What is the FTC "Buyers Guide" on a used car window?

Author: Mariano · Last updated: October 23, 2026

When you shop for a used car at a dealership, you will see a sheet posted in one of the windows: the Buyers Guide. It is not an ad. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requires it, and it tells you something important: whether the car comes with a warranty.

Who has to post it

The FTC Used Car Rule requires sellers who sell more than five used vehicles in 12 months to post the guide on every used car, light truck or van they offer. Private sellers selling their own car are not covered.

If the sale is conducted in Spanish, the dealer must give you the Spanish version of the guide.

How to read the front

The front has two boxes, and only one can be checked:

“As Is – No Dealer Warranty.” If something breaks after the sale, you pay for the repair. This is common on older or high-mileage cars.
“Dealer Warranty.” It must say whether it is full or limited, what percentage of parts and labor the dealer will pay, which systems are covered (engine, transmission, brakes…) and for how long or how many miles.

The guide can also show whether any manufacturer warranty still applies and whether a service contract (often called an “extended warranty”) is available for an extra cost.

The current guide also tells you to check the car for recalls and get a vehicle history report before you buy. You can do the first one for free with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see the model’s recalls in plain language on VIN Fácil.

The back: common problems

The back lists major defects that can show up in used cars (frame, engine, transmission, brakes, electrical system and more), the dealer’s contact information and who to contact with complaints. Use it as a checklist with your mechanic.

Why it matters

The guide is part of your contract. If the guide and the contract disagree, the guide controls. If the guide says there is a warranty, the contract cannot take it away.
Ask for a copy when you sign and keep it with the car’s paperwork.
If the dealer promises something verbally (“if it breaks, we’ll fix it”), ask them to write it on the guide. Spoken promises are hard to enforce.
“As Is” doesn’t mean the car is bad, but the risk is yours. Before you sign, get an independent pre-purchase inspection.

Some states limit or ban “As Is” sales, or give you implied warranties even when the dealer offers none. Check with your state’s consumer protection office or Attorney General if you are unsure.

Summary

The Buyers Guide is required on used cars sold by dealers.
Check which box is marked: “As Is” (no warranty) or “Dealer Warranty” (with its terms).
The guide is part of the contract and overrides it.
Ask for the Spanish version if the sale is in Spanish.
Before you sign: check recalls by VIN, get a history report and have the car inspected.

Recalls by make

If you are looking at a model, the issued recalls are grouped by make:

Frequently asked questions

Do all used cars need a Buyers Guide?

Cars sold by dealers do: the FTC Used Car Rule requires anyone who sells more than five used vehicles in a 12-month period to post the guide on each used vehicle offered for sale. A private person selling their own car does not have to.

What does "As Is - No Dealer Warranty" mean?

You buy the car in its current condition: if something breaks after the sale, the dealer has no obligation to pay for the repair. That is why a pre-purchase inspection is worth it.

Is there a Spanish Buyers Guide?

Yes. If the sale is conducted in Spanish, the dealer must show you the Spanish version of the guide ("Guía del Comprador").