Wisconsin Used Car Sale Law
- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that all used cars sold in the state by car dealers must have a buyer's guide that includes specific information. The buyer's guide must include details including: how the car was used by the previous owners, such as for private use, business use or as part of a rental fleet; the price; the names on the title; and the car's make, model and year.
- Anytime you buy or sell a used car in Wisconsin, you must indicate the sale on the car's title. The seller must sign and date the title. If two or more owners are indicated on the title and their names are linked together with an "and," all owners must sign the title. If multiple owners are on the title and they are linked together with an "or," either named owner can sign over the title. You must also indicate the odometer mileage and the brand of the car.
- Used cars can also come with a warranty, just like new cars. However, unlike new cars, used cars aren't always issued with a manufacturer's warranty. Any warranties a car dealer offers must be clearly indicated on the buyer's guide placed in the car window. Dealers can offer any warranties they desire, but they can also offer a car "as-is," meaning the dealer does not offer any warranties, and is not responsible for paying for repairs the car needs.
- Wisconsin also has a "lemon law" that covers defective cars with ongoing or recurring problems. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation states that the lemon law only applies to new cars or trucks, those that are no more than a year old and that are still covered under a manufacturer's warranty. However, used car defects might still be covered under manufacturer's or other warranties even if the lemon law protections do not apply
