You need to be truly ready to buy a car before signing a contract or other binding document that obligates you to pay for the car.  Once you commit to buying a car, you will be financially responsible and in most circumstances, you cannot take it back.  Therefore, when buying a car, being through, reading every word or every agreement you sign and getting all promises on paper will help you make an informed decision that leaves you with an appropriate means of recourse if the car is a lemon or is flawed in any other way.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and buying a car

This act guarantees all written warranties issued by the manufacturer or other agent.  This is to avoid litigation over the promises made by the manufacturer to the buyer.  As such, many warranties will allow for alternative dispute resolution and other measures to ensure customer satisfaction.  Although you will have this protection when buying a new car, buying  used car will be a grey area, especially as some cars may be sold without a warranty or “as is,’’ with no guarantee that the car will function as it should.

Uniform Commercial Code of 1952 defines implied warranties, which shall include the product’s:

• Fitness for a particular purpose – the product must perform for the function as advertised.

• Merchantability – the product must have all defects noted by the merchant at the time of sale and will fulfill the purpose for which it was sold.

• Workmanlike quality- any item made or constructed for the consumer must be made to acceptable standards.

• Warranty of title – the seller has not stolen the goods and has a legal right to sell to the consumer.

The dealer must abide by the UCC and sell you the product in good faith, believing that it will function as it should and that any written guarantees made (pursuant to the Magnuson-Moss Act) will be honored.  Acting in bad faith or selling a defective product will open venues of enforcement, such as state lemon laws and even possible fraud is bad faith attempts have been made to deceive the consumer.  Subsequent legislation has outlaws such practices as tampering with odometers to lower mileage.

Mileage – the amount of miles a used car has driven.  This is a good but not perfect indicator of the life of the car, more so than the years it was active or the purpose for which it was used.

Buyer’s remorse – the feeling some get after making a large purchase.  Sadly, if you have buyer’s remorse, there is very little you can do, unless you are within a very narrow time frame that state law allows you to work with the dealer to return the car.  Dealers that offer return clauses will only do so because it benefits them.  You will often need to pay to return the car.

As is – this term means that you are buying the car without a warranty an all defects and problems with the car are disclosed to you.  The dealer or seller is not obligated to cover the cost of repairs or liable for problems with the car.  It is important to analyze agreements between you and the dealer to check if this clause is included in the agreement.  In spite of this tag, the seller is required to disclose any information about defects and issues related to the car and failure to do this will be a violation of state lemon laws.  

Inspection – you are entitled to have a mechanic independent of the dealer to check the car for faults, defects and potential problems before buying it.  You will need to request that the dealer allow you to inspect the vehicle at the dealership or at the mechanic’s.  Feel free to walk away from the deal if the dealer refuses inspection.

Warranty – this is a written guarantee from either the manufacturer or deal of the used car to cover some or all of the defects and part failures during the specified term of the warranty.  The warranty must be specific on the obligations of the manufacturer or dealer and specify the percentage of the costs of parts and labor will be covered under the warranty.

Service contract – this is similar to a warranty as it provides some benefits and defines the relationship between the buyer and dealer.  For service contracts, the buyer typically purchases this from the dealer and the contract will define coverage, deductibles, prices and exclusions.  Carefully analyze the terms of a service contract before agreeing to purchase one from a dealer.

Test drive – if you have the opportunity to test-drive a vehicle, do so.  Not only will this confirm your desire to buy the used car, you will be able to identify glaring issues with the car that will affect your buying decision.

You must be prepared for the financial obligations of buying a car.  This includes ensuring you will be able to make timely payments if you choose to finance.  Ensure you check the numbers on the financing agreement and that you are aware how interest will affect the principal you will owe to the dealer or salesperson.  Remember that the absence of a down payment does not necessarily work out in your favor as this is a greater principal that you will be paying interest on.

Destination charge – cost to deliver the car from the factory to the dealership, is set by the manufacturer and the buyer will end up paying it.  Any other destination or delivery fee is unnecessary.  This destination charge is a mandatory fee that cannot be avoided.

Title and registration fees – if you require a new license plate for the vehicle, the dealer will charge you this fee, set by the state, to acquire it for you.  The fee is lower if you already have plates and want to transfer them to the new vehicle.  You must register the vehicle.

Documentation fee – this fee is charged for processing the paperwork related to acquiring and buying the car.  Many states cap this fee but other states where there are no limitations will have the he run into the hundreds of dollars.  Consider this when buying a car in another state.

Sales tax – even cars are subject to sales tax.  Buying the car in another state will subject you to your state’s sale tax once you register it in your state.  The dealer may help facilitate registering the vehicle in your state.

Advertising fees – this fee can be challenged if it is not immediately disclosed to you.  This is the char that manufactures charge dealers for advertisement and some dealerships will try to pass it one to the consumer.

Guaranteed Auto Protection Insurance – if you are leasing, this fee covers the difference between your payments and the life of the lease if the car does not survive until the end of the lease.

Extended warranty/service contract – at your discretion, you may purchase additional protection for your vehicle.  Do so only if you determine this is to your advantage and that the conditions are fair to you.  Many drivers will never need their warranty but others have saved substantially because of it.

Just about any other fee that can be added to a vehicle can be disputed, challenged, or avoided.  Other fees and coverage can be had cheaper elsewhere.  All of these fees are the reason why it is important to read all of the terms related to buying or financing a car.

Federal law requires dealers that sell over six cars a year to provide a buyer’s guide to whomever buys a car.  This will contain important information about the car and serves as a large disclaimer about what the buyer may encounter through buying and using this car.  The buyer’s guide must list the conditions of sale (as-is vs. warranty) as this is necessary to determine liability for faults, defects and repairs the car will need.  If there is a warranty, the guide will note repair costs paid by the dealer.  The buyer’s guide also includes disclaimers, such as there is no guarantee of enforcement on spoken promises and that promises made in writing should be kept safe.  In terms of technical specifications, the buyer’s guide will list all mechanical systems on the car and possible faults and your right to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic.  The right to test drive the car may also be included.

The seller has no legal obligation to allow you to return the car once you have driven it off the lot.  There will be limited exceptions in California and Ontario.  Even then, in the case of California, you must pay to exercise the return option.  Returns can only be achieved if a return clause is added to the contact between you and the seller.  Otherwise, the car is your responsibility.  The federal government has no say in this matter.

Critical car systems that should be inspected before buying a used car

– Brake system

– Cooling system

– Differential

– Electrical system

– Engine

– Exhaust system

– Frame & Body

– Fuel system

– Inoperable accessories (AC, Heater, gauges)

– Steering system

– Suspension system

– Tires

– Transmission

– Wheels

Although all of these systems will have unique problems, common problems affecting most systems in used cars are fluid leakage, cracks/visible damage, poor alignment and worn parts.  A pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic can spot these potential issues and advise you on your buying decision.  Some or all damage to these systems will be covered by an implied warranty if the system is critical to the car’s safe operation.

The Federal Trade Commission, as well as standard practice recommends speaking with the dealer and entering an alternative dispute resolution, if necessary.  Some warranties may require ADR before seeking legal action.  Through ADR, you may reach a resolution that will have the dealer cover the cost of repairs.  Check your service contract and any warranties that came with the car in the event of a problem.

Filing a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau will help alert other potential buyers about fraudulent or unscrupulous dealers.  Persistent complaints will almost certainly lead to increased scrutiny into the practices of that use car dealer.  Class action against the dealership by several injured parties may be possible as a result of this investigation.  Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission is also a possibility for larger dealers.

Small claims court is the ultimate destination for litigation related to buying a used car.  You may have to consider an attorney when going to small claims court, especially if the other party intends to have legal representation.  Here is where it is critical to have all promises in writing.  The clerk of the small claims court will advise you on the strength and possible limitations on your claim against the seller.

Private sellers are not bound by the same rules as dealers.  For one, they do not have to abide by regulations, such a providing a buyer’s guide and all sales are considered “as is” unless otherwise noted by the seller.  You need to be aware of limitations on the car’s warranty, such as if the warranty or service contract is non-transferable.  This may put you on the hook for repairs if the car is indeed going to be non-functional or require maintenance at some point.  Most states do no set a minimum requirement for the car to function or for inspection before the car is sold.  Failure to meet federal or state requirements for emissions may prevent the registration and legal operation of the car.  The seller has no obligation to have the car meet inspection standards before selling it.

Buy a car / buying a car/car buying/buying a car out of state

The South Dakota DMV is an agency of the Department of Public Safety and will administer the permit practice test for South Dakota.  The fee for a driver’s license in South Dakota is $20 and cash, check or money orders will be the only acceptable form of payment.

South Dakota residents may obtain a driver’s license as long as they are over 14 years old.  There will of course, be restrictions on minors on when they can drive and under what circumstances.  Minors will need parental approval through all phases of obtaining a driver’s license.  All applicants will also need to show proof of identity, date of birth, and legal status in the US using any form of ID authorized by the SD Driver’s manual.  You will also need to show proof of a Social Security Number as SD residency.  You men must also register for the Selective Service as a condition for receiving a driver’s license. 

 

The South Dakota Driver’s manual is available online and at select SD DMV office.  You will need to study this manual carefully to understand the rules of the road, safe driving and other important information that will be on the practice permit test for South Dakota.

permit practice test South Dakota /practice permit test South Dakota

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is the licensing and testing authority for drivers in Tennessee.  The SODHS will provide Driver Service Centers where you may take the practice permit test for Tennessee.  The department also publishes the Driver’s License handbook, which will cover all phases of getting a license, and the requisite knowledge needed to pass the practice permit test for Tennessee.  

You will also need specific documentation to prove your identity and legal residence.  A chart on page 7 of the Driver’s License handbook will help you determine what items you need to bring in order to qualify to take the vision and knowledge tests.  Only original documents will be accepted for these requirements.  There will also be a table listing all the fees so you can identify which fees you will be paying.

Minors over the age of 15 are eligible to apply for a learner’s permit.  There will be a 180 day waiting period between getting a permit and upgrading to an intermediate restricted license.  This graduated license program grants minors more and more responsibilities at each state before finally becoming a full license at age 18.  Parental consent is need at each step, including the practice permit test for Tennessee.

permit practice test Tennessee /practice permit test Tennessee

Although there is a Texas DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety is responsible for issuing licenses and permits to drivers.  Those that wish to apply for a Texas license must verify their identity (legal name, date of birth etc), present proof of a social security number, and proof of legal residence in the United States if they are not a citizen.

A learner license is available to minors under the age of 18 so that they may practice driving with a licensed adult sitting in the passenger seat.  Minors that are enrolled in a driver’s education course are eligible to obtain this license when they turn 15.  They will also need proof of school enrollment and parental consent to qualify for this license.  There are limited exceptions to this age requirement and this is called a hardship license.

The practice permit test for Texas will be available in English and Spanish only, as per state law and in the interest of public safety.  Unlike other states, interpreters are not allowed as this will compromise the testing process.

The Driver’s Handbook is your best tool for passing the practice permit test in Texas and will be available from the DPS website.  A score of 70% is needed in order to pass the test, as well as a passing grade on the vision test.  Only after passing this stage will you be eligible to take the road test.

permit practice test Texas/practice permit test Texas

Utah does have a DMV, but that agency is for vehicle registration only.  Instead, you will receive your license and take the permit practice Utah through the Department of Public Safety.  A learner permit will be issued by any licensing office when the applicant is at least 15 years old and has parental consent.  The fee will be $15 for this document as is contingent on passing the practice permit test for Utah.

A practice permit test Utah sample is available online and consists of 22 questions that are similar to the questions on the actual test.  The online practice permit test for Utah is graded instantly and will provide feedback on the questions answered incorrectly.  Knowledge of road safety, traffic signs and safe driving will all be tested on the practice permit test Utah.

The Utah driver’s manual is available on the DPS website and will contain all of the information necessary to pass the practice permit test for Utah.  Additionally, there will be information on which identification to bring when applying for a learner’s permit in Utah.  You will need to prove your identity, social security number and legal residency in the country.  You will also need to pass a vision test, demonstrating that you have better than 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses.

permit practice test Utah/practice permit test Utah

You will find all the forms you need to apply for a Vermont learner’s permit at the website of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.  It is best to prepare the form before your visit to the DMV to avoid an excessive wait or potentially making an error there when filling out the form.  You must complete this form, show proper identification and pass a vision test before you may take the practice permit test for Vermont.

The Driver’s License Manual is the best resource to prepare for the practice permit test for Vermont.  You will find this on the DMV website under publications.  There is also an audio version and a translation to Vietnamese.  You will also find a graduated driver’s license manual, which may be applicable if you are a minor applying for a permit or restricted license.

The Vermont DMV offers a web learning tool call DriveVermont that aims to teach minors about traffic laws and drivers safety.  This is also a useful tool for persons of all ages applying for a permit for the first time.  Studying this and the Driver’s License Manual will be critical to passing the practice permit test for Vermont.

When applying for the Vermont license, you will need to prove residency, proof of identity and obtain parent or guardian permission for minors.  Only then can you take the vision test and practice permit test for Vermont.

permit practice test Vermont/practice permit test Vermont

There are a number of useful resources at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website, including a sample permit practice test for Virginia and the Driver’s Manual, which contains all useful and relevant information for passing the practice permit test.  There are two sample knowledge exams related to a typical driver’s license, with one exam testing knowledge of traffic signs and the other testing general knowledge.  The tests are graded instantly and you will be able to check your answers.  Using this will help you understand the type of questions and likely material that will be on the test.

The Virginia Driver’s Manual is also available on the DMV website and be downloaded in sections or in full.  This driver’s manual is also available in audio format.  The manual will also be available at customer service centers, some high schools and commercial driving schools.  It is important to study this manual thoroughly to pass the practice permit test Virginia.  Failing the knowledge exam will cause you to be deferred for a full 15 days.  At your prior request, you may take an audio version of the exam or take the exam in Spanish.  Other translations are subject to availability.  Multiple failures will result in mandatory driver’s education for those that still want a Virginia driver’s license.

The driver’s license will cost $3 per year and replacing a lost permit will cost $2.  

permit practice test Virginia/practice permit test Virginia

You will take the practice permit test for North Carolina through the North Carolina DMV, which is a branch of the state’s Department of Transportation.  Visit the NC DMV website for a wealth of useful and easily accessible resources, including the Driver’s Handbook, a practice permit test for North Carolina and specific rules on the North Carolina graduate licensing program.

When applying for a graduated license, you must be under 18 but older than 15 years old.  As with all licensing procedures, you will need to show proof of identity (two documents), proof of social security, and other required documents.  You can find a listing of these requirements on the NC DMV website.  Additionally the driver must secure parental consent and have an appropriate supervisor, as per the conditions of the graduated license.  Young drivers can be upgraded to a provisional license as long as they pass the practice permit test for North Carolina and meet the other requirements set by the state.  Have a graduated license is conditional on school enrollment or high school graduation.

The North Carolina Driver’s Handbook is available on the NC DMV website and should be studied thoroughly in order to pass the practice permit test for North Carolina.  Additionally, the sample driver knowledge test will demonstrate the types of questions that will be on the permit practice test North Carolina and you will be able to check you will be able to check your answers instantly.

permit practice test North Carolina/practice permit test North Carolina

The Rules of the Road is a publication issued by the North Dakota Department of Transportation.  This publication is aimed at helping prospective drivers pass the practice permit test for North Dakota.  The minimum age at which a person may drive without restrictions in North Dakota is 16 and those that are younger only with a restricted license.  Minors as young as 14 may apply for an instruction permit which lasts 12 months and allows the holder of the permit to practice under the supervision of a licensed adult.  

Parental approval is needed for all licenses and permits for those under the age of 18.  North Dakota also mandates that a parent of the minor be present at the road test and certify that the minor has had 50 hours of supervised driving practice.

In order to take the permit practice test for North Dakota, you must present proper identification that certifies legal presence in the US, legal name and date of birth.  North Dakota has stringent rules on the time the practice permit test is administers at no later than one hour prior to noon and no later than an hour prior to closing.

To prepare for the written knowledge test, use the Rules of the Road, which is readily available at the state DOT website.  Thoroughly studying this book is essential to passing the practice permit test North Dakota.

permit practice test North Dakota/practice permit test North Dakota