Buyers Guide / "As Is — No Dealer Warranty"

The window form dealers must display on every used car, showing whether it comes with a warranty or none.

Also called: Buyers Guide · as-is sale · Used Car Rule

What it means

Definition

The FTC's Used Car Rule requires dealers to display a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale. The form shows whether the vehicle comes with a warranty or is sold as is; the FTC states that 'As Is - No Dealer Warranty' means the dealer won't pay for any problems or needed repairs. The requirement falls on dealers, not on private sellers.

Why a buyer cares

What it changes

The box checked on that form is what determines whether the dealer has any obligation for repairs after the sale, regardless of what was said on the lot.

In practice

Where you meet it

Posted in a window of the car on the dealer's lot, then again among the papers signed at purchase.

Two things that look alike

Not the same as

A certified pre-owned car is sold with manufacturer-backed coverage rather than as is.

Where this comes from

Sources

Several states restrict or override as-is sales; the FTC page refers readers to their state attorney general. Not checked state by state.