any used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy it. For about $100 or less, youíll get a

general indication of the mechanical condition of the vehicle. An

A mechanical

inspection is

different

from a safety

inspection.

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inspection is a good idea even if the car has been ìcertifiedî 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 your Yellow

Pages under ìAutomotive Diagnostic Serviceî or ask friends,

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

display certifications like an Automotive Service Excellence

(ASE) seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in

specific technical areas. Make sure the certifications are current,

but remember that certification alone is no guarantee of good or

honest work. Also ask to see current licenses if state or local law

requires such facilities to be licensed or registered. Check with

your state Attorney Generalís office or local consumer protection

agency to find out whether thereís a record of complaints about

particular facilities.

There are no standard operating procedures for pre-purchase

inspections. Ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes,

and how much it costs. Get this information in writing.

If the dealer wonít 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 thatís not

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

you designate. You will have to pay the inspection fee.

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 vehicleís make, model, and VIN.

Make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make a

purchase offer to the dealer after considering the inspectionís

results, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the

price of the vehicle.

Vehicle Systems

The Buyers Guide lists an autoís 14 major systems and some

serious problems that may occur in each. This list may help you

and your mechanic evaluate the mechanical condition of the

vehicle. The list also may help you compare warranties offered

on different cars or by different dealers.

The Buyers

Guide lists an

autoís 14 major

systems and

some serious

problems that

may occur in

each.

8
Dealer Identification

and Consumer Complaint Information

The back of the Buyers Guide lists the name and address of the

dealership. It also gives the name and telephone number of the

person you should contact at the dealership if you have problems

or complaints after the sale.

Optional Signature Line

The dealer may include a buyerís signature line at the bottom of

the Buyers Guide. If the line is included, the following statement

must be written or printed close to it: ìI hereby acknowledge

receipt of the Buyers Guide at the closing of this sale.î Your

signature means you received the Buyers Guide at closing. It does

not mean that the dealer complied with the Ruleís other requirements, such as posting a Buyers Guide in all the vehicles offered

for sale.

Spanish Language Sales

If you buy a used car and the sales discussion is conducted in

Spanish, you are entitled to see and keep a Spanish-language

version of the Buyers Guide.

PRIVATE SALES

An alternative to buying from a dealer is buying from an individual. You may see ads in newspapers, on bulletin boards, or on

a car. Buying a car from a private party is very different from

buying a car from a dealer.

! Private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car

Rule and donít have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you

can use the Guideís list of an autoís major systems as a

shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the

vehicle inspected by your mechanic.

! Private sales usually are not covered by the ìimplied warrantiesî of state law. That means a private sale probably will be

on an ìas isî 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 also may be covered by a manufacturerís

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.

Private sellers

generally are

not covered by

the Used Car

Rule.

9
! 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. Ask your state Attorney

Generalís office or local consumer protection agency about

the requirements in your state.

BEFORE YOU BUY A USED CAR

Whether you buy a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a

neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the

car:

! Examine the car yourself using an inspection checklist. You

can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books

and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.

! Test drive the car under varied road conditions ó on hills,

highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

! Ask for the carís maintenance record. If the owner doesnít

have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most

of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

! Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is

unfamiliar with the carís history.

! Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.

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, there are several steps you can take:

! 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 youíre

entitled to service, but the dealer disagrees, you can take

other steps.

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

local representative of the manufacturer. The local or zone

representative is authorized to adjust and decide about warranty service and repairs to satisfy customers. Some manufacturers also are willing to repair certain problems in specific

models for free, even if the manufacturerís warranty does not

cover the problem. Ask the manufacturerís zone representative or the service department of a franchised dealership that

sells your car model whether there is such a policy.

If you have

problems,

first try to

work them out

with the

dealer.

10
! Auto Service

Contracts

! Buying a New Car

! Car Ads: Reading

Between the

Lines

! Keys to Vehicle

Leasing

! Taking the Scare

Out of Auto

Repair

! Warranties

Check out

these

publications

from the FTC:

! Contact your local Better Business Bureau, state Attorney

General, or the Department of Motor Vehicles. You also

might consider using a dispute resolution organization to

arbitrate your disagreement 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.

Check your warranty to see if this is the case. 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

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 what the dollar limit is in your state.

! 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 a service contract.

If successful, consumers can recover reasonable attorneysí

fees and other court costs. A lawyer can advise you if this law

applies.

The FTC works for the consumer 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 to get free information on consumer issues,

call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the

complaint form at www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet,

telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints

into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to

hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the

U.S. and abroad.

1-877-FTC-HELP

www.ftc.gov

11
BUYERS GUIDE

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

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VEHICLE MAKE MODEL YEAR VIN NUMBER

____________________________________________________

DEALER STOCK NUMBER (Optional)

WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE:

AS IS - NO WARRANTY

YOU WILL PAY ALL COSTS FOR ANY REPAIRS. The dealer assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of

any oral statements about the vehicle.

WARRANTY

FULL 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 document

for a full explanation of warranty coverage, exclusions, and the dealerís repair obligations. Under

state law, ìimplied warrantiesî may give you even more rights.

SYSTEMS COVERED: DURATION:

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

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

coverage, deductible, price, and exclusions. If you buy a service contract within 90 days of the time of sale, state law

ìimplied warrantiesî may give you additional rights.

PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION: ASK THE DEALER IF YOU MAY HAVE THIS VEHICLE INSPECTED BY YOUR

MECHANIC EITHER ON OR OFF THE LOT.

SEE THE BACK OF THIS FORM for important additional information, including a list of some major defects that may

occur in used motor vehicles.

Be wary

if a

dealer

wonít put

promises

in

writing.

Front Side of Buyers Guide

An independent inspection before you

buy can tell you if problems exist.

12
BUYERS GUIDE

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

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VEHICLE MAKE MODEL YEAR VIN NUMBER

____________________________________________________

DEALER STOCK NUMBER (Optional)

WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE:

IMPLIED WARRANTIES ONLY

This means that the dealer does not make any specific promises to fix things that need repair when you buy the

vehicle or after the time of sale. But, state law ìimplied warrantiesî may give you some rights to have the dealer take

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

WARRANTY

FULL 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 document

for a full explanation of warranty coverage, exclusions, and the dealerís repair obligations. Under

state law, ìimplied warrantiesî may give you even more rights.

SYSTEMS COVERED: DURATION:

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

_____________________________________ __________________________________

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

coverage, deductible, price, and exclusions. If you buy a service contract within 90 days of the time of sale, state law

ìimplied warrantiesî may give you additional rights.

PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION: ASK THE DEALER IF YOU MAY HAVE THIS VEHICLE INSPECTED BY YOUR

MECHANIC EITHER ON OR OFF THE LOT.

SEE THE BACK OF THIS FORM for important additional information, including a list of some major defects that may

occur in used motor vehicles.

This Buyers Guide, with the paragraph about

ìImplied Warranties Only,î should be used in states

that do not allow ìas isî sales. (see p.3)

13
Frame & Body

Frame-cracks, corrective welds, or rusted through

Dog tracksóbent 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 leakage excluding normal

seepage

Cracked of damaged housing which is visible

Abnormal noise or vibration caused by faulty

differential

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

The back of the Buyers Guide alerts you to

the problems that may occur in used vehicles.

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

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

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

________________________________________________________________________________________________

DEALER

________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEE FOR COMPLAINTS

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

before consumer purchase (except for purpose of test-driving) is a violation of federal law (16 C.F.R. 455).

14
F C EDERAL RADE OMMISSION T FTC OR HE ONSUMER

1-877-FTC-HELP www.ftc.gov

Federal Trade Commission

Bureau of Consumer Protection

Office of Consumer and Business Education

March 2002