What are the Laws of Buying a Used Car from a Dealer?
Doesn’t it excite you when you think of getting your own car? No matter if it is a new or used one, it is a fat of joy, especially if you have been planning for a long time. As a new car costs you a lot of money, you can always buy a used one, which will cost you a lot less than that.
But you must keep in mind the laws of buying a used car. It will tell you what to do or what not to do when you are buying a used car from a dealer. Let’s discuss the laws in the following section.
Research a Bit Beforehand
Do some research before you start looking for a used car. You can do it both in person and online, which may actually save a lot of money. Consider your budget, the type of car you require, and how you plan to utilize it.
Also, don’t forget other expenses like registration, insurance, maintenance, and gas. Check other models, features, maintenance history, safety evaluations, and mileage.
Furthermore, check their prices when you are done researching their features and histories. Before you go to the dealer:
- Make sure the dealer is actually offering the same price and discounts.
- Ensure the car is in stock
- Recognize the unnecessary add-ons and extra charges that the dealer would try to add.
Dealer Sales and the Buyers Guide
Every used vehicle that the dealer is presenting to you for sale must have a Buyers Guide on display. Additionally, you must get it from him after buying the car. Light-duty vans, trucks, demos, and program cars fall under this category.
There is necessary information for you in the buyers’ guide, which are as follows:
- Important mechanical and electrical features, including other significant issues that you need to check
- If a warranty is included or not
- Amount of repair expenses your dealer will cover under the warranty
- All his claims will be written
- Request a mechanic’s session before purchasing
- Information about how to reach the dealer and who to contact with complaints.
Stay Away from Add-ons
Add-ons are optional products and services that the seller can offer you just at the last minute. Often, add-ons can cost you around thousands, and the seller mentions it at the end because anybody would want to finish the deal fast after the all-day negotiation.
Dealers also try to include add-ons in your sale without your knowledge or getting your consent. Sometimes you may not want those extra services or products with your car, or if you need them later, you can get them anytime from elsewhere.
But if you want them, ensure you know the exact cost and what you will get. However, always get that statement in a written version.
Inspect the Car Properly
The car you want to get will have a good history report, but that cannot be an option for your own inspection. It will be best if you bring a mechanic of your own and get it inspected by him. You will have to pay for it, but that is worth your big accidents and your life.
Note that a safety inspection and a mechanical inspection are not the same. Safety inspections typically only pay attention to issues that make driving dangerous, whereas mechanical inspection will check the parts and machines. Ensure you are taking a written report from the mechanic that includes all required repair costs.
Payment Options
You will get two different options when it comes to paying for a car. You can either pay in full upfront or over time because you must pay the credit cost, including interest. Again, while paying for your car, the final price may rise.
You can definitely pay on a monthly basis, but that takes a lot of time to pay off, and sometimes, you will need to pay more interest than usual. However, the best option is to look for both options. Compare discounts and prices, and choose the best deal.
Return Policies
Take useful information about the return policy before making you pay, take it in a written version, and go through it. The seller usually dont need to give you a few days to cancel your purchase and return it back.
But, a lot of dealers keep the option to cancel as a money-back guarantee, a return policy, or a “cooling-off” period. Ensure these terms by contacting a good dealer around you.
Types of Warranties
Regarding buying a car, different warranty types exist. It’s important to understand what makes them different from each other.
Let’s get an overview below:
As Is – No Dealer Warranty:
The dealer won’t cover any issues or required repairs. If anything goes wrong after the entire purchase, that will be your responsibility.
Implied Warranties
These are verbal agreements between a dealer and a buyer, but they don’t have any written version. Yet, this warranty applies to secondhand cars that don’t have standard warranties unless they are sold with an “as is” warranty.
Full and Limited Warranties
You can get a complete or limited warranty for the systems or components of a car. The scope and limitations of the majority of used automobile warranties vary. The entire car does not have to be covered. You can get a few of them under warranty.
Warranty Documents
Make sure you have a copy of the warranty. Go through it well so that you understand the details properly. The warranty will give the complete information. It also mentions the person in charge of carrying out the warranty’s conditions.
Unexpired Manufacturer’s Warranties
Ask the dealer for the car’s warranty records so that you can be sure to get the benefits. Contact the seller to confirm the details – what is covered, the expiry date/miles, and the required papers. But when you call, make sure you have the VIN (Vehicle identification number).
Service Contracts
The dealer cannot withdraw the warranties covered by the service contract if you purchase it from them within 90 days of purchasing a used car. However, these warranties are automatically provided if you purchase a service plan covering it. Make sure you receive written verification that your service contract is active.
To Wrap Up
Buying a car is always exciting, especially when you have saved up for a long time and you find the perfect one within that budget. So, you need to ensure that you are following all the laws so that the purchase is smooth and you drive it without any hassle. Keep the things mentioned above in mind before you go to buy one.
FAQs
What should I be careful of when buying a used car from a dealer?
You need to be careful of the following things while buying a used car:
- Take a mechanic with you
- Inspect the car well
- Go on a test drive
- Verify the documents
- Check if it needs any modification
- Compare the prices from other places
- Be sure about the payment
Is there a lemon law in GA for used cars?
Yes, the Lemon Law of GA is there to make the manufacturer fix a defective vehicle. According to this law, the manufacturer needs to replace or repurchase your vehicle if it is determined to be a “lemon” and cannot be repaired even after trying several times.
How long do you have to change your mind after buying a used car?
Generally, you cant change your mind after buying a car. You may not get a cooling-off period if you are getting a used car. It would be best if you inspect it well before all the paperwork.
Can I return a used car to a dealership?
Though you have second thoughts after completing the purchasing process, you usually can’t return it to the dealer. After you’ve signed the contract, the dealer is not required to take the car back and provide you with a refund or swap. However, exceptions may exist.
Can I return a used car within 14 days?
Yes, you can, but only If your seller has kept the option for return and refund. Otherwise, you must fix and check the car before completing the entire buying procedure.
