Know the Vocabulary

Here are a few helpful terms you might not be familiar with:

DEMONSTRATORS are new cars that have not been owned, leased, or used as rentals, but have been driven by members of the dealer’s staff.

PROGRAM CARS are low-mileage, current-model-year vehicles returned from short-term leases or rentals.

BUYERS GUIDES are required by the Federal Trade Commission to be posted by dealers on all used cars. Read them closely! Guides include the following:

• Whether the vehicle is being sold “as is” or with a warranty;
• What percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;
• That spoken promises are difficult to enforce;
• To get all promises in writing;
• To keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale;
• The major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for; and
• To ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.

For more information on the FTC's Used Car Rule, click here.

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