Be sure you know all 10 before purchasing a used vehicle

Auto P. I. has the experience of performing pre-purchase inspections on used vehicles for over 20 years. We see the same buying mistakes made over and over, but by different buyers. Below are the top 10 myths, misconceptions and mistakes many buyers make when purchasing a used vehicle. Any of the following 10 items can cause a nightmare when purchasing a used vehicle. ALL of these items can be avoided if you understand them before you purchase.

1: "AS -IS" Document
By law, buyers are required to sign the "AS-IS" statement when purchasing a vehicle from a used car dealer. The “AS-IS” statement has 2 check boxes, “Warranty” and “AS-IS No Warranty”. If the "Warranty" box is checked on the document, be sure you understand what components and systems are covered and for what length of time. If the "AS-IS" boxed is checked, you are responsible for any problems after the purchase. You always have the right to have the vehicle professionally inspected to determine the true condition before purchase. Buyers have little or no rights after the sale. Click here for more information on the AS-IS document.

2: Automatic Warranty
Many used car buyers still believe there is an automatic warranty when you purchase a used vehicle. However, dealers are not required to give any type of warranty, and any warranty must be in writing to be enforceable. Most warranties are limited to certain parts or systems of the vehicle. If you get a limited warranty, make sure you understand what  systems and components are covered and for what length of time. Many warrantees just cover the drive train, not the entire vehicle.
  Note: A used vehicle might have some factory warranty still remaining. This is different from the warranty given by a dealer. Vehicles with factory warranty remaining should also be inspected for previous accident damage and abuse by the former owner(s) which may have voided the factory warranty. Click here for more information on manufacturer's warrantees. 

3: Take Back Period
Many buyers believe that there is a 3-day take back period, or they can take it back if they have not made the first payment. There is no Law stating the buyer can get their money back if the buyer is not satisfied after the purchase. It is the buyers responsibly to determine the true condition before purchase.

4: Used Car Lemon Law
There is no Lemon Law for used vehicles in Texas. Buyers assume that since there is a new car Lemon Law protecting consumers, that there must be a used car Lemon Law. However,  most States do not have lemon laws for used vehicles.

5: Used Car Values
There are many web sites and publications that give used car values. Normally these books and sites show you the additions and deductions for optional equipment, excessive miles, etc… However, no deductions are shown for the actual mechanical condition of the vehicle. A professional pre-purchase inspection will discover any needed repairs, previous accident damage and abuse. The cost of any repairs should be deducted from the book value. Abused or previous accident damaged vehicles are worth less than a properly maintained vehicle. Click here for determining the value of a used vehicle.

6: Vehicle History reports
Vehicle history reports cannot tell your members the actual condition of the vehicle. Vehicle history companies (Carfax & AutoCheck) admit there are thousands of accidents each day that will never get reported to them. These companies have incomplete accident history on used vehicles, and little or no repair history on used vehicles. History reports cannot tell if there are existing problems, potential problems, or the quality of any accident repairs made to the vehicle. Only a professional pre-purchase inspection can tell if the vehicle was in an accident, the extent of the damage, the quality of any repairs, and the exact condition of the vehicle before purchase. Click here for more limitations to history reports and how to find the true condition before purchase.