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 vehicle from a used car dealer. The “AS-IS” document has 2 check boxes, “AS-IS No Warranty” and “Warranty”. If the warranty box is checked on the document, be sure you understand what is covered and for what length of time .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 warrantee when you purchase a used vehicle. However, dealers are not required to give any type of warranty. Any limited warranty given by the dealer must be in writing to be enforceable. If you get a limited warranty, make sure you understand what is 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 warrantee given by a dealer. Click here for more information on manufacture'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 are no Law stating the buyer can get their money back if the buyer is not satisfied after the 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 web sites that will give approximate values on used vehicles. Normally there are price additions and deductions for optional equipment and excessive miles, etc... However, there are no deductions for actual mechanical condition of the vehicle. If a pre-purchase inspection discovers needed repairs, 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 cannot tell the buyer the actual condition of the vehicle. Vehicle history companies admit that they have incomplete accident history on used vehicles, and have little 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 you the exact condition of the vehicle before you purchase. 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
It is estimated that 1 in 14 vehicles on the road today are rebuilt from salvage and that 40% of all frame repairs are substandard. Many of these totaled vehicles still have clean titles.  These vehicles have a high likelihood of safety and reliability problems. Only a professional inspection can determine if the vehicle was in a flood or accident and the quality of any repairs.  Click here for more information about frame and flood damage vehicles.

8: Certified Vehicles
There is no standard criteria for a "Certified" used vehicle. Every manufacturer or independent dealer has their own certification standards and warranty. These certification standards and limited warranties can vary greatly from dealer to dealer. A professional inspection is still needed to determine any problems not covered under the limited warranty or if their junior technicians missed existing problems. Click here for more information about certified vehicles.

9: Odometer Fraud
It is estimated that 1 in 4 used vehicles have odometer discrepancies. A professional inspection should determine if the wear and tear on the vehicle is consistent with the odometer reading. Buyers will pay more than the vehicle is worth if the odometer has been spun back. Click here for more information about odometer fraud.

10: Pre-Purchase Inspections
There is a huge difference in the level of expertise for Automotive Technicians. Today’s vehicles are so complex that most automotive technicians are just certified in a couple of automotive areas. However, the used car buyer must have every mechanical, electrical, body and frame system tested and evaluated before purchased. Only an ASE Master Certified Technician is qualified to inspect and evaluate all the mechanical and electrical systems, and a Body and Frame Specialist is needed to determine any previous accident and/or frame damage and the quality of any repairs. Click here for more information about Auto Technicians.