Tag Archives: as-is car

as-is car

Buying a Used Car: What Does As-Is Mean?

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged , , , on by .

If you’re thinking about buying a used car, you’re likely to come across the term “as-is.” Not all used vehicles are sold as-is, but some are, so it’s important to know what this means and what you can expect as the buyer. Shopping smart gives you the best chances of making a purchase that you’ll be happy with. 

What Does As-Is Mean When Car Shopping? 

Usually when you come across the term “as-is” in a vehicle listing, it means that the vehicle is being sold in its exact condition. If there are any flaws or defects with the vehicle, they will be your responsibility and will not be covered by a warranty. In fact, as-is typically means that there is no warranty coverage through the manufacturer or the dealer. 

That being said, it is possible to buy a car as-is and still have a manufacturer warranty. For example, when you purchase a repossessed car, it will be sold as is. You will be responsible for any repairs or maintenance that the vehicle needs. However, if the vehicle has a manufacturer warranty intact, you can use that to cover certain repairs or recalls. 

Generally speaking, when you see a car being sold as-is, it means it has no warranty and will be sold in its exact condition. You will be responsible for anything else the car needs, so be sure to budget for this. In exchange for this, you will receive a sizable discount on your purchase.  

Should You Buy an As-Is Vehicle? 

Only you can make the decision as to which type of car purchase is right for you. Some people are more comfortable buying or leasing new, while others don’t mind a little elbow grease for a cheaper car (and cheaper insurance). But there are plenty of benefits to buying as-is. 

For instance, you can save money, which is great if you’re on a budget. Repossessed cars are popular among high school and college students, as well as those just starting out. You’ll also have a wider selection of vehicles, allowing you to get some of the features that you wouldn’t be able to afford in a new car. 

But, you also need to have realistic expectations. An as-is car may need more work, so you’ll need to set aside some budget for these expenses

Tips for Shopping for an As-Is Vehicle 

When shopping for an as-is vehicle, there are a few things you’ll want to do to ensure a solid purchase: 

  • Do your research. Research the car you’re interested in buying so that you can be aware of any known problems. 
  • Order a vehicle history report. Find out if the car was involved in any accidents.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection. Have the car inspected by a mechanic or someone knowledgeable in cars. 
  • Consider a warranty. Look into warranty options through third-party companies like CarShield. They can help pay for major repairs. 

RepoFinder has a vast database of vehicles being sold as-is. We provide as much information as possible so that people can save money and get a great vehicle!

driving car in as-is condition

What to Look for When Buying a Car As-Is

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged , , , on by .

Buying a car “as-is” means that you’re buying the car in the exact condition that it’s in. It probably doesn’t have a warranty, either. If anything turns up wrong with the car, it will be your responsibility to fix it. In exchange for taking on these unknowns, you can get a decent discount on your vehicle. The money that you save on the initial cost can then be used to fix up the car, should it need repairs. 

Even though you’ll be saving money on an as-is vehicle, it’s still important to do your research and know what you are buying. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a car as-is

Research the Car 

When you find a car (or cars) that fits your criteria, the next step is to research it. You can find this information online – just be sure that you’re choosing reliable, unbiased information. This research will help you understand the car you are buying and any known problems. This way, you can plan for potential repairs.

Get a Vehicle History Report 

Obtain a vehicle history report to avoid surprises. The two largest and best known providers of paid VIN reports are Carfax and AutoCheck. These reports include basic information, as well as recalls, thefts and crashes. With this information, you can find out if the car you’re buying has been in any serious accidents. 

Test Drive the Vehicle 

Ideally, you should have the opportunity to test drive the vehicle. But it’s possible that you won’t be able to do this if the car is out of state. Also, repossessed cars can’t always be test driven because of liability issues. If you can’t test drive the car for some reason, at least take the opportunity to perform an inspection. You can tell a lot by seeing the vehicle in person. 

Have the Car Inspected 

If you don’t know a lot about cars, ask a mechanic or someone knowledgeable to inspect it on your behalf. A mechanic can evaluate the vehicle’s current condition, point out issues that you may need to address and make sure that you are paying a fair price. If the seller doesn’t want you to have an inspection, choose another car (or seller). 

Shop with Reputable Sellers 

Always shop for as-is vehicles through reputable sellers like RepoFinder. Even though you’ll be buying the car as-is, and probably without a warranty, a reliable seller will be willing to work with you. They’ll answer your questions and be open to having you test drive the vehicle and bring in a third-party to look at it. This shows that they have nothing to hide. 

RepoFinder offers a free list of bank-owned vehicles that are ready to buy. They are open to the general public, and you can easily review the information and place a bid. To shop for repossessed cars in your area, check out our inventory today! 

buying as-is car

What Does it Mean to Buy a Car in As-Is Condition?

When buying a car, you might come across vehicles sold in as-is condition. While the description is pretty obvious – you’re buying a car in the exact condition it’s in – it’s still important to know what this means and what you can expect with your purchase. Most importantly, don’t let buying as-is scare you away. If you’re looking for a great discount on a car, this might be the way to go! 

What Does As-Is Mean in the Car Industry?

You can buy many things in as-is condition – a home, a retail product or a car. All it means is that the item is being sold in its current condition with all issues known and unknown. In other words, if there are problems with the vehicle, the seller is not responsible for them. 

In terms of a vehicle, it’s also important to know that buying as-is means the car likely doesn’t have a warranty. (With newer repo cars, there is a chance the warranty is still intact.) Again, any problems that turn up with the vehicle are not the responsibility of the seller. You’ll have to pay for them out of pocket. 

What’s the Benefit of Buying an As-Is Vehicle? 

Because the buyer is taking a risk, as-is vehicles are discounted. For example, RepoFinder has a huge database of repossessed vehicles being sold by banks, credit unions and other lenders. They are selling their vehicles in as-is condition but for a discount. 

Many of the vehicles they’re selling are in good condition. They might need some basic maintenance, but nothing too elaborate. By purchasing these types of vehicles at a discount, you’ll have enough money to pay for the repairs and maintenance as well as have lower car payments each month. It’s a win-win on both sides! 

What are Some of the Risks of Buying As-Is?

Of course, buying anything as-is always comes with some risk. If you’re unhappy with the car or it ends up having significant problems, you can’t just drive it back to the dealership for a refund. This is why it pays to be a smart shopper. Look at the pictures, ask the seller questions, research the types of problems the particular car has (if any) and inspect the vehicle before signing the paperwork.  

Additionally, when you schedule an inspection, bring along someone who knows cars, whether it’s a mechanic or a knowledgeable friend. They’ll know some of the obvious things to look for. Once you’ve done your research, you can place a comfortable bid that will get you the car you want at a fair price. 

Shop for As-Is Vehicles Today 

RepoFinder makes it easy to shop for as-is vehicles. Browse our website for cars in your area that are being sold by credit unions and banks. They’re motivated sellers who are often willing to negotiate the best prices! 

buying an as-is car

Buying a Used Vehicle: What Does “As-is” Mean?

When you purchase a used vehicle that is marked in “as-is” condition, it means you are agreeing to buy the car in its current condition. If there are repairs that need to be made, you will be responsible for them. Repossessed cars are typically sold in “as-is” condition. If you are considering a repo car, it’s important to understand this term in its entirety. Repos can be great purchases as long as you know what you’re getting into. 

Let’s learn more about what “as-is” means and protective steps you can take. 

What You Get with an As-Is Car Purchase

When buying a car “as-is,” you get the vehicle in the condition that it’s currently in. Usually, the seller will sell the car “as-is” with no warranty. This lets the buyer know they are buying the vehicle without any warranty coverage. So, if you are driving home and the transmission fails, the seller is under no obligation to take back the repo or make repairs. 

Not having this peace of mind makes some people uncomfortable with a repo purchase, but “as-is” doesn’t mean that the vehicle is in poor condition. In fact, many repos are high-quality cars in great condition – their owners just couldn’t afford them anymore. As long as you have the vehicle checked out by a mechanic, don’t let “as-is” scare you away. 

Buying an As-Is Repo Car 

In order to buy an “as-is” repossession, you should take a few steps to protect yourself. It may be harder to get a history report on the vehicle, and it’s possible that the lender won’t know anything about it. Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Any information about the repo is helpful in knowing what work may be needed. 

Before making an offer, ask the lender if you can see the vehicle. Reputable sellers encourage this. Bring along a mechanic who will inspect the vehicle to uncover unknown problems. If there are issues found, you can either pass on the repo or negotiate a lower price. 

At the end of the day, being open to “as-is” vehicles is a great way to get a good car at a decent price. You just have to be willing to do your homework and bring along a trustworthy mechanic for an inspection. For a full list of lenders, banks and credit unions selling repossessions in your area, visit RepoFinder.com