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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOn a dealer’s used-car Buyers Guide, the checked warranty box is the first thing to read: it tells you whether the dealer is offering a warranty, selling the vehicle “As Is – No Dealer Warranty,” or using another disclosure such as “Implied Warranties Only.” Read the rest of the form for coverage details, then compare it with the sales contract. “As is” generally means the dealer is not offering its own warranty for covered repairs after the sale; it does not settle every question about state law, remaining manufacturer coverage, or a separate service contract.
What the Buyers Guide tells you
The Federal Trade Commission’s Buyers Guide is a dealer disclosure for covered used-car sales. Its main job is to make the vehicle’s warranty status visible and, when coverage is offered, summarize important terms. It is not a condition report, a repair guarantee, or a substitute for the sales contract.
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Start with the warranty-status box on the form. Depending on the vehicle and applicable state rules, it may say “As Is – No Dealer Warranty,” “Implied Warranties Only,” or show that a dealer warranty or manufacturer warranty applies. The precise form version and available disclosures can vary: some states do not permit as-is sales or require a different Buyers Guide version.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallDo not assume the headline box answers every question about the car. The form identifies warranty status and summarizes certain terms, but it does not establish that the vehicle is mechanically sound, disclose every known problem, or tell you whether a particular repair will be covered under a separate agreement.
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Read the Guide for the particular vehicle you are considering, not just a sample form or a general explanation from the dealer. The FTC’s sample Buyers Guide includes the disclosure “THE DEALER DOES NOT PROVIDE A WARRANTY FOR ANY REPAIRS AFTER SALE.” That statement is a warning about dealer warranty coverage; it is not a mechanical assessment of the car and does not describe every other form of coverage that could apply.
Keep the document in view while you review the other paperwork. Note which warranty option is marked, whether the form lists written coverage, and whether any explanatory terms are completed. If a box or entry is unclear, ask the dealer to explain it before signing and point to the language on the Guide. A salesperson’s description should not replace the written disclosure.
How to read the warranty options
| What the Guide says | What it generally indicates | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| “As Is – No Dealer Warranty” | The dealer is not offering its own warranty for repairs after sale; the FTC says the buyer assumes the risk of problems arising after the sale. | Check whether state law permits the sale and disclaimer, and separately investigate manufacturer coverage or any service contract. |
| “Implied Warranties Only” | The form indicates that implied warranties, rather than a written dealer warranty, are the stated warranty basis. The legal effect depends on applicable law and the transaction. | Ask what implied warranties may apply in your state and whether the written contract contains any relevant terms. |
| Dealer warranty | The dealer is offering written warranty coverage, with terms summarized on the Guide. | Read the covered systems, coverage period, dealer-paid share of parts and labor, any deductible, and the full warranty document. |
| Manufacturer warranty information | The Guide may identify manufacturer warranty coverage, which is distinct from a new dealer warranty. | Confirm directly whether coverage remains for this vehicle and what terms apply; do not treat the Guide as a full manufacturer contract. |
The table describes the general meaning of the disclosures, not a state-by-state legal conclusion. A form’s wording and legal effect can depend on where and how the car is sold.
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When a dealer warranty is offered
Read beyond the fact that a warranty box is checked. The Guide may identify the systems covered, how long coverage lasts, and the percentage of parts and labor costs the dealer will pay. Look for a deductible, exclusions, or other limits in the written warranty document, and ask for that document before signing. A warranty that covers only specified systems or a portion of repair costs is not the same as full coverage for every defect.
Break the offer into questions rather than treating “warranty included” as a complete answer. Which systems are named? How long does coverage last? What percentage of parts costs will the dealer pay, and what percentage of labor costs? Is there a deductible? Which exclusions or conditions appear in the full warranty? These details affect what the agreement promises and what costs could remain yours. If the Guide summarizes a percentage but the written warranty gives more detail, read both and ask the dealer to clarify any apparent difference in writing.
Do not assume that a listed duration or system name means every related repair is covered. The short Guide entry is a summary, while the separate warranty document supplies the complete terms. Ask for that document early enough to read it, and do not rely on a general assurance that “it is covered” when the agreement names specific systems, cost shares, or limits.
When the Guide says “Implied Warranties Only”
Implied warranties arise under law rather than from the dealer’s written warranty promise. Their availability and whether they can be disclaimed are governed by state law and the details of the sale. The disclosure should not be read as a guarantee that every implied warranty applies, nor as proof that none can apply. If the distinction matters to your purchase, check the law in the state where the sale occurs or consult a qualified local source.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a practical comparison, distinguish the type of promise from its source: a written dealer warranty is an express agreement described in the paperwork, while implied warranties depend on the law that applies. The Guide’s label helps identify the dealer’s stated warranty position; it does not answer every state-law question on its own. Ask the dealer what the label means for this transaction and seek state-specific guidance if you need to know whether a disclaimer is effective.
What “as is” means—and what it does not mean
“As Is – No Dealer Warranty” tells you that the dealer is not offering its own warranty for post-sale repairs described by the disclosure. The FTC’s consumer guidance explains that a buyer takes on the risk of problems that arise after the sale. That can make an independent inspection especially important: the label does not tell you whether a car is reliable or what repairs it may need.
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In plain terms, if the car develops a problem after you buy it, the “as is” disclosure warns that you should not expect the dealer to pay for the repair under a dealer warranty that was never offered. It does not predict whether a problem will occur, identify the car’s current faults, or tell you the cost of possible repairs. Those are reasons to assess the vehicle’s condition and review any other coverage before deciding.
But “as is” is not a universal permission slip for a seller to disregard every legal obligation. State law can prohibit as-is sales, limit when a disclaimer is effective, or require particular language or steps to disclaim implied warranties. The effect also depends on the transaction’s facts. Because no state is specified here, there is no single state-specific rule to apply.
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The phrase also does not, by itself, answer whether manufacturer coverage remains in force or whether you bought a separate service contract. Those are separate questions. Ask what coverage exists, who provides it, which repairs and systems it covers, and where its written terms appear.
When checking other coverage, separate each question: Is the dealer offering a warranty? Does manufacturer coverage remain for this car? Is there a separately purchased service contract? Which party is responsible for each promise? The answer to one does not automatically answer the others. In particular, do not treat a service contract as proof that the dealer is offering a warranty, or assume manufacturer coverage is still active without confirming its terms.
Compare the Buyers Guide with the sales contract
Read the Guide and the final contract together before signing. The FTC says the Buyers Guide controls when its warranty disclosure conflicts with a contract term about warranty status. For example, if the Guide says the car comes with a warranty but the contract says it is sold “as is,” the FTC says the dealer must provide the warranty described in the Guide.
That rule is not a reason to leave conflicting paperwork unresolved. Ask the dealer to correct the documents before you sign. If you negotiate a change to warranty coverage during the sale, make sure it is reflected on the Buyers Guide as well as in the contract. A verbal assurance is harder to rely on than a written term in the final documents.
- Check that the warranty status on the Guide matches the contract.
- Confirm that any negotiated coverage change appears on the final Guide and in the relevant written agreement.
- Keep the final Buyers Guide and signed contract with your purchase records.
Compare the actual terms, not only the words “warranty” and “as is.” If a dealer agrees to add coverage, check that the final Guide reflects the change and that the contract and warranty document describe what was agreed. If the documents still disagree, pause the transaction and ask for corrected paperwork. The FTC’s guidance on the revised Used Car Rule also addresses negotiated changes: those changes should be made on the Guide as well as recorded in the contract.
The FTC gives a direct example of the conflict rule: “If the Buyers Guide says the car comes with a warranty and the contract says the car is sold ‘as is,’ the dealer must give you the warranty described in the Guide.” That makes the final, completed Guide important even when you also have a signed contract. Make sure you leave with the version that reflects the terms of the deal you accepted.
Distinguish a warranty from a service contract
A service contract is separate from a warranty. It may be offered or sold in connection with the car, but its coverage is determined by its own written terms. Do not assume that buying one turns an as-is sale into a dealer-warranty sale or that it covers every repair. Review the systems covered, exclusions, duration, price, cancellation terms, and the party responsible for providing the service.
The FTC also notes an interaction with implied warranties: a service contract bought from the dealer within 90 days may affect implied-warranty coverage for systems the service contract covers. This is a specific point about the described timing and covered systems, not a general rule that every service contract removes all implied warranties. Ask how the contract and state law apply to the particular vehicle and sale.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →When comparing a service contract with a dealer warranty, make a simple list of what each document says about covered systems, duration, the share of parts and labor costs, deductibles, price, and cancellation. A service contract’s cost and cancellation terms are not the same thing as the Guide’s warranty disclosure, so review its own paperwork. Confirm who provides the service contract and how to use it if a covered repair is needed.
Also distinguish a remaining manufacturer warranty from both dealer coverage and a service contract. The Guide may identify manufacturer warranty information, but you should confirm whether coverage remains for the specific vehicle and what terms apply. Do not assume that the vehicle’s age, mileage, or a listing description establishes the answer; use the applicable written terms and confirm coverage with the manufacturer.
What to do before you sign
- Locate and read the Guide. Find the checked warranty status and make sure you understand which disclosure applies. If a dealer warranty is listed, read the systems, duration, dealer share of parts and labor, and deductible information.
- Get the full written terms. Request the dealer warranty document or service-contract terms, as applicable. Read the exclusions and limits rather than relying only on a short summary.
- Resolve paperwork conflicts. Compare the Guide with the sales contract. Have any negotiated coverage changes written into the final documents before you sign.
- Ask for promises in writing. Put any statement about repairs, coverage, or a promised fix into the paperwork rather than relying on an oral assurance.
- Arrange an independent inspection. Have a mechanic you choose inspect the vehicle before purchase. An inspection provides information about condition; it does not change the Guide’s warranty disclosure.
- Review the vehicle history and recalls. Obtain a vehicle-history report and check for open recalls. Neither step replaces reading the warranty terms or having the car inspected.
- Keep the completed documents. Save the final Buyers Guide and contract. If the transaction is conducted in Spanish, ask for a Spanish-language Buyers Guide.
Use the inspection, report, and recall check as separate pieces of the decision. An independent mechanic can assess condition; a history report can provide vehicle-history information; and a recall check addresses open recalls. None of them tells you what warranty the dealer has promised, so continue to rely on the completed Guide and written agreements for that question.
Before you commit, ask direct questions and make sure the answers are documented where appropriate: “Which warranty box applies?” “What systems are covered?” “What share of parts and labor will the dealer pay?” “Is there a deductible?” “Is any manufacturer coverage still in effect?” “Is this service contract separate, and what are its cancellation terms?” If the answer changes what you are buying, ask for the change in writing and reflected on the final Guide when it concerns warranty coverage.
Buying online or across state lines
The same core reading questions apply when you arrange a dealer purchase online: identify the applicable Buyers Guide, check the warranty status and details, and compare the final disclosure with the contract before completing the sale. An online listing or a salesperson’s description is not a substitute for the final paperwork.
Ask to review the Guide and any full warranty or service-contract terms before you complete the online transaction. If the dealer agrees to a coverage change during calls, messages, or negotiations, check that the final Guide and contract reflect it. Save copies of the final documents so you can verify what was disclosed and agreed to.
For a purchase involving another state, do not assume that the state where you live, the dealer is located, or the car will be delivered automatically supplies the answer to every warranty-disclaimer question. State requirements can differ, and the materials covered here do not resolve which state’s rules govern an individual transaction. Ask the dealer which state’s required Guide applies and seek state-specific guidance if the disclaimer’s effect is important to your decision.
The FTC notes that some states do not allow as-is sales or require another version of the Buyers Guide. This is why a buyer should not treat one form or one dealer’s explanation as a universal rule. If the transaction is in Spanish, ask for a Spanish-language Buyers Guide; keep the final version along with the contract.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Reading only the “as is” label. It does not establish the car’s condition or answer whether other coverage remains.
- Treating a warranty headline as complete coverage. Systems, duration, cost sharing, and deductibles can materially limit the protection.
- Assuming the contract always cancels the Guide. The FTC says the dealer must provide the warranty stated in the Guide when the two conflict on warranty status.
- Assuming all states permit the same disclaimer. State law may prohibit or limit as-is sales and may require additional steps.
- Relying on a verbal promise. Get promises and negotiated changes written into the final documents.
- Confusing a service contract with a warranty. They are separate agreements, and the service contract’s own terms determine its scope.
- Assuming a separate contract answers every warranty question. Check the Guide, the contract, any dealer warranty, manufacturer coverage, and any service contract as distinct documents.
- Skipping the condition checks because coverage exists. A warranty disclosure does not replace an independent inspection, a vehicle-history report, or a recall check.
Official guidance
The Federal Trade Commission’s consumer guidance, “Buying a Used Car From a Dealer,” explains the Buyers Guide, as-is sales, Guide-contract conflicts, inspections, history reports, and recalls. The FTC’s dealer guide and Used Car Rule summary explain form versions and state-law variation; its sample Buyers Guide (2016) shows the disclosure language. The FTC’s answers on the revised Used Car Rule address warranty disclosures and negotiated changes. Consult current FTC guidance and the law that applies to your state and transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “as is” mean when buying a used car?
On the Buyers Guide, “As Is – No Dealer Warranty” indicates that the dealer is not offering its own warranty for repairs after the sale. The FTC says the buyer assumes the risk of problems that arise after the sale. State law may restrict as-is sales or require additional steps, so the phrase alone does not resolve every legal question.
What does the Buyers Guide tell me?
It discloses whether the dealer is offering a warranty or selling the vehicle “as is,” and summarizes important terms when coverage applies. Check the covered systems, duration, dealer-paid share of parts and labor, and any deductible; the Guide is not a condition report or full warranty contract.
Does as is mean no warranty?
It means no dealer warranty is being offered as described by the “As Is – No Dealer Warranty” disclosure. It does not, by itself, answer whether implied warranties may apply under state law, whether manufacturer coverage remains, or whether you have a separate service contract.
Does the Buyers Guide override the contract?
The FTC says that if the Guide states the car comes with a warranty but the contract says “as is,” the dealer must provide the warranty described in the Guide. Still, ask the dealer to correct any conflicting paperwork before signing, and make sure negotiated coverage changes appear on the final Guide and in the contract.
What should I check on a dealer warranty entry?
Check which systems are covered, how long coverage lasts, what percentage of parts and labor costs the dealer will pay, and whether there is a deductible. Request and read the complete written warranty because the Guide is a summary.
Is a service contract the same as a warranty?
No. A service contract is separate and has its own scope, exclusions, duration, price, cancellation terms, and provider. The FTC notes that a service contract bought from the dealer within 90 days may affect implied-warranty coverage for systems it covers; that point is not a blanket rule for every service contract.
What should I do before buying an as-is used car?
Read the final Buyers Guide and contract, get any promises in writing, and arrange an independent mechanic’s inspection. Also obtain a vehicle-history report and check for open recalls. These checks provide different information and do not replace one another.
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The Bottom Line
Read the checked warranty status, then verify the details in the Guide, full warranty or service-contract terms, and final sales contract. “As Is – No Dealer Warranty” warns that the dealer is not offering its own warranty for post-sale repairs, but state law and other coverage may affect the full picture. Get promises and negotiated changes in writing, inspect the car independently, review its history and recalls, and keep the completed documents.
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