Top 10 Used Car Buying Myths, Mistakes and Pitfalls:

1: "AS -IS" Document
Buyers are required to sign the AS-IS document when purchasing a used vehicle from a used car dealer. You 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: 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 are no Law stating the buyer can get their money back if the buyer is not satisfied after the purchase.

3: Used Car Lemon Law
There is no Lemon Law for used vehicles in Texas and most states. Buyers assume that since there is a new car Lemon Law protecting consumers, that there must be a used car Lemon Law.

4: Automatic Warranty
Many people believe there is a warrantee that automatically comes with a used car. Dealers are not required to give any type of warranty when they sell a used vehicle. Any warranty given by the dealer must be in writing to be enforceable. If you get a warranty, make sure you understand what is covered and for what length of time. Many dealer warrantees become nightmares once the buyer tries to use them. Note: Some used vehicles might have some factory warranty still remaining. This is different from the warrantee given by a dealer. Click here for more information on manufacture's warrantees. 

5: Used Car Values
There are web sites that will give used car values. Normally there are price additions and deductions for optional equipment and excessive miles, etc... However, there are no deduction for the actual mechanical condition. If a pre-purchase inspection discovers repairs needed, the cost of the repairs should be deducted from the book value. Click here for determining the value of a used vehicle.

6: Vehicle History reports
Vehicle history reports will not tell the buyer the actual condition of the vehicle. History reports will not tell if there are existing problems with the vehicle or the quality of any repairs made to the vehicle. Vehicle history companies admit that they have very little accident history and repair history. Click here for more limitations to history reports and how to determine the true condition of a vehicle before purchase.

7: Frame Damaged and Flooded Vehicles
Its estimated that 1 in 14 vehicles on the road today are rebuilt from salvage. Many of these vehicles have clean titles. It is also estimated that 40% of all frame repairs are substandard.  Many buyers purchase  vehicles without knowing of previous accident damage. Previously frame damaged or flooded vehicles can have safety and reliability problems. Click here for more information about frame and flood damage vehicles.

8: Certified Vehicles
There is no standard criteria for a "Certified" vehicle. Every dealer has its own certification standards which vary greatly from dealer to dealer. Most of the time, buyers are just paying for a limited warrantee. Click here for more information about certified vehicles.

9: Odometer Fraud
Its estimated that 1 in 4 used vehicles have odometer discrepancies. Buyers are paying more than the vehicle is worth. Click here for more information about odometer fraud.

10: Pre-Purchase Inspections
A buyer needs to have every mechanical, electrical, body and frame system tested and evaluated before purchased. However, all Automotive Technicians are not created equal. Most Technicians are only certified on a few automotive systems.  Only an ASE Master Certified Technician is qualified to inspect and evaluate all mechanical and electrical systems. And a Body and Frame Certified Technician is needed to determine any previous accident and/or frame damage.  Click here for more information about Auto Technicians.