What is a buyer's guide in a used car sale?
Purpose and contents
The Buyer's Guide is a window sticker required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for used cars sold by dealers. It must be displayed on the vehicle and given to the buyer. It tells you if the car is sold 'as is' (no warranty) or with a warranty, and what percentage of repair costs the dealer will cover.
It also includes a list of major systems (engine, transmission, etc.) and suggests you have the car inspected by your own mechanic. The guide must state the car's make, model, year, and VIN.
If the car is sold 'as is,' the guide will say so in bold. If there's a warranty, it will specify terms, duration, and whether it's full or limited. The guide is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
- Required by FTC for dealer sales.
- Must be displayed on the car and given to buyer.
- States warranty coverage or 'as is' status.
- Lists major systems and suggests inspection.
- Includes vehicle identification details.
What it means for you
If the guide says 'as is,' you have no warranty from the dealer—any repairs are your responsibility. If it offers a warranty, read the terms carefully: what's covered, for how long, and what you must pay.
The Buyer's Guide does not apply to private sales, motorcycles, or vehicles sold for scrap. It also doesn't override any state laws that give you additional rights.
Keep the guide—it's proof of what you were promised. If a dealer refuses to provide one, that's a red flag and may be illegal.
- 'As is' means no dealer warranty.
- Warranty terms vary—read the fine print.
- Not required for private sales.
- Keep it as a record of the sale terms.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring the Buyer's Guide and assuming you have a warranty when the car is sold 'as is.'
- Thinking the guide is a warranty itself—it only describes the warranty status.
- Not asking for the guide in a private sale, where it's not required but can still be useful.
