As Is on a Texas used car: what the Buyers Guide actually says

By Chris Yates, Paris, Texas. Updated November 5, 2026.

Every used car a dealer offers for sale must display a Buyers Guide, a federal form that says whether the car is sold As Is or with a warranty. Ours, from Royal Premier Motors in Dallas, had As Is checked, and the salesperson handwrote coverage terms into the Dealer Warranty section of the same form when we asked for them in writing. Here's what the form is and what to watch for.

What the Buyers Guide is

The Federal Trade Commission's Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide on used vehicles they offer for sale. It tells you whether the car comes with a dealer warranty or is sold As Is, lists systems covered by any warranty, and points you to a vehicle history report and an independent inspection. The FTC explains the rule in its dealer's guide to the Used Car Rule, and that guide says the information on the final Buyers Guide becomes part of the sales contract.

What our form says, word for word

• At the top: "Spoken promises are difficult to enforce. Ask the dealer to put all promises in writing. Keep this form."
• Checked: As Is, No Dealer Warranty.
• Handwritten in the Dealer Warranty section: "3 month, 4500 mile, see docs."
• Left unchecked: the Service Contract box, which on the form reads: "If you buy a service contract within 90 days of your purchase of this vehicle, implied warranties under your state's laws may give you additional rights."

What "see docs" turned out to be

The documents were a ProGuard service contract listing Royal Premier Motors as the selling dealer, for 3 months or 4,500 miles, with an agreement amount of $0.00. It excluded sludge and any part not working properly at the time of sale. When we asked whether the price could come down, we were told it would have to be without the warranty.

What to do at the dealership

1. Read the Buyers Guide on the window before you negotiate.
2. If you're promised anything, from a repair to coverage, ask for it written on the Buyers Guide and initialed.
3. If coverage is a service contract, ask to read the contract itself, including the exclusions, before you sign anything.
4. Photograph the Buyers Guide as it was when you bought the car, and keep your copy.

As Is and Texas law

As Is means the dealer isn't giving you a warranty on the car's condition. Whether it ends a dispute depends on the facts. The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act covers false, misleading or deceptive acts in consumer sales, and generally requires written notice to the business at least 60 days before a lawsuit. Talk to a lawyer about your own situation; nothing here is legal advice.

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