Used car buyers need to buy an auto warranty as soon as they purchase the car. Auto warranty is something which should be purchased by all car buyers. It does not matter whether you’re a used car buyer or new car buyer. A proper auto warranty can help you get your money back whenever you spend on car repairs or car maintenance.

Here are some useful tips on buying auto warranty on your used car.

1. You need to know what you are buying. You need to understand the terms and conditions of the auto warranty policy before signing the final contract with the car dealer. Many times buyers unnecessarily file a complaint against the auto warranty companies because their understanding of the conditions that comprises the warranty differs from the warranty guidelines stated in the contract.
2. Avoid buying auto warranty from your car dealer. The price of the warranty coverage provided by car dealers can be three times higher than the normal price. First-rate warranty companies offer a comparatively lower rate, with better service and fair clauses.
3. There are many warranty companies that provide valuable services to customers. It’s all about selecting the right Used Car warranty from the right company.

Buying a used car is very much like a gamble. It may run the way it is supposed to, it might even surpass your expectations or it may turn out to be a big lemon on wheels.

Things can become tricky in case something goes wrong with a vehicle bought privately, for  used cars sold by dealers are covered by used car warranty laws in most states.

Make sure that any used car you buy, is covered by some sort of warranty. Do not buy a car “as is”, because you will end up paying for all repairs after once you drive off the lot. Even if the car breaks down right at the dealer’s drive way, you may be held liable for the repairs. However, most states prohibit the sale of used cars on an “as is” basis and have laws where used cars are covered by implied warranties. That means that even if the dealer does not sign a written warranty, he takes responsibility for any repairs that are required on the vehicle in order to make it fully serviceable.

The law is generally pro used car buyers and both federal as well as state laws protect you. So as long as you use your common sense and discretion, it is tough for anybody to cheat you. However, laws vary in every state. Make sure you check regarding the laws in your state from the consumer protection or attorney general’s office.

The law that provides consumers the most protection of all used car warranty laws is the car lemon law. This law was created in order to protect the rights of people who purchase used cars that turn out to be lemons. The Used Car Lemon Law is applicable to all car purchases that happen with dealers and is not applicable to private purchases.

According to the law, dealers are required to give a written warranty for the used car, whereby he undertakes the task of repairing any defective parts for free. He can also undertake to pay for any repairs on the car. Any used car covered by this law can be sold by a dealer “as is” and the best part is that , in case the dealer in unable to repair the car to your satisfaction after a number of attempts, then the buyer is entitled to a full refund of the purchase price.

However, the criteria under which a car is covered under the lemon law are quite stringent. The car has to be at least two years old or driven within 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. Another requirement for this law is, the vehicle needs to be purchased or leased from a dealer, and has a purchase price of at least $1,500 and has not exceeded more than 100,000 miles at the time of resale or lease.

It goes without saying that you need to thoroughly inspect a used car before you buy it. First , look at the buyers guide sticker and see if the used car warranty is limited or if the car has no warranty and is being sold as is. The best option is to have your own mechanic inspect the car with you.

AutoBytle.com has an extensive step by step process that you can review before you go shopping. The first few steps are excerpted below.

Things You Will Need

• Paper towels
• Hand cleaner
• Magnet
• Flashlight
• Small mirror
• VIN (vehicle identification number)
• www.autocheck.com Vehicle History Report
• Small section of the newspaper (to help detect oil leaks)
• Cell phone and the number of your local dealer for this type of vehicle
• This list and a pen to check things off and make notes

Used Car Inspection Step #1

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Setting Up The Inspection
Get the VIN from the used car listing or call the owner and ask for it. If they are uneasy about letting you run a vehicle history report, be wary of the seller’s honesty. Dealerships run this report if you want to trade your used car in. The VIN number is conveniently located on the sellers insurance card, which most states require be carried in your wallet.

Used Car Inspection Step #2

Talk with the Owner Talk to the owner, ask:

• How long have they owned the car?
• How often have they changed the oil? Where was it changed?
• Do they have records for maintenance and service?
• Has it ever been damaged or flooded?
• Why are they selling the vehicle?
• Are there any problems?
• Has it had any major maintenance beyond muffler, brakes, tires, batteries and oil changes? How long has it been since these items were replaced?
• Was the car kept in a garage?

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If you are a woman exploring what is underneath your hood, or you are trying to identify that part that your used car warranty states is still covered, you might find yourself in search of something that you wouldn’t recognize if it hit you over the head. Being able to differentiate between a power steering pump and a power steering box could prove helpful . My Honest Mechanic generously offers a section on their site simply named, Pictures of Car Parts, that is just that; picture after picture of various car parts. Noted also for dispensing good tech advice and providing a complete menu of automotive information, it’s a site well worth book marking. At least now you’ll be able to visualize all of the car parts that your used car warranty still covers.