http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/aug/17/better-business-know-meaning-of-used-when-you-go/

Better Business: Know meaning of 'used' when you go shopping


By Randy Hutchinson, Special to The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Commercial Appeal





"Used" seems like such a simple term, but buyers have a right to know exactly what it means. The Better Business Bureau has a Code of Advertising that defines variations of "used."



The code starts by stipulating that any product that was used previously should be described as such or in similar terms, such as "secondhand," "pre-owned" or "repossessed."



"Rebuilt" should only be used to describe a product that has been completely disassembled, reconstructed, repaired and refinished, including the replacement of parts.



If an item is advertised as "reconditioned," then it should have received such repairs, adjustments or finishing as were necessary to put it in satisfactory condition without completely rebuilding it.



"As is" means the buyer receives the product in the condition in which it is displayed at the place of sale. With few exceptions, the seller of an "as is" car will not be legally responsible for any repairs needed after you drive it off the lot. The BBB receives many complaints about cars sold "as is," so I'll share more advice about them at the end of this column.



The BBB Code of Advertising also covers items that aren't used, but are advertised as defective or discontinued. Merchandise placed on sale because it is defective or rejected by the manufacturer for falling below standards should be advertised by such terms as "second," "irregular" or "imperfect." Linens or clothing are often sold this way.



Items that are marked "discontinued" or "discontinued model" should be new merchandise that a manufacturer has stopped producing, or that the retail advertiser will discontinue offering after clearance of existing inventories.



Let's return to the subject of cars sold "as is." They can be good deals, but are a clear case of "let the buyer beware."



I read a complaint recently in which the buyer started having serious problems with the car after owning it for just a month (other complaints cite problems within days of the purchase). The brake lights didn't work, the tail pipe fell off, the hood bounced up and down, and the odometer was broken.



When he asked the dealer to make repairs, the response was, "Don't call me no more. The car is sold as is. All the cars on the lot have problems. That's why they are cheap."



Federal Trade Commission regulations require that a Buyers Guide describing any warranty be posted on every used car. If the car is sold "as is," a box labeled "As Is -- No Warranty" should be checked.



The BBB offers the following tips when buying a car "as is":



Lemon laws generally don't cover used cars, and there is no three-day right to cancel.



If the "As Is" box is checked but the dealer promises to make repairs to the vehicle or cancel the sale if you are not satisfied, make sure the promise is written on the Buyers Guide.



Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car.



Check out the dealer with the BBB.



Randy Hutchinson is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South.