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| Agency: Federal Trade Commission
Date: 26 June 2000 |
"Dealers need to understand the Used Car Rule and bring themselves into compliance," said Steven Baker, Director of the FTC's Midwest office. "While these are not the worst compliance levels we have seen nationwide, what is disturbing is that the dealers are located in an area where the consumers - such as new military trainees - may not understand their rights to this information."
The FTC's Used Car Rule is a consumer protection measure covering all used car dealers in the country. The Rule requires that used car dealers post a one page Buyers Guide in each car that ensures that consumers get information in writing about any warranty protection they have if there is a problem with the car after they buy it. Last week's unannounced inspections are part of the FTC's ongoing efforts to work in partnership with state and local officials around the country to ensure that dealers comply with the Rule. More than 80 FTC actions have been brought since the Used Car Rule became effective in 1985, with civil penalties totaling over $1 million. In addition, hundreds of state actions have been brought to enforce the Rule.
Used cars are a major purchase for most consumers. Data suggests that consumers buy 41 million used cars each year, at a cost of $361 billion. Thus, it is important the consumers shop wisely and obtain accurate information about the cars they buy.
The FTC's Used Car Rule requires that Buyers Guides be posted at all times on each vehicle offered for sale. The Buyers Guide states:
The Rule also provides that the Buyers Guide becomes a part of the sales contract and overrides any contrary provisions contained in that contract.
The Buyers Guide also contains a number of important warnings and suggestions for consumers. For instance, it suggests that a consumer ask the dealer if it is possible to have the car they're considering inspected by a mechanic. The Buyers Guide also warns consumers not to rely on spoken promises, which may be impossible to enforce. Instead, consumers should ask the dealer to put any promises in writing on the Buyers Guide and in the sales contract.
The FTC thanks the Illinois Attorney General's Office for its cooperation in conducting this investigation. As per the Commission's procedure in its investigations, the names of the individual dealers will remain nonpublic unless a formal complaint is brought against them.
Copies of the consumer publication, "Buying a Used Car," and the guide for used car dealers, "A Dealer's Guide: The Used Car Rule," are available from the FTC's web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TDD for the hearing impaired 1-866-653-4261. To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710.