In our business, there are hassles and there are assets. The FTC Buyer’s Guide can be either—depending on your process. With the right workflow and supplies, it becomes one of the most powerful tools on your lot for communication, transparency, and professionalism.
The Law of the Land: The FTC Used Car Rule
The Buyer’s Guide comes from the Federal Trade Commission’s Used Car Rule (in effect since 1985). Its purpose is simple: clearly disclose whether a vehicle is being sold with a warranty or “as-is,” so there’s no confusion before the customer signs.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
The Two Paths: Printing vs. Pre-Printed Forms
Printing from Your DMS
Convenient, but often yields streaky ink, crooked lines, and flimsy paper—undercutting your vehicle’s presentation and risking printing errors.
Using Pre-Printed Forms
Durable, clean, and consistent. Pre-printed Buyer’s Guides look official, withstand weather better, and simplify your process at both small and large scale.
Pro Tips for a Professional Look
Protect your work: Slide the form into a sheet protector. It keeps the document crisp even on hot or humid days.
Tape all four corners: Train your team to secure each corner. One strip in the middle leads to a droopy, sloppy look.
The Buyer’s Guide as a Communication Tool
More than a legal form, it’s a visible reference during sales—clear warranty info, “as-is” status, and disclosures at a glance. At write-up, have the customer sign a clean copy and file it in the deal jacket.
Upgrade Your Process (Fast Checklist)
Stock pre-printed Buyer’s Guides (English & Spanish where appropriate).
Keep sheet protectors and quality tape at each workstation.
Add “Place Buyer’s Guide” to your recon checklist as the final step.
Have a sign-and-file routine at write-up; file copies in the deal jacket.