Understanding the Used Car Buyers Guide: As-Is vs. Warranty

When you're shopping for a used car, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Used Car Buyers Guide sticker is an important document to review. It's prominently displayed on the window of every used vehicle and clearly indicates whether the vehicle is sold "as is" or with a warranty. This guide helps you understand your rights and the vehicle's condition before you buy.

The Buyers Guide is mandated by the FTC's Used Car Rule, providing crucial information about a used vehicle's warranty coverage, or lack thereof. Taking the time to read this sticker carefully can help you make an informed decision and understand what to expect after your purchase. For the most current information about the Used Car Rule, we recommend checking the official FTC website.

What to Look For on the Buyers Guide

The Buyers Guide sticker is designed to be easy to understand. Here are the key sections you should pay close attention to:

• "As Is - No Warranty" Box: If this box is checked, it means the dealer offers no express or implied warranty for the vehicle. You are responsible for all repairs after the sale, even if the car breaks down the day after you buy it. This does not mean the vehicle is necessarily in poor condition, but it shifts the responsibility for future repairs entirely to the buyer. It's crucial to understand this distinction before purchasing an "as-is" vehicle.
• "Warranty" Box: If this box is checked, the dealer is offering some form of warranty. The sticker will detail the specific terms, including the percentage of repair costs the dealer will pay, the systems covered (e.g., engine, transmission, drivetrain), and the duration of the warranty (e.g., 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first). Always read these details carefully to know exactly what's covered and for how long.
• Remaining Factory Warranty: For newer used vehicles, there might be a portion of the original factory warranty still in effect. The Buyers Guide will indicate if there's a manufacturer's warranty that transfers to you. This is a significant benefit, as it means the manufacturer, not the dealer, is responsible for certain repairs during the remaining warranty period. We encourage you to ask our team about any specific vehicle's remaining factory warranty.
• Service Contract Availability: The Buyers Guide will also state whether a service contract (often called an extended warranty) is available for purchase. A service contract is a separate agreement that covers certain repairs for a specified period or mileage, typically after any dealer or factory warranty expires. Our finance team can provide more details about available service contracts.

Why the Buyers Guide Matters

The Buyers Guide is more than just a sticker; it's a legal document that outlines the terms of your used car purchase regarding warranties. It protects you by ensuring transparency about the vehicle's warranty status. By reading it, you gain a clear understanding of your responsibilities and the dealer's commitments post-purchase.

After you've purchased a used vehicle, it's a good practice to keep the Buyers Guide with your other vehicle paperwork, such as the title, registration, and service records. This ensures you have a readily available record of the warranty terms, should you need to refer to them later.

General Information on Laws and Fees

When buying a vehicle, whether new or used, there are various general laws, taxes, title, registration, insurance requirements, and government fees involved. These are typically handled through official government agencies.

• Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD): This is the official source for information regarding vehicle titles, registration, and licensing in Arizona. You can find details and services at azdot.gov.
• Arizona Department of Revenue: This department provides information on sales tax and other revenue-related matters for vehicle purchases. For specific tax information, please consult the Arizona Department of Revenue.
• Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions: This department offers resources regarding insurance requirements for vehicles. It's important to have proper insurance coverage before driving your new-to-you vehicle. Please confirm insurance requirements with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.

We include the $499 documentation fee in every advertised price at Horne Nissan and Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. New-car prices also include every factory rebate all buyers qualify for. While we can explain these general aspects, we always recommend confirming all legal and financial requirements with the official sources to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Our Commitment to Transparency

At Horne Nissan and Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we believe in providing all the necessary information for you to make a confident purchase. Every used vehicle on our lot comes with a free Carfax report, giving you insight into its history. Our sales team is available to answer any questions you have about the Buyers Guide, the vehicle's condition, or available warranty options.

We share one convenient location at 2046 E Highway 60, Globe, AZ 85501. You can explore our new inventory, used inventory, or browse all inventory online. If you're ready to take the next step, you can apply for financing with one credit application that covers both stores. If you have a trade-in, use our value your trade tool.

Our sales hours are Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–6:00 PM and Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays. For service or parts, our departments are open Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. You can find more details on our hours and directions page.

Here's what our customers say:

• "David Ray was an easy guy to connect with - No pressure. After sale support with Horne associates is exceptional." — R. Wickwire
• "When you go in ask for eugene he will talk you everything you need to know and he will be straight with you" — Leone

For service, Horne Nissan's service team can be reached at 928-793-5581, and you can book an appointment using our service request form on the site or by phone. Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram's service team can be reached at 928-793-5581, and you can schedule service online via Dealer-FX or by phone. You can also visit our schedule service page for more information.