No matter who you buy it from, it is important to protect your investment when you buy a car. A warranty on a used car is a best-case scenario, but it is important to know that there are several different types of used car warranties. If you get the car from a private party, warranty protections are very different than if you were to purchase from a dealer. What kind of warranty do you need and what are your legal protections when you are buying from a dealer?

Buyer's guide - warranty information

The Federal Trade Commission requires that all dealers that sell more than six cars a year must include a Buyer's Guide on every car they sell. Including warranties on the vehicle, a Buyer’s Guide will give you basic information on the vehicle. This buyer's guide is also a part of the sales contract. A buyer's guide must include if the vehicle is being sold "as is" or under warranty. It also must tell you which percentage of costs of repair the dealer will pay under the warranty.

As-Is - No Warranty

The phrases "as-is, no warranty" and "with all faults" nullify any other warranties that may be implied on a vehicle. If the buyer’s guide indicates there is an “as-is” warranty on the car, that is the only way there could be one. If it is an “as-is – no warranty” sale on the car, there is no warranty at all.

Implied warranties

Unwritten, unspoken promises that are implied warranties may be given by a used car seller to a buyer. This means that a dealer is responsible if the purchased car "does not meet reasonable quality standards. " The words "as-is" or "with all faults" on contracts or the buyer's guide will nullify implied warranties. Implied warranties are included if you get a warranty on your used car. If it is included specifically, then the implied warranty is void.

The manufacturer warranty

The manufacturer warranty may still be in effect on some used vehicles. If this is the case, you should call the manufacturer's regional office with the VIN number. The people in the office will tell you what is a part of that warranty. A copy of all the car’s warranty documents should be provided by the car dealer .

Warranties that are written

Someone who is trying to sell you a car may offer you a warranty. Make sure you get this warranty in writing. Make sure that the written warranty includes a time frame, what repairs the dealer will or will not pay for, and a preferred mechanic that the dealership warranty might cover. There are 14 major systems in a vehicle - you should make sure the warranty outlines exactly which of these systems are or are not covered.

When you are purchasing a used car from a dealer, it is important to know exactly what warranty you are getting. Get everything in writing, and don't be afraid to ask questions.