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How to Buy a Used Car Without Losing Your Shirt
by Fraser Wheelock
http://www.fwcar.com

Buying a used car is always a gamble, but knowing your
rights and the seller's responsibilities can help you find
a good deal. The so-called Lemon Laws enacted in various
states hold dealers who sell used cars to certain standards
and guidelines of business behavior. If you're looking for
a used car, it's to your benefit to know what rights the
law in your state gives you.

While each state has its own unique set of guidelines and
rules, there are some laws that apply across the board.
Those guidelines include rules about warranties and
disclosures that the dealer must make, as well as those
that he is not required to offer. Before you sign on the
dotted line to buy a car, you should:

Once Magnuson-Moss was on the books, many states followed
suit with so-called lemon laws of their own to make the
prospect of purchasing a used car safer for consumers. The
Lemon Laws lay out exactly what kind of information must
be made available to consumers considering any purchase,
including the warranties and guarantees that they will
receive. The specifics vary from state to state, so it is
in your best interest to look up the lemon laws in your
state before signing any agreement to purchase a used car.

To protect yourself, make a point of knowing the particular
laws that apply in your state. For instance, many states do
not allow 'as is' used car sales. In states that due, a
dealer may still be bound by an 'implied' warranty, though
the things covered under that warranty may vary from state
to state. In essence, the law assumes that a product, in
this case, a used car, will serve the purpose for which it
was bought.

Paying in Full
In this case, paying cash for your car includes the option
of taking out a personal or car loan with your own bank in
order to pay the dealer off for your car all at once. To
the dealer, it's the same as being paid in cash, and you
may be able to use it as leverage to get a better price on
the car of your choice.

3. Read the Buyers' Guide for the car you are buying.
Used car dealers ARE required by law to post a Buyer's
Guide in each vehicle that they offer for sale. The Buyer's
guide must make certain disclosures and make some specific
statements. Among those statements and disclosures are:

- whether the car is being sold 'as is'
- if there is a warranty on the car
- what, if any, percentage of repair costs the dealer pays
- a reminder that spoken promises are not enforceable
- the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car
- problems that you should look out for
- a reminder to ask to have the car inspected by an
independent inspector

Private sellers do not need to post a Buyers Guide, nor do
dealers who sell less than six cars per year. The Buyers
Guide should tell you if there is a warranty and what kind
of warranty it is. If you negotiate with a dealer for
coverage not listed on the Buyers' Guide, make sure that he
adds a note to the Buyers' Guide. In the event that the
contract you sign and the Buyers' Guide differ, the
conditions set out in the Buyers' Guide take precedence.

4. Understand the laws of your state regarding warranties.
If a used car is offered for sale 'As Is', the appropriate
box must be checked on the Buyers Guide. Connecticut,
Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota,
Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont,
West Virginia and the District of Columbia don't allow
As Is sales of used cars. At least three other states
require other specific disclosures. To find out what
warranties and disclosures apply to used car sales in your
state, contact your state Attorney General.

You have a right to have any car that you are considering
purchasing inspected by an independent inspector at your
own expense. If the dealer does not want the car to leave
his lot, you have the right to bring your own mechanic onto
the lot to examine the car you are considering.

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