What to Know Before Getting an As-Is Used Vehicle

The used car market has been in upheaval because new cars are often harder to come by. One issue that has arisen is that unscrupulous sellers are taking advantage of desperate buyers to buy cars as-is. At Brewster Ford in Brewster, New York, we have seen what happens when someone buys a used Ford in an as-is sale, and we want to help you avoid a similar fate of permanent repairs on lemons. Following is a look at what you need to know before buying a vehicle that is being sold as-is.

Using “As-Is” in a Car Sale

The term “as-is” is used to describe a car being sold in its current condition. That can mean the seller or dealership will not warranty the car or be held responsible for repairs that are needed to keep the car functional. Buying an as-is vehicle means you are willing to take on all risks associated with a vehicle with or without inspections and with disclosed or undisclosed problems. It is worth noting that dealers and private sellers have different legal responsibilities for selling a car as is.

When you buy a car as is, you are engaging in a buyer-beware transaction. New York State laws regarding car sales will not protect you in this type of sale because you are waiving the right to be made whole by a warranty or guarantee.

How New York Lemon Laws Apply to Dealerships and Private Sellers

New York has lemon laws that apply primarily to a new car with a defect that the dealer or manufacturer can’t repair. These laws also apply to used vehicles sold by a dealership. A dealership is required by law to provide a warranty on used cars that cost more than $1,500 or have less than 100,000 miles. At Brewster Ford, we comply with all New York State laws regarding new and used cars and provide the appropriate warranty for all car sales.

Private sellers are exempt from lemon laws and can sell a used car without fear of reprisal. When you buy a used car from a private individual, you can’t ask them to cover the cost of repairs if the vehicle breaks down after they sign the title to you. The car can have a catastrophic breakdown after you have driven it for a mile, and you’ll be responsible for the cost of repairs. You can’t return to the seller to get your money back, but you may go through small claims court for reparations.

This scenario is much less likely to happen when you buy a used car from a reputable dealership like Brewster Ford. When a used car comes into the dealership for resale, it undergoes a full inspection regardless of whether it is a Ford or another manufacturer. Any minor repairs are made in-house, and the car is put into working condition for the next owner. It also gets a limited warranty covering the restoration of a catastrophic breakdown within the warranty window.

Get the Car Inspected Before You Buy

Talk to your mechanic before looking at a car sold as-is, or ask for referrals to a mechanic who will help you with a car inspection if you do not have a regular mechanic. A mechanic can find issues that are not immediately obvious to the untrained eye or ear and give you their informed opinion about the car’s condition.

Do not sign a contract on an as-is car until you know more about its condition and feel confident in handling repairs. As a general rule, modern technology and engineering have improved engines’ longevity and made them easier to repair. However, some engines have excellent cylinder blocks and heads but have poor engineering in the supporting systems.

A qualified mechanic can help you determine if a car is worth buying as is and if you can put up with minor mechanical issues until you can afford to fix them. They can also help you decide if you should walk away from the sale and look for another car.

Buying As-Is Can Be Costly

Buying a vehicle as-is may feel like you are getting a good deal on the surface. You are taking a significant risk buying a car as is, regardless of the current state of the car market. There is less risk in buying from private sellers who have maintained their car and have records to prove it even though the transaction is considered. But if you need a vehicle and do not have a lot of cash to spare, an as-is sale from a dealership or private seller can be very tempting.

Lemon laws do not apply to private sellers, but you can get the car inspected by your mechanic before you buy. One red flag is when the seller won’t accommodate your request to inspect the vehicle by a mechanic. That’s when it is time to walk away from the deal, as you are likely to find major mechanical issues. There’s always a risk that a used car has an existing mechanical problem that’s costly to repair. Still, you reduce your risk by purchasing from a reputable dealership like Brewster Ford or a private seller who has proof that they have properly maintained the vehicle.

Here at Brewster Ford, we understand that buying a car is expensive. We want to help you find a used vehicle that meets your needs, is in good mechanical condition, and will not stretch your budget. Give us a call, check out our inventory on our website, or come on in to look at what we have available and talk to us about what you are looking for.

Tags: As-is, Used Cars
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