Buying a Used Car: What Does "As-Is" Mean? (Former Car Dealer Explains) 

"As is" does not give a dealership a blank check to LIE or misrepresent.I am about to sue a dealer that sold me a damaged car--found damage at point of sale and filmed it and was promised to fix.The parts of the car were not available so dealer tried waiting out the clock knowing the parts take almost 2 months to get here with covid and the shipping backlogs.The damage looked minor and next day when i get an estimate it was 1400 dollars worth of damage.A consultant already told me dealers lose/settle 90% of these types of cases for the folks that file in small claims court because there is no defense to be selling cars that way--hiding damage or resetting codes on the ECU so the car can "make it off the lot" before it throws the codes again.

Next video idea: top 10 Signs that you found an honest car sales rep.

Any time I see "as is" on the form, I keep walking. A pre-purchase inspection is a necessity, even w/ a warranty. Always. 👍

Private sellers do not have to have an as-is disclosure because they are not merchants of the type of goods sold (cars in this case). It's a UCC distinction. If you are a merchant of the type of goods sold (like a dealer) then there is an implied warranty of merchantability unless otherwise mentioned, which is why dealers are mandated to include the "Buyer's Guide" in the window so that they expressly disclose that there is no warranty.

Great video. FWIW, back when I was young, I bought a 69 Ford truck for junk because the small used car dealer couldn't get it to pass state required inspection. That is buying as-is!

Would you guys be willing to do a video explaining the process of getting an inspection on a used car? Like, is the dealer expected to just hand you the keys and be like "bring it back in X days" (?). do they normally have you sign some kind of waiver, is there some kind of gap insurance attached to any accidents that may happen in the process of transiting the car between the dealer and the mechanic (?). Do dealerships sometimes require a deposit or any other financial liability up front during that process? Much thanks (and apologies if this was already covered but I couldn't find one).

You guys deserve to be sponsored because your channel is doing a public service! Good for you!

I have to disagree with your assumption that there is no recourse on buying a used car. In CA, if you sell a car and the smog is bad, you are responsible to fix the smog for the buyer.... That is CA's law. Now, here is an example that I had on a used car. I bought a used Audi Quattro (cost was $2995 in 2011) from a Acura Dealership in Nevada. I signed the "AS IS" paperwork. I drove off the lot, at 8 pm during the winter. I got half way home and hit the high beams. All the lights went dead. So, I put the low beam back on and the lights worked. i called the dealership and they said, "AS IS." So, I told them it was a "Safety Issue" and they are responsible to make sure they sell a "safe" vehicle or the State DMV will pull their license. They did not care. So, I went on line and filled in a Better Business Bureau complaint. I then submitted a complaint to the DMV. Two days later, I was called by the Acura Dealership and told to bring in my car. They gave me a new Acura loaner for a week, paid for my gas for that week and gave me my car back, repaired and detailed. I was asked to drop the complaints with both the DMV and BBB, which I said, "No problem." So, "AS IS" does not mean you can sell a SMOG defective vehicle in CA and a Safety defective vehicle "ever" as a dealer... I must say that the salesman handed me a "safety check list" prior to my purchasing the car which showed that ALL safety items were checked and working.... Some mechanic, at the dealership, did NOT do his job well.... So, "AS IS" is not always "AS IS" in all situations.... BTW, Audis are known for that defect on the lighting. It has to do with the steering wheel cluster. It cost Acura $1600 to have my $2995 purchase to be fixed. The Acura dealership sent the car out to the Audi dealership to have it repaired. This is why I only buy from a DEALERSHIP for my used car purchases. They made my purchase right.

Thanks for the video. We purchased a smokers car and at that time we didn't know. The day we visit, they cleaned it with a smell remover. After day 3, we noticed a smoke odor. I wish they disclosed it's a smoker's vehicle. So far we have spend over $1500 in products, detailing and still unsuccessful in removing the strong smoke smell.

As is, is depending in the state that the vehicle is bought , if you buy it in NH and the car dies a day later you are on your own if the car is unsafe to register they have to disclose it and make you sign a waiver. But in MA the same vehicle has warranties as long as it has less than 120k miles and is the dealership responsibility for the car to pass inspection and if it doesn't pass it after three attempts they have to give your money back.

Applicability of the lemon law to a used car will vary by state. In Virginia, my understanding is that the lemon law will apply to certain used cars that are under the manufacturer’s original new car warranty. Source: Suburu of America v. Peters. This was a decision decided by the Virginia Supreme Court in 1998.

Private seller as-is means after you drive away and then it breaks in half then you own both half’s. Dealer as-is depending on the type of dealer they are most of the time they will work with you. But the smaller dealers with higher mileage cars will not work with you. The customer must ask the right questions before signing the paperwork and have any and all promised items in writing.

Can you guys do a discussion on what a pre-purchase inspection looks like? For example, how to you arrange with a dealer to get that done? How does the vehicle get to your mechanic? Can you get a pre-vehicle inspection on a car from CarMax (do they allow those)? How much do these normally cost (ballpark)?

My husband bought an SUV off a used car dealership 4 months ago. He pulled a Carfax report and went off reviews for the dealership being trustworthy. Now the transmission line is leaking, only put less than 400 miles on it. Barely drove it. Totally pissed off. He spent his savings on it and now this! Many used car dealers are dishonest losers and karma will come back to them.

I love how you introduce the sponsorship!

Good insight. Thank you.

The last time I was this early car prices were still reasonable.

The Lemon Law in Mass covers new and used up to 90 days

In fl there’s no cool off period- it’s wheels off the lot it’s yours , not when the paperwork is signed.

What if a used car dealer sells you a car To start the clutch is actually already going out and if that not bad. The oil pan of the car which is under the car is cracked from multiple locations missing corners. As well cracked. Then there are blots missing that they filled with silicone. Meaning they lost bolts and did not bother ordering new ones or they stripped the inside of block and now a bolt would no longer screw in. Got it yesterday 3/3/2021. What can i do. I saw the contract and i have till tomorrow for return. 3/5/2021 5pm pst. In Califormia it as his. Also i was never told about these issues. Price 30k evo 2013 48k miles all in auto sales norco ca.

You guys post as often as Scotty!

If you buy a car that is “AS IS”. You buy a car as is. If it breaks in half you have two pieces. A good dealer will offer an Extended Service Contract. Check the CarFax before you buy. A car AS IS from the dealer should be considered like a car you buy from a private individual or some hump on Craigslist

Another bucket of good information. So you recommend a PPI on CPO cars as well?

I am looking for a toyota super( double ) cab pickup truck, earlier model. Main problem is that the majority of them is that they are to high. Neither me nor my wife can get into them without a lift

Looking at this 2016 scion tc with 41k miles yhe dealer is telling me as is. Any advice anyone can give when looking at the car like questions I should ask?

Question; Aside from the fact that dealers will be wanting to clear out 2020 stock, in the last week of December of 2020, will sales of 2021 models hold as negotiating clout as 2020 models. e.g. Would the sale of a 2021 model still help dealers/manufacturer's 4th quarter numbers equally as much as the sale of a 2020 model?

First and foremost Used car or New car of any type I always get an independent mechanic to go over the car with a fine tooth come...in some cases the mechanic brought to light issues with vehicles that either the dealer did or did not know. Secondly with a used car from a dealer and F it is "as-is" I usually negotiate the price down from what it would cost for me to have the repairs done outside of the dealer. As for private owners again I have an independent mechanic go over the car and report any issues to the private owner and again negotiate the price off of the cost of repairs OR have the private owner include a new inspection or emmisions before I take ownership of the vehicle. 9 out of 10 times this has not been an issue.

Been watching the channel for over two months, finally decided to purchase my own car. When I negotiated the deal, everything became different. The dealer asked me to pay for "security systems" for $1000+ and they said it's already installed and activated and cannot be removed. If I don't pay for this feature, I can not get the deal for the low price. I was so confused but still paid several hundreds for the bs. Can they really do this?

Remember, look for the “new” or “used” box on your purchase order. Even if a dealer sells you, say a demo with 500 miles, and claims it’s still new but checks the used box... = no lemon law!

I bought a 10k$ car as is and the check engine light came on… I’m from Lancaster Pennsylvania so what do u doo? But I got a warranty on it so does that cover it?

Would you be concerned if a CPO had a documented accident/damage on the vehicle history report?

I was told that the Lemon Law doesn’t only protect new cars in NY.

Actually a little confusing. It might have helped to divide this into CPO used vehicle, non-CPO used from a dealership, and used from a private party or fly-by-night used car only dealer. Then it could be summarized as “it has some form of warranty, not as is”; may have “some warranty but mostly as is”; and you are “entirely on your own”!

Can you guys address if the dealer must disclose any problems with burning oil or damaged or misfiring pistons

Very good video! I always buy CPO cars and trucks. First 2 were excellent, so I let my guard down on the 3rd. I'd got a CPO Scion xB when the last body style came out. Not only did I trust the CPO Checklist process but it was a Toyota = excellent reputation. I'm from a small city and our dealers are always 3-4k higher than Little Rock or Memphis. I picked up the Scion at the Scion / Toyota dealership in Memphis. Test drove, Carfax, checked panels, under the hood, Googled the VIN, etc, no red flags. Signed on the dotted line and went home. The test drive was a few miles, probably got to 60 or so MPH, no issues. Drive home was about an hour at 70MPH but I was going 80 with traffic. 6pm, almost home, strange noises, slowed down n checked = not good. The dealer service was closed for the day. Next day, brought it to the Scion dealer here. The car had been drug on it's bottom. The noise was all the plastic underbody panels breaking loose from the black duct tape and zip ties and grinding on the pavement. The exhaust heat shields bent, deep body scratches, muffler crushed. Drove back, dealer said YOU MUST HAVE RUN OFF THE ROAD. The disclosure on the window said AS IS NO WARRANTY then below, "Toyota Motor Company Certified Preowned Warranty". The dealer had filled out the CPO paperwork perfectly. I had no leg to stand on. Body damage was not covered by CPO or my insurance. Since then, I NEVER trust! Drive it hard, drive it fast and make them put it on a rack and look at it YOURSELF! 18k mile Scion xB 24 hours after I buy it, I ended up eating 2k in damage and there was nothing I could do. Don't ever leave you're trust in the manufacturer warranty and program because the DEALERSHIP could be dirty! Purchased 3 more since then and they will balk, but they will lift it on the rack and let you stand beside the rack to see under. I love CPO vehicles but that "AS IS" and "WARRANTY" can get gray. The dealership is selling "AS IS" but the manufacturer gives it "WARRANTY".

Interesting. I bought a used 2019 Ford Ranger 4 weeks ago from a Ford dealer here in Tennessee and there was no as is sign in the window nor was I ask to sign or signed a copy of such. The truck had 5000 miles on it and I assume it is still under the remaining mfg new vehicle warranty.

Can you guys make a video USED CAR vs CPO ? Would be very helpful since there is a considerable difference in prince

I bought a used car back in March and suspect that it was involved in some kind of accident that I was not told about is there anything I can do about it?

Last week we went to KIA OF WOODBRIDGE here Alexandria VA, the price of the car on there website is $15,500.00 a 2019 Kia Soul. But when we sit down with the salesman, he came out initial paper work with a total of $18,947.50 (destination $1295.00, processing fee $899.00, state taxes 780.15, tag $73.35). Is the dealership scamming us. Please reply. Many thanks.

Make sure you have as is I’m writing on the bill of sale it is a legal document contract

I am a55 year old woman trying to buy a used car on the phone yesterday with a salesman he totally treated me like I was stupid and didn't want to deal with me. Why am I ignored ? Yes I am married own our home but because I am a woman with common sense they shut down.I told my hubby today that the car salesman that did this to me hurt my pride as a human being I totally give up which in itself is sad. Hubby said don't ever let anyone treat you that way but with covid and everything else going on I did. Why are they so much assholes to women?

Bought a used car with EXTENDED WARRANTY, but then after they made us sign an “As is No warranty” contract, Is the car now sold as is?

So I’m currently trying to buy a car at Audi Richland in Minneapolis. I’m a out of state buyer looking to buy a 2013 C300 Mercedes with 150k miles. I called & spoke with the dealer and requested they take the car 10 mins down the road to a local Mercedes Dealer for a pre-purchase inspection paid for by me. They said before they take the car down the street to Mercedes-Benz for inspection they want me to sign a document agreeing that I’m okay with the price. I told them this is unacceptable I want the car inspected prior to agreeing on the price. What’s your take?

I'm trying to sell my Honda accord 2009 with 140k miles . I've checked the resell online holy shit they're high I plan on buying a 2012 instead of 2020.

what about lease cars?

Cute haircut Zac...

I just bought a $26000 car the next day my engine light came on , it’s the water pump, & yes I bought it as is 😩 do I have any recourse?

Thanks so much for saying it does happen but I am still done as much as my husband knows how smart I am and gave me all the love and confidence car dealership people are trained better at making you feel stupid.

Take about c8 sales they are ridiculous

Let's say you buy a used car and you tell him there's an issue with the brakes they take it in to go get looked at they say there's no issues with the brake you take it off the lot you drive it and there's issues with the break your brakes lock up you spin out and you die or let's say you don't die what do you do. Especially when you had told them. They dnt tell you anything about the car previous issues

My experience began before the 'FTC' window sticker. Did we do a 27 point inspection? No. A pre-inspection was never discouraged. We checked as best we could at the time. Fixed major problems. Our out-side of house mechanic was well kept busy and well paid. Post FTC sicker: AS-IS was always checked. When the buyer was ready to consummate, I would often state: "This is as-is, that means, if it breaks in two, you own both pieces". We could offer bank finance but didn't push it. Too much hassle. No 'puters, or TI calculators. A majority of our sales were 100% down, with no payments. We had a good reputation. Things have evolved into a culture I don't agree with.

Purchased a car last April at a used dealership. The vehicle passed the inspection but two months later we’re at the mechanic having to pay out of pocket. Every month a new problem comes up, needed new tires, brake kit, fluid flushes, burning through oil. My husband and I are beyond stressed and can’t keep up with the maintenance. Surely there is something we can do to make this easier 😭

The older man I am assuming the younger gentleman's father comes across as kind of shady. It should have been made abundantly clear that just because a sticker says "AS IS" does not necessarily mean it does not have the manufactures warranty still left on it. If you buy an 2017 Audi toward the end of 2016 for example, it would still have approximately 13 months of manufacture warranty left on it, even if the dealership sticker said "AS IS". The older gentleman in this video kind of made this sound cloudy and I could tell his son was calling him out on it. This is why car salesmen have a bad reputation.

So glad you got a haircut son👍You look so not soy💪🇺🇸😎very manly. Question: Aren't all used cars as is at dealerships?

That boy just ain't right.

I bought a car "as is" from a dealership but their ad was misleading saying that the car "doesn't need a thing", they assured me "it doesn't need any repairs". I took the car for an inspection and it has several issues, the mechanics don't even want to work on it. Can i take them to court?