Used Car Buying Checklist: History, Inspection and the Buyers Guide

Under the FTC's Used Car Rule, dealers must display a Buyers Guide on every used car they offer for sale, and give it to you after the sale. You're also entitled to one if you buy a used car online. (Dealers in Maine and Wisconsin use their own version.)

The Guide tells you whether the car is sold "As Is - No Dealer Warranty" or with a warranty, and what percentage of repair costs the dealer will pay. The FTC says the Buyers Guide overrides anything in your sales contract that conflicts with it.

If the car is sold "as is," the dealer won't pay for repairs after the sale. Get any spoken promises, like a promise to fix something, written on the Buyers Guide.

A history report can show things like accidents and flood damage, and title problems such as a salvage title. The Justice Department's NMVTIS site lists approved providers of title history reports.

The FTC notes a history report typically won't list mechanical problems, so it's not a substitute for an inspection.

The FTC recommends having an independent mechanic inspect the car before you buy, even if it's "certified" or comes with a warranty. If the dealer won't let the car leave the lot, look for a mobile inspection service. If the dealer won't allow an inspection at all, the FTC suggests considering another dealer.

Ask for a written report with the make, model, VIN and an estimate for needed repairs. You can use it to negotiate the price.

Federal law doesn't give you three days to cancel a car purchase. Some states require a right to cancel, and some dealers offer one. Ask for the return policy in writing.

If you buy a service contract from the dealer within 90 days of buying a used car, the FTC says the dealer can't remove implied warranties on the systems that contract covers.