This document is literally a ‘Buyers’ guide on things to look for when buying a used vehicle.

When shopping for a used vehicle on a dealer’s lot, you’ll note a Buyer’s Guide sticker (also known as the AS IS sticker) in one of the windows of the vehicle.

Knowing how to use this Buyers Guide could save you big money on buying a used vehicle and could prevent you from making a huge mistake.
Just follow these steps:
– Don’t be intimidated by this sticker.
– MAKE SURE it is posted on the window or visible in the vehicle prior to a test drive.
– You should take the sticker off of the window (or ask for a copy).
– Read and check each item on the back of the sticker. You can visually see many of the items but you do have the right to take the vehicle to a mechanic of your choice to have the vehicle checked out.
– Ask the dealer if you can have a mechanic of your choice inspect the vehicle. ANY good used car dealer should have NO problem with you doing this.
– Take the vehicle for a test drive and listen for any off noised and smell if anything is odd like burning oil on the motor or radiator fluid smells.
– After the test drive open the hood and re-inspect the vehicle. Check for any leaks or or odd smells, again burning oil or radiator fluid smells.
– Check the tires for any thin tread or for debris such as nails or screws lodged in the tread.
– Ask the dealer if any warranties are available. If so get it in writing on the buyers guide itself.



All used car dealers are required by state and federal law to post a Buyer’s Guide on every used car they offer.

The following information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains the Buyer’s Guide sticker in detail.

The FTC Used Car Rule requires the Buyers Guide to tell you:

– Whether the used vehicle is being sold “as is” or with a warranty;

– What percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty if any;

– That any 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 vehicle, including some of the major problems you should look out for; and

– To ask to have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic of your choice before you buy the vehicle.

When you buy a used car from a dealer, make sure you get the original Buyers Guide that was posted in the vehicle, or at minimum, a copy of it.
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 “as is,” the dealer must give you the warranty described in the Guide.