6 NOVEMBER 1, 2001
Smoke Signals
Summit View Opens
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Summit View Grand Ronde Tribal member Tammy Cook (center) is joined
by Paul Parise and Cathy Barnett in their new executive host office with a view of
the new Summit. Cook, Barnett and Parise will give premium treatment to the
casino's "high rollers." The Summit features $1, $5, $25 and $100 slot machines.
Opening Ceremony - Grand Ronde Tribal Council members June Sell-Sherer
and Bob Haller joined Tribal members and Spirit Mountain Gaming, Inc. Board members
Barbara Feehan and Mike Larsen on Thursday, October 18 to cut the ribbon opening
Spirit Mountain Casino's new high stakes gaming room The Summit.
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Purchasing a Used Car? Ask Questions, Know Your Rights
Buyer's guides are required by law and provide valuable information.
By Sarah Brown, Grand Ronde Legal Services Summer Law Clerk
We have all heard horror stories of
someone purchasing a used car and hav
ing it break down on the way home.
What most do not know is that the
average purchaser will be stuck with
this broken down car and will have to
pay for all needed repairs out of pocket.
If this has happened to you or someone you know it is probably because the car
was purchased "as is." A car that is sold "as is" frees the dealer from all respon
sibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements made about the vehicle.
To make sure that this does not happen to you unknowingly, it is important to
know what to look for and what to ask when purchasing a used car.
The first thing a purchaser of a used car should look for is a "Buyer's Guide."
As required by federal law, every car dealer must post a Buyer's Guide in every
used car they offer to sell: this is known as the "Used Car Rule." j
A Buyer's Guide must offer the following information:
B Whether the vehicle is being sold "as is" or with a warranty.
B What percentage of the costs a dealer will pay under the warranty.
B That spoken promises are difficult to enforce. '
B To get all promises in writing.
B To keep the Buyer's Guide for reference after sale. -
B The major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of
the major problems you should look out for.
B To ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.
B Who at the dealership to contact if there is a problem with the car after
purchase.
A Buyer's Guide does not have to be posted on motorcycles and most recre
ational vehicles. Also, anyone who sells fewer than six used cars a year is not
required to post a Buyer's Guide.
The Buyer's Guide is a useful tool in determining what you are getting and
what you are not getting out of the deal. When a dealer offers a vehicle "as is,"
the box next to the bolded "As Is No Warranty" on the Buyer's Guide must be
checked. If the car dealer is offering a warranty, the box next to the bolded
"Warranty" must be checked. Also the dealer must indicate whether the war
ranty is full or limited.
When you buy a used car from a dealer,
get the original Buyer's Guide or a copy.
It is important to have the Buyer's Guide
reflect any changes you have negotiated
with the dealer regarding warranty coverage.
Be sure that all changes are noted be
cause these terms will become part of you sales contract and will override any
contrary terms.
For example, if the Buyer's Guide says the car has a limited warranty but the
dealer orally agrees to extend you a full warranty, the warranty described in the
Guide controls and you will have a limited warranty.
Do not be misled into believing there is a three-day "cooling off period." For a
used car purchase, that is a myth. The right to return a vehicle following
purchase exists only if the dealer grants this right. If the dealer does grant this
privilege, have this change reflected on your Buyer's Guide. Remember that the
Buyer's Guide controls the dealer's contractual obligations.
The Buyer's Guide suggests having the car inspected by an independent me
chanic. An independent inspection is a good idea even if the dealer has inspected
the car. While the dealer's inspection will check the overall safety of the auto,
the mechanic's inspection will determine how the car will perform on the road.
Pre-purchase inspection procedures vary from mechanic so it is important to
find out what the inspection consists of, how long it will take, and how much it
will cost. If the dealership does not permit you to take the vehicle off the lot for
an inspection, there are inspectors who will come to the dealership.
The Used Car Rule does not apply to private sellers. If you decide to purchase
your car from an individual, it is still a good idea to take along a Buyer's Guide
so you can use its list of an auto's major systems when looking over the car.
Usually private sales are conducted on an "as is" basis, unless your written
agreement specifically states otherwise. Having a mechanic look over the car is
also in your best interest.
Remember, when purchasing a used car from a dealer it is important to care
fully look over the Buyer's Guide contained within the vehicle. If purchasing
from an individual, take along the Buyer's Guide as a shopping tool. If you do
not want to purchase the car "as is," attempt to negotiate with the seller to
obtain a warranty. Also, it is important to have a mechanic inspect the car
before it is purchased to insure its overall reliability. Armed with this knowl
edge I guarantee your next used car purchase can be a positive one.