Understanding the Buyers Guide, warranties and service contracts

Every used vehicle offered by a dealer must display a Buyers Guide in the window. Here's how to read it.

The FTC Buyers Guide

The Buyers Guide tells you whether a vehicle is sold "As Is – No Dealer Warranty" or with a warranty, and what that warranty covers. It's part of your sales contract, and it overrides anything in the contract that contradicts it. Keep your copy.

Extended service contracts

A service contract adds coverage beyond any included warranty. It can make sense if:

• You plan to keep the vehicle a long time
• An unexpected repair bill would be a real hardship
• The model is known for expensive components (transmissions, turbos, hybrid systems)

Read what's covered, the deductible, and where repairs can be done before you buy one.

Inspections

Many states require periodic safety or emissions inspections. Check Pennsylvania's requirements so you know what's due and when.