You’ve probably seen it before — a car ad or window sticker that says “sold as-is.”
At first glance, it might seem harmless.
But once something goes wrong, that small phrase can feel like a big trap.
Maybe your car broke down a week after you drove it off the lot, or you discovered hidden problems the dealer never mentioned.
Now you’re wondering: does buying a car “as-is” mean I have no rights?
No.
An “as-is” label doesn’t give dealers a free pass to lie, cheat, or hide major defects.
What “As-Is” Really Means in a Car Sale
When a car is sold “as-is,” it means the dealer isn’t promising to fix or cover repairs after the sale.
You’re accepting the car in its current condition, and the warranty — if any — is limited or nonexistent.
But “as-is” only applies to the condition of the car, not to the truthfulness of the dealer.
They still have to be honest about what they’re selling.
If a dealer hides damage, lies about the vehicle’s history, or fails to disclose something that would’ve changed your decision, that’s misrepresentation — and it’s illegal.
When “As-Is” Doesn’t Protect the Dealer
Some dealers misuse “as-is” language to avoid responsibility, hoping buyers won’t know better.
Even with that disclaimer, they can’t falsify a vehicle’s mileage, hide flood damage, fire damage, or frame damage, sell a car with a salvage title without disclosure, sell a car that isn’t safe or legal to drive, or make false claims about financing or warranties.
“As-is” doesn’t mean “anything goes.”
If a dealer lied to get you to buy the car, they can still be held accountable under consumer protection laws.
Your Legal Rights When You Buy “As-Is”
Even if the dealer says you have no warranty, you still have powerful rights under California’s consumer protection laws and federal regulations.
The laws in California specifically prohibits dealers from calling a car “certified” if they know about frame damage or if the vehicle was sold “as-is.”
Dealers also can’t hide damage from impact, fire, or flood that substantially impairs the vehicle’s safety after repair.
If the dealer knowingly misrepresented the car’s condition, you may be entitled to cancel the contract or return the car, recover the cost of repairs or financial losses, or file a legal claim.
You don’t need to prove that the car had problems — only that the dealer misled you about them.
What You Should Do If You Bought a Problem Car
If your “as-is” car is turning into a nightmare, start by gathering all paperwork — contracts, loan documents, and dealer communications.
Get an inspection from a mechanic to confirm hidden issues.
Check the VIN by running a Carfax or AutoCheck report for hidden damage.
Document everything — photos, texts, and emails can all support your case.
Once you have your evidence, contact a consumer protection attorney.
They can determine whether the dealer’s actions broke the law and what you can do next.
You Still Have Rights — Even “As-Is”
Dealers like to use “as-is” as a shield, but the law doesn’t let them hide behind it.
Whether they lied about a vehicle’s history, covered up damage, or misrepresented financing terms, they can still be held responsible.
You can’t waive your right to honest disclosure.
If you were deceived, the “as-is” label doesn’t protect them.
Get Help Now
If you bought an “as-is” vehicle and later discovered the dealer wasn’t truthful, you may have a legal case.
Consumer Action Law Group helps California consumers fight back against deceptive dealerships.
We offer free consultations and will review your situation to determine if you have a case we can help with.
Call (818) 254-8413 today for a free case review.
