In the used-car world, “as is” means the dealer is selling the car with no warranty. You’re buying it in its current condition, and any repairs after purchase are your responsibility.
You’ll often see “as is” paired with “no warranty” on a window sticker or ad to make it clear there’s no dealer coverage. Dealers are required to tell you whether a vehicle is being sold as is or with a warranty.
Why “As Is” Can Be Risky
Unlike a new car, an as-is used car doesn’t come with warranty protection.
In other words, if something fails right after you drive off — like the transmission — the dealer typically isn’t obligated to fix it or take the car back.
How to Protect Yourself
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic — especially if there’s no factory warranty left.
- Use the inspection results to negotiate the price or walk away.
- If you want more peace of mind, consider a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, which usually includes a manufacturer-backed limited warranty.
- Buying from a private seller? Any warranty is usually only the remaining portion of the original factory warranty.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
I just purchase a used vehicle and it brought down while driving home. Got home call dealer back they said it could b bad ⛽️ so the next day I went to get a diagnostic on my 🚗 mechanic said leaking head gaskets, transmission leaking. I called deal ship back he said his mechanic fixed it. No car running for me but still making payments!!!
Hey I was wondering what exactly it means if it says as is with warranty what exactly would be fixed this particular car has plenty of electrical issues would this be covered and fixed or would I have to do it all myself
Hi Reg. Thanks for reading. When you see a “Buyers Guide” sticker in the window and it has the “warranty” box checked, it means the dealer is offering some type of warranty coverage for specific items listed on the sticker by helping to pay some of the cost of repairing that component. It’s uncommon to find these dealer warranties, but not unheard of. It’s more common to find an “as-is no warranty” used car. The vehicle might have some of its factory warranty available, but the dealer assumes no responsibility for any defects. If the car is beyond the typical 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, it’s likely your only hope is the that the car has a transferrable extended warranty that covers the electrical problems you mention.
Thank you for reading, Reg. Before you put any money down or sign anything, ask to see the “As Is” warranty information and get in writing what is covered and for how long. Some dealerships may also try to include an “extended warranty” that you would likely pay extra for on your bill. Please be very cautious about that, too. One important point to mention is that at the “Buy Here, Pay Here” dealerships, you may need extra caution, as I have started to see some of those go out of business (perhaps due to the lack of used car availability in the under $20,000 segment) — and then what happens to your warranty? You would be out of luck. Read everything and stay vigilant.
Does this not consider safety items? Like cracked rotors, bald tire, etc?
Hi Kristen, thanks for reading. Yes, as-is condition doesn’t have any exclusions. Safety issues like brake problems are the responsibility of the buyer, just as more trivial items like a small dent in the door, a foul smell in the cabin, or a burned-out brake light. It’s worth repeating: Always have a competent and trusted mechanic inspect a car before you buy it.
I want to understand what if the care has been bought as is but at the time it was running and then that same night there is no crank to turn the turck over as in it wont startup and is very silient and has the lights that come on would the dealership be resoneable if the car had these issue and was made aware of them right in the same day of fianaincing the truck
i need some one to review a contract on a car that I am not sure of. As is, I do not want to sign. They have a deposit and if we do not sign they will keep deposit. Help
I am so overwhelmed even as I am typing this. My boyfriend and I just recently purchased a E-250 Cargo Van to deliver dialysis equipment to in home patients. It has not even been a couple of months and we went to take the Van to get a much needed oil change and the gentlemen at the oil change establishment explained that the previous owner put a butterfly and clogged the area to get the oil change, and to be able to just get a simple oil change we would need the entire part replaced. What do I do, we pay $327.00 a month for this vehicle and I understand now what As is means but I feel like im only agreeing to “As Is” if I am aware of all of the flaws regarding safety, I could careless about appearance. Please share if I am infact just screwed
I bought a used car as is then found out the car had 298000 miles and the odometer read 98000 when purchased it had a blown head gasket that i was not informed of what should i do?
Just because he’s allowed to sell it “as is” doesn’t mean that he can sell it fraudulently. If he had knowledge of the mileage being changed he had the legal obligation in most states to disclose that, and you have the right to redress under his fraudulent actions, or you have the right to take legal action.
Test-driving a used car not only tells you if this is the right car for you but also if this particular car is in good condition. On the test-drive, simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns.
Good advice.
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