05/19/2021
Buying a "Used" vehicle is often a great choice for most consumers, and can be the best way to get the features and function you want for less.
Used vehicles can still have remaining and transferrable Basic or Powertrain warranties. These vehicles are typically newer, and will not have above-average mileage.
These are typically sold "As-Is" with no dealer warranty, but provide reassurance knowing the manufacturer warranty may provide protection for certain
covered issues.
Other Used vehicles can have no manufacturer warranty remaining at all, and may be much older and have higher mileage.
These vehicles are also sold "As-Is" with no dealer warranty, and have no active warranty that would provide coverage for any mechanical issues.
Vehicles in this category often will be the most affordable vehicles, and are more often purchased in cash or short term financing vs long-term financing.
The appeal of a $5,000.00 - $12,000.00 vehicle is clear, but also needs to be done with proper expectations in mind.
When buying a used vehicle "As-Is", please consider:
All electronic components on the vehicle may not be functional for the vehicle to be considered ready and safe for sale.
To offer vehicles in the price range of alot of our used vehicles, decisions are made on what and what not to repair to keep vehicles affordable.
Safety and powertrain reliability are the #1 priority. It is your responsibility to make sure that the features and components you will require to be functional are
indeed functioning prior to the purchase of the vehicle.
Used vehicles may have body damage such as dents, scratches, door dings, and imperfections in the paint. It is your responsibility to make sure the vehicle is free of these
defects that would make you unhappy owning the vehicle, or be prepared to repair these issues. These items are taken into consideration in the pricing of the vehicles,
and unless it is written explicitly that the items would be repaired as part of the purchase agreement, there is no obligation to repair damages.
Used vehicles also will have items that were included from the original manufacturer that may not be present when sold as a used vehicle, including:
- A second key
- An owners manual
- The spare tire / jack
Once again, unless it is written explicitly that the items would be replaced as part of the purchase agreement, there is no obligation to replace these items if you
discover that they are not there after purchase. It is up to you to make sure that everything you require in a vehicle is present, and discuss any consideration for
replacement of these items prior to the purchase of the vehicle. It may or may not make financial sense for the items to be replaced, and that should be confirmed to erase
any doubt in regards to what is owed.
There are some issues with vehicles that give no indications of malfunction, and cannot be detected until there is an issue. If there is nothing to indicate there is issues
with a vehicle at the time of inspection and/or test drive, and vehicle defects become apparent after purchase, there is no obligation to fix these items. These items include
underlying issues that would not be discovered on a typical vehicle inspection.
Examples of these issues include:
- A vehicle's original battery dying a few months after purchase
- A vehicle's radio intermittently malfunctioning after purchase
- A brake light going out weeks after purchase
- A check engine light a few months after purchase
- A Window regulator that wears out months after purchase
A dealership has a legal obligation to sell you a vehicle that is safe for roads according to the State inspection requirements.
There is no legal obligation for the vehicle to meet your individual standards, unless it is agreed upon in the terms of the purchase agreement.
You, as the consumer, are tasked with making sure that the vehicle in question is in the condition you expect it to be.
The function of features, the exterior and interior condition, and overall performance of the vehicle are not guaranteed just because you purchased a vehicle.
YOU need to verify the quality of the vehicle before you purchase it.
The variation of used car quality is no small thing, so make sure you will be 100% satisfied with what you are about to purchase. If you are concerned that there may be issues
with a vehicle during the life of your ownership, seriously consider Service Contracts that are offered (if year and mileage allows). The peace of mind is re-established
knowing if there is an issue down the road, your affordable vehicle remains affordable.
