Federal Buyers Guide

Federally Mandated

The FTC’s (Federal Trade Commission) Used Car Rule requires California Dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale.

You must post a Buyers Guide before you display a vehicle for sale or let a customer inspect it for the purpose of buying it, even if the car is not fully prepared for delivery.

You also must display a Buyers Guide on used vehicles for sale at your Dealership -or- at Public Auctions through consignment, power of attorney, or other agreement.

Motorcycles, vehicles sold for scrap or parts (with a Salvage Certificate) and Agricultural equipment are exempt from the rule.

Dealers that sell fewer than six cars in a year do not have to post a Buyers Guide

New Buyers Guide Changes (effective January 27, 2018)

1) “As-Is” now “AS IS – THE DEALER DOES NOT PROVIDE A WARRANTY FOR ANY REPAIRS AFTER SALE”

2) An indication of  “DEALER WARRANTY”

• The Vehicle is coverage by a Dealer’s FULL WARRANTY or
• LIMITED WARRANTY where Dealers can disclose what Systems are covered and the Duration of coverage

3) An indication “NON-DEALER WARRANTIES FOR THIS VEHICLE”

• Manufacturer’s Warranty
• Manufacturer’s Used Vehicle Warranty
• Other Used Vehicle Warranty

4) If a SERVICE CONTRACT is available

5) Airbags and catalytic converters added to the list of Major Defects

6) Added Statements:

• Directing Consumers to obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls
• Encouraging consumers to visit ftc.gov/usedcars for information on how to obtain a vehicle history report
• Encouraging Consumers to visit safercar.gov to check for open safety recalls
• In Spanish, advising Consumers to ask for the Buyers Guide in Spanish if the Dealer is conducting the sale in Spanish
• In Spanish, explaining what information Dealers may use to obtain a Consumer’s acknowledgment of receipt of the Buyers Guide

Requirements for display

The Guide must be in plain view (with both sides visible) and may be either:

• Hung from the rear-view mirror or outside side-view mirror
• Placed under a windshield wiper.
• Attached to a side window

A Guide in a glove compartment, trunk or under the seat is not conspicuous because it is not in plain sight.

Optional Signature Line

You may include a signature line on the Guide and ask the buyer to sign to acknowledge they have received the Guide.

If you opt for a signature line, you must include a disclosure near it that says:

“I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Buyers Guide at the closing of this sale”

Valuable Links:

• “Editable” Federal Buyers Guide template
• FTC’s Guide to the Used Car Rule