In the US, all used car dealerships must follow guidelines set up by the Federal Trade Commission. Issued by them the Used Car Rule contains trade standards and regulations that all used car dealers must follow. In short, if you sell more than 5 cars in a one year period, you must oblige.

All cars hold by the used car dealership and destined for sale, should identify the fact clearly on cars' or within them. This should remove any ambiguity and make the car identification process clear for the intending buyer. Of course, the dealer's location should also be clearly marked by a signage stating: 'Used Cars for Sale' or similar.

Relevant information about the car for sale is displayed on a sign placed on the car, or inside on the windshield. It contains the following data: year of manufacturing, price, model name and its identification number. Plus, any relevant info can be added there, that will help in better communication between both parties. Including dealership's contact details is obligatory.

Used car dealerships must also indicate important information in the buyer's guide in accordance with the national automobile dealers association used car guide such as the following: information that would tell if the vehicle goes with a warranty or not; the different services that the car dealer could offer (insurance, accessories, etc.); other promises that must be put into writing; the various mechanical and electrical systems; which parts of the used car should the buyer watch out for; a reminder for the buyer to look for an independent mechanic to handle inspection of the used car for sale, before he comes up with the final decision.

The question: which vehicles are considered to be 'used'? The answer: all that have been titled. It's up to the individual dealership to provide proof of the ownership to the prospective buyer, and help him/her to confirm that the vehicle identification number is listed in the documents correctly.

Nowadays, used car dealers tend to group in chains of dealerships. This is often dictated by the commonality of the make they sell, or for the economical interests. Indeed, used car dealers can better serve customers by exchanging relevant information about the stocks of used vehicles they have. Online presence makes it even easier. Members of a dealership group have their used cars available for sale, listed on one website. There the prospective customer can browse and select his/her favorite unit.

The requirements imposed on used car dealers by the state and federal authorities are designed to protect the customer and streamline the functioning of the second hand car industry in the US. Used cars dealerships are then able to maintain a uniform standard of service, and customers feel fully protected, having legal redress whenever their rights are violated.

It's all about getting thee best deal! From the buyer's perspective, all used cars dealerships have their stock seriously overpriced. But, the way the seller sees it is quite opposite. He thinks that buyers try to get an unrealistic bargain, and drive the selling price down too far, hence depriving the dealer of his profits. As always the truth lies somewhere in-between. The great majority of used car dealers are very honest and hard working people. Hopefully, you'll meet one of them when searching for your next set of wheels.