Free Buyers Guide Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Buyers Guide

Filling out the Buyers Guide form is a critical step in the vehicle purchasing process, aiming to outline important details about the vehicle's condition, warranty, and other essential information. This guide is mandated by federal law for use in used vehicle transactions to ensure buyers are well-informed about their purchase. It helps communicate any spoken promises in a written format, making them easier to enforce. It also provides a clear record of the warranty coverage options, including "As Is" or any warranties under state law, along with detailing the right to a pre-purchase inspection.

1. Start by filling in the vehicle's details at the top of the form, including the make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). If applicable, include the dealer's stock number.
2. Select the type of warranty being offered with the vehicle. If it's "As Is - No Warranty,” check or mark this box to indicate that the buyer will bear all costs for any repairs. If there’s a warranty, specify whether it's a full or limited warranty.
3. If there's a warranty, you'll need to fill in the percentages that the dealer will cover for labor and parts, and clearly list the systems covered by the warranty, as well as the duration of the warranty for each system.
4. If a service contract is available for an additional charge, indicate so on the form. Include any details regarding coverage, deductible, price, and exclusions. Highlight if state law implies warranties that may give buyers additional rights when purchasing a service contract within 90 days of the sale.
5. Confirm the possibility of a pre-purchase inspection by asking the dealer to specify if the vehicle can be inspected by the buyer’s mechanic, noting whether this can be done on or off the lot.
6. At the end of the form, fill in the dealer's information, including name and address.
7. Review the back of the form for important additional information. This includes a list of some major defects that may occur in used motor vehicles, which can serve as a checklist for the pre-purchase inspection.
8. Ensure that before concluding the transaction, the buyer signs the form (if required), acknowledging receipt and understanding of all terms, warranties, and rights. Ensure the buyer retains a copy of this form for their records.

Accurate completion of the Buyers Guide form is not just a compliance issue; it's an important tool in building trust and transparency between the seller and the buyer. It provides a clear framework for the condition and terms of the sale, helping protect the rights of the consumer and the responsibilities of the seller.

What is a Buyers Guide?

A Buyers Guide is a document that provides essential information about a used vehicle's warranty and condition before purchase. It's a mandatory form dealers must display on all used vehicles for sale, as required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This guide informs you whether the vehicle is being sold with a warranty, "as is," or with implied warranties only, and it outlines what portion of repair costs the dealer will cover.

Why is the Buyers Guide important?

The Guide is crucial because it helps buyers understand their rights and what they are agreeing to before making a purchase. It highlights whether the dealer or buyer is responsible for repairs and any warranties that could cover future vehicle issues. Keeping this form can be invaluable if disputes arise about the sale terms after the purchase.

What does "As Is - No Warranty" mean?

When a vehicle is sold "As Is," it means the buyer agrees to purchase the vehicle in its current state with all existing faults, without any guarantee from the seller to repair defects or malfunctions. The buyer fully assumes the risk that the car might have issues that are not immediately apparent at the time of purchase.

What does the "Warranty" section cover?

This section outlines the specifics of any warranty that comes with the vehicle. If the sale includes a warranty, this part will indicate what percent of parts and labor costs are covered, for what systems of the vehicle, and the duration of the warranty period. It provides details on the dealer's obligations to repair certain parts of the car should they fail.

Are there different types of warranties?

Yes, warranties on used cars can vary significantly. A "Full Warranty" covers most parts and systems of the vehicle for an agreed period. A "Limited Warranty" might only cover certain parts or systems. Additionally, state law may provide "implied warranties," ensuring the vehicle is fit for normal driving purposes, even if the sale is "As Is."

What is a service contract, and should I consider getting one?

A service contract, often referred to as an "extended warranty," is additional protection that covers certain repairs beyond any existing warranty. While it comes at an extra cost, it might be beneficial depending on the vehicle's condition, your budget, and your tolerance for risk. Evaluate the coverage, deductible, price, and exclusions carefully.

Can I have the vehicle inspected before purchase?

Yes. The Buyers Guide encourages buyers to ask if they can have the vehicle inspected by their mechanic, either on or off the lot. This pre-purchase inspection can uncover potential issues that aren't immediately visible and can impact your decision to buy or negotiate the sale price.

What should I do if I find problems after purchasing?

If issues arise after purchase, first refer to the Buyers Guide to understand your rights based on the warranty or "As Is" agreement. Next, contact the dealer to discuss any concerns. If unresolved, you may need to seek legal advice or file a complaint with the respective consumer protection agency.

How can a Buyers Guide protect me legally?

The Buyers Guide serves as part of your contract with the dealer, providing a written record of the sale conditions, warranties, and the vehicle's state at purchase. If disputes arise, this form can be critical evidence in legal proceedings, highlighting the agreed terms and any representations made by the seller.

Where can I report violations or file complaints?

If you believe a dealer has not complied with the Buyers Guide requirements or you have issues concerning the vehicle purchase not resolved by the dealer, you can report these matters to your state attorney general's office, local consumer protection agency, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

One common mistake that buyers often make when filling out the Buyers Guide form involves the warranty section. They may skip over or not fully complete the details related to the warranty type, coverage, exclusions, and dealer’s repair obligations. This oversight can lead to misunderstandings about what the dealership will cover in the event of a vehicle failure. It is essential to ask for a copy of the warranty document and ensure both the labor and parts percentages for the covered systems are clearly filled in.

Another frequent error is not adequately documenting promises or agreements made verbally by the dealer. The top of the Buyers Guide form clearly states, "Spoken promises are difficult to enforce. Ask the dealer to put all promises in writing." Unfortunately, buyers might overlook this advice, trusting in verbal agreements that have no legal standing without written evidence. This can result in disputes or unmet expectations regarding vehicle repairs or conditions post-purchase.

A third mistake concerns the pre-purchase inspection clause. Many buyers fail to exercise their right to have the vehicle inspected by their mechanic, either on or off the lot, as suggested by the form. This step is crucial for uncovering potential issues with the vehicle that may not be visible during a standard dealership inspection. Not arranging for an independent inspection can lead to unexpected and costly repairs down the line.

Lastly, buyers might ignore the section on service contracts. The form advises that a service contract is available at an extra charge and that purchasing one within 90 days of sale may offer additional rights under state law. By not inquiring about or understanding the service contract terms, buyers miss out on potential coverage that could save money on future repairs, especially for major defects listed on the back of the form.

When buying a used vehicle, a Buyer's Guide form is crucial for understanding the vehicle's warranty and state law rights. However, this form is just one piece of the puzzle in the car buying process. Several other documents often accompany the Buyer's Guide to ensure a smooth transaction and provide comprehensive protection for the buyer. Let's explore some other essential forms and documents commonly used alongside the Buyer's Guide.

1. Title: This document proves the vehicle's ownership. It's transferred from the seller to the buyer during the sale.
2. Bill of Sale: This is essentially a receipt for the transaction. It details the purchase price, vehicle information, and the sale date, providing legal proof of sale and ownership transfer.
3. Loan Agreement: If the vehicle is being financed, this document outlines the loan's terms, including the interest rate, monthly payment, and payment schedule.
4. Odometer Disclosure Statement: Federal law requires sellers to provide an accurate mileage count of the vehicle at the time of sale, ensuring the buyer is aware of the vehicle's true mileage.
5. Sales Contract: This is a comprehensive agreement between the buyer and the dealer. It includes the vehicle's price, financing terms, warranty information, and any promises made by the dealer.
6. Service Records: These documents provide a history of the vehicle's maintenance, repairs, and any upgrades, helping the buyer assess the vehicle's condition and value.
7. Lemon Law Rights Statement: In some states, buyers must be informed about their rights under lemon laws, which protect them from being stuck with a defective vehicle.
8. Vehicle History Report: A comprehensive report that provides a history of the vehicle, including past accidents, service records, and previous ownership.
9. Emissions Testing Certificate: In regions where emissions testing is required, this certificate verifies that the vehicle meets the local emissions standards.

Navigating a vehicle purchase can be complex, but understanding these documents can significantly ease the process. Each document plays a crucial role in protecting the buyer's interests, ensuring transparency, and providing a clear history and expectations for the vehicle being purchased. It's essential for buyers to request, review, and understand each of these documents to make an informed decision and secure their investment in a used vehicle.

The Buyers Guide form, reminiscent of a warranty card you might find with electronic or household items, serves a similar purpose by summarizing the warranties applicable to a vehicle. This card usually outlines the specifics of what the warranty covers, such as parts and labor, along with the duration of the warranty. It's specifically designed to make clear what the manufacturer or seller commits to repair or replace, should something go wrong, similar to how the Buyers Guide informs the buyer of their rights and what is covered under the warranty for their new vehicle.

Another document the Buyers Guide form closely parallels is the service contract. Often found with appliances or high-end electronics, a service contract extends beyond the basic warranty, offering additional coverage for repairs and maintenance. The Buyers Guide mentions the availability of a service contract for the vehicle, indicating its purpose to provide the buyer with options for prolonged protection. It's an agreement that, for an extra charge, the customer can secure additional peace of mind, much like service contracts for household items.

A pre-purchase inspection checklist, used by potential home buyers before finalizing a purchase, also shares similarities with the Buyers Guide. This list helps buyers identify any significant defects or problems that could impact their decision to buy. Similarly, the Buyers Guide advises the vehicle buyer to have the car inspected by their mechanic, allowing them to uncover any issues that may not be visible upon initial inspection. Providing a list of major defects on used vehicles reinforces the importance of this step in both processes.

Lastly, the Buyers Guide can be likened to a disclosure statement often seen in real estate transactions. A disclosure statement gives potential buyers important information about the property's condition, revealing any known issues that could affect the property's value or safety. In the context of vehicle purchases, the Buyers Guide discloses the warranty status of the vehicle, whether it's being sold "as is" or with a warranty, and details any known issues through the list of major defects. This ensures buyers are fully informed about what they are purchasing, akin to the transparency sought in property transactions.

When filling out the Buyer's Guide form for a vehicle purchase, it's crucial to be thorough and attentive. Here are some key dos and don'ts to ensure the process goes smoothly:

• Do ask the dealer to put all promises in writing. Spoken promises can be difficult to enforce.
• Do keep a copy of the Buyer's Guide for your records after the sale is complete.
• Do carefully review the warranty section to understand what is covered and what you're responsible for.
• Do ask for a detailed explanation of the warranty coverage, including any exclusions and the dealer’s repair obligations.
• Do check if a service contract is available at an extra charge and understand what it covers.
• Do not forget to confirm whether you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic, either on or off the lot.
• Do not overlook the importance of asking for details about the service contract, including coverage, deductible, price, and exclusions.
• Do not ignore the list of major defects that may occur in used motor vehicles provided on the back of the form.
• Do not neglect to fill out the vehicle make, model, year, VIN number, and dealer stock number (if applicable) accurately.
• Do not remove this label before consumer purchase (except for the purpose of test-driving) as it's a violation of federal law (16 C.F.R. 455).

Following these guidelines will help protect your rights as a consumer and ensure you're making an informed decision when purchasing a used vehicle.

There are several misconceptions regarding the Buyer's Guide form that can lead to misunderstandings between dealers and customers during the sale of a vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the most common misunderstandings:

• Spoken promises are as binding as written ones: This is a critical misconception. The Buyer's Guide clearly emphasizes that spoken promises are challenging to enforce and urges buyers to ask dealers to put all promises in writing. This helps protect buyers by providing a tangible record of any commitments made by the dealer.

• "As Is" means free from defects: Some people mistakenly believe that if a vehicle is sold "As Is," it must be in good condition. However, "As Is" actually means the opposite—the dealer assumes no responsibility for repairs, regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle's condition.

• Dealers must offer a warranty: There's a common belief that dealers are required to offer a warranty for used vehicles. In reality, offering a warranty is at the dealer's discretion unless mandated by state law. Some vehicles are sold with a warranty, while others come with an "As Is - No Warranty" statement.

• Service contracts are included in the warranty: Misunderstanding often surrounds the nature of service contracts. These are actually optional and available at an extra charge, providing additional rights under certain conditions, but they are not inherently part of the warranty.

• Implied warranties apply regardless of the sale condition: Despite the vehicle being sold "As Is," state laws may allow for implied warranties, giving the buyer some level of protection against defects not mentioned at the time of sale. However, the specifics of these warranties can vary greatly between states.

• A full warranty covers all repairs: The term "full warranty" can be misleading. It doesn't necessarily cover 100% of repairs. Buyers should ask for the warranty document to understand the specific coverage, exclusions, and the dealer’s obligations regarding repairs.

• Pre-purchase inspections can always be conducted off-site: Although the Buyer's Guide encourages asking the dealer if a pre-purchase inspection is allowable off-site, it's ultimately up to the dealer’s policy. This means buyers might sometimes be restricted to having the vehicle inspected on the dealer’s premises.

• Major defects will always be listed on the Buyer's Guide: While the Buyer's Guide does include a list of some major defects that may occur in used motor vehicles, it is not a comprehensive list of all potential or existing problems. Buyers are encouraged to conduct thorough inspections and not solely rely on the guide’s list.

Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for both buyers and dealers to ensure a fair and transparent vehicle purchasing process.

When considering the purchase of a used vehicle, the Buyer's Guide form is an essential document that helps protect consumers. Here are key insights for effectively using and understanding the form:

• Verbal Promises Hold Little Weight: It's crucial to have all promises or agreements regarding the vehicle documented in writing. Spoken assurances are challenging to enforce, so the form reminds buyers to secure any verbal agreement on paper.
• Understanding Warranty Coverage: The form outlines two types of warranty conditions - "As Is" where no warranty is offered, and "Warranty" which may include full or limited warranty options. Buyers are advised to request a detailed warranty document to understand the coverage fully, including exclusions and obligations.
• "Implied Warranties" May Apply: Depending on the state law, even if a vehicle is sold "As Is," certain implied warranties may still give the buyer some level of protection against serious, undisclosed problems.
• Service Contracts Are Optional: An additional service contract can be purchased to cover repairs after the sale. Buyers should inquire about what's included, costs, and the specifics to determine if it's a worthwhile investment. Importantly, acquiring a service contract within 90 days of purchase may enhance the buyer's rights under state law.
• Pre-Purchase Inspection Rights: Buyers are encouraged to have the vehicle inspected by their mechanic either on or off the lot. This step is fundamental for uncovering potential issues that might not be evident in the vehicle's current condition or history reports.

In addition to these key points, significant emphasis is placed on the buyer keeping the Buyers Guide form after the purchase as it becomes part of the sales contract. This form not only guides the buyer through key considerations but also lists major defects that might occur in used vehicles—providing an additional layer of awareness and protection for consumers.