Buying a used car can feel like a smart move. Lower price, no depreciation shock, and plenty of choices. But every buyer knows there’s a gamble involved. Sometimes, what looks like a great deal on the lot can turn complicated the moment you drive off. That’s what one story from TikTok illustrated this week, after a small used car dealer described a customer who wasn’t too happy with a recent purchase. What Happened With the Customer’s “As Is” Car? TikTok creator and used car dealer Rob (@cardealerrob), who runs a small used car lot in Orlando, Florida, posted a storytime video about selling a 2020 Volvo S60 T6 Momentum—a white sedan with black wheels, tinted windows, and 153,000 miles. “It’s a gorgeous car,” he says. “Turbocharged and supercharged. Immediate acceleration, no turbo lag. Really cool setup.” Rob adds that the car was in pristine condition for its mileage: clean seats, no visible wear, and a spotless interior. He says the buyer and his son came in, loved the car, and decided to buy it. “They gave us a deposit and came back today to pick it up with a cashier’s check, cash deal,” Rob says. The car sold for around $11,000, a fair price for its condition, according to Rob. But not long after the sale, things took a turn. “Probably 10 minutes later, they call,” Rob says. “They said there’s a chip in the windshield.” OWNERSHIP STORIES Viral stories from across the web Our team of experts tracks what owners are saying about car-shopping, repairs, the daily driving experience and more on social media. Rob explains that small windshield chips are common. “Half the cars we get have small chips,” he says. “It’s the front of the car—it takes the brunt. You’ve got 153,000 miles on it; it’s gonna be hit with some pebbles.” Still, the customer was concerned. “They took it on a long test drive,” Rob says. “They both drove it. Nobody saw it; nobody knew.” He admits he didn’t notice any damage either, and the photos taken before the sale didn’t show a chip. “There’s no way to tell,” he continues. “A pebble could have hit it five minutes after buying it. But our cars are sold ‘as is.’ ‘As is, where is,’ man.” Gallery: 2020 Volvo V60 T5: Drive Notes What Does “As Is” Really Mean for Used Car Buyers? Rob says his dealership operates under what he calls a “brake light, tail light warranty.” Once a customer drives off the lot, the sale is final. “As soon as your brake lights or tail lights disappear, no more warranty,” he says. He explains that small dealerships like his operate on thin margins. “People think used car dealers are making all this bank, we’re not,” he says. “It’s an expensive business to run. Rent, insurance, licensing, software—it all adds up.” According to Rob, unexpected repairs often cut deep into profits. “I bought a car for $6,000, spent $1,000 fixing the power steering,” he says. “That wipes out my profit. We take big risks all the time.” In this case, Rob says he wanted to keep the customer happy, even though he wasn’t obligated to since the car was sold as is. He called them back and offered a few options. “In Florida, anything windshield-related has no deductible,” he explains. “Insurance will fix it, no questions asked. They’ll either replace it or repair it.” If that didn’t work, he told the buyer he’d personally fix it using a windshield repair kit. “It’s cosmetic,” Rob says. “It’s no different than a chip on the bumper. Too bad, so sad, but I said I’d help anyway.” He ends the video asking viewers for their thoughts: “If you were in business and that happened, what would you do? It’s not a mechanical issue we hid, it’s cosmetic. Let me know.” Viewers Weigh In TikTok users had plenty to say about the situation, and not everyone sided with the dealer. “I am not buying that the dealer did not know about the chip,” one commenter wrote. “But I still don’t think he has to pay to replace the windshield. As is, as is.” Another person blamed the buyer: “If it was pre-existing, the customer should blame himself for not noticing it. You owe him nothing.” Some shared similar stories. “I’ve replaced the windshields in two of my cars this year, no questions asked by insurance,” one viewer wrote. Another added, “Bought a used Q60 for 2k less than any other 2020 with a warranty. Yeah, it had a few dings, but I got them fixed. The price reflected that. t’s part of buying used.” How Can You Protect Yourself When Buying a Used Car “As Is”? According to Consumer Reports, finding a reliable used car has less to do with luck and more to do with research. Buyers who know how to investigate a car’s history and condition can avoid costly surprises later. It’s a good idea to start by doing extensive online research. Compare similar listings and reach out to sellers for details about mileage, condition, and accident history. Ask whether test drives or inspections are allowed. Some private sellers might say no, and that’s a red flag. When buying from a dealer, clarify what’s included. The Federal Trade Commission requires every used car to have a Buyers Guide on the window, clearly stating whether the car is being sold “as is” or with a warranty. If it says “as is,” the dealer isn’t responsible for any issues after the sale. However, not every state allows “as is” sales on higher-value vehicles, so it’s important to check local laws. Consumer Reports also recommends bringing a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, ideally during daylight hours on a dry day. A mechanic can check for rust, fluid leaks, worn tires, or cracked glass—all of which might become expensive later. Motor1 has reached out to Rob via TikTok direct messages for more information. We’ll update this article if he responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
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