Vernon Auto Group is a dealership in Vernon, Texas that sells used vehicles
Vernon Auto Group operates as a used car dealership in Vernon, Texas. Like any dealership, it buys and sells vehicles to local buyers. Before you visit or work with any dealership — whether it's Vernon Auto Group or another — it helps to understand how car buying works, what to watch for, and what your rights are as a buyer.
This guide walks you through the steps of buying a used car, what questions to ask a dealership, and how to protect yourself during the process. Whether you're shopping at Vernon Auto Group or anywhere else, these principles explore.
Key Takeaways
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who is not employed by the dealership before you commit to buying any used vehicle.
- Ask the dealership for the vehicle history report (usually a Carfax or AutoCheck report) and review it for accident history, title problems, and odometer readings.
- Understand the difference between "as-is" sales and sales with a warranty, because it affects what recourse you have if something breaks after you buy.
- Check your state's lemon law and return policy — Texas allows some used car returns within a limited window under certain conditions.
- Get all promises about repairs, warranties, or price adjustments in writing before you sign the purchase agreement.
Steps to take before you buy from any dealership
Start by deciding what vehicle type and price range work for your budget and needs. Then search for specific vehicles online — most dealerships, including those in Vernon, list inventory on their websites and on third-party sites like Autotrader, Cars.com, and Facebook Marketplace.
Once you find a vehicle you're interested in, call or visit the dealership to confirm it's still available and to ask basic questions: How many previous owners? Any accident history? Does it come with a warranty? What is the asking price, and is it negotiable? Some dealerships are more flexible on price than others.
Before you agree to buy, arrange an independent inspection. This means taking the vehicle to a mechanic of your choice — not one recommended by the dealership — and paying them to examine the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other major systems. This usually costs $100 to $200 and can save you thousands if the vehicle has hidden problems. A good mechanic will give you a written report of what they find.
Understanding the vehicle history report and title
Ask the dealership for the vehicle history report. This document shows the car's registration history, accident reports, title status, and odometer readings over time. The two main services that provide these are Carfax and AutoCheck. You can also order your own copy if the dealership won't provide one.
Look for red flags: multiple owners in a short time, accidents or flood damage, a salvage or rebuilt title, or odometer rollback (where the mileage goes backward, which is illegal). A clean title means the vehicle is not stolen and has no outstanding liens against it. If the title is branded as "salvage" or "rebuilt," the vehicle was once declared a total loss by an insurance company and may have structural damage.
In Texas, you have the right to see the title before you buy. The dealership must disclose if the title is anything other than clear. If they don't, you may have grounds to return the vehicle or pursue a refund.
Warranty and "as-is" sales: what they mean for you
Some dealerships sell vehicles with a warranty — usually 30, 60, or 90 days — that covers certain repairs if something breaks. Other dealerships sell "as-is," meaning you buy the vehicle in its current condition and the dealership is not responsible for repairs after the sale.
Texas law requires dealerships to disclose whether a vehicle is sold "as-is" or with a warranty. This disclosure must be in writing on the purchase agreement. If a dealership promises to fix something — a transmission issue, a check engine light, new tires — get that promise in writing. A verbal promise is difficult to enforce later.
If you buy a vehicle and it fails a safety inspection within a certain timeframe, Texas law may allow you to return it or request repairs, depending on the dealership's stated policy and the nature of the defect. Read the purchase agreement carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
Negotiating price and financing
The asking price is rarely the final price. Dealerships expect negotiation, especially on used vehicles. Use the vehicle history report, your mechanic's inspection report, and comparable prices for similar vehicles in your area (check Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides) to support your offer.
If you're financing through the dealership, compare the interest rate they offer to rates from your bank or credit union. Dealerships often mark up the rate, so getting pre-approved for a loan elsewhere gives you leverage. If you're paying cash, the dealership has less room to negotiate because they don't earn interest.
Ask about any add-ons the dealership is trying to include — extended warranties, paint protection, gap insurance. These are optional and often overpriced. You can buy gap insurance (which covers the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth if it's totaled) from your insurance company for less.
What to do if something goes wrong after you buy
If you discover a major problem shortly after purchase, contact the dealership in writing (email or certified mail) and explain the issue. Include photos if possible. Ask them to repair it under warranty or to take the vehicle back.
If the dealership refuses and you believe they violated Texas law — for example, by not disclosing a known defect or by misrepresenting the vehicle's condition — you can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or pursue a civil claim in small claims court.
Keep all paperwork: the purchase agreement, the vehicle history report, your mechanic's inspection report, photos, and any written communication with the dealership. This documentation is essential if you need to prove your case later.
Questions to ask any dealership before you buy
Before you commit, ask these questions and get the answers in writing:
- How many previous owners has this vehicle had?
- Has this vehicle been in any accidents or had flood damage?
- What is the warranty, if any, and what does it cover?
- Can I take this vehicle to my own mechanic for an inspection?
- Will you provide the vehicle history report?
- Is the title clear, or is it branded (salvage, rebuilt, flood)?
- What is your return or exchange policy if I find a problem?
- Are there any outstanding recalls on this vehicle?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a used car to a dealership in Texas if I change my mind?
Texas does not have a blanket "cooling off" period for used car purchases like some states do. However, some dealerships offer their own return policies — usually 3 to 7 days. Always ask about the dealership's return policy before you buy and get it in writing. If the vehicle has a defect that makes it unsafe, you may have additional rights under state law.
What should I do if the dealership sold me a vehicle with a hidden problem?
Contact the dealership when ready in writing and describe the problem. If they refuse to help and the vehicle was sold with a warranty, file a claim under that warranty. If it was sold "as-is" but the dealership knowingly hid a defect, you may have grounds to pursue a refund through small claims court or by filing a complaint with the Texas Attorney General.
Do I need to buy an extended warranty from the dealership?
No. Extended warranties are optional and often expensive. Before you buy one, compare the cost to what repairs might actually cost if something breaks. You can also buy extended warranties from third-party providers after purchase, sometimes for less than the dealership charges.
What is gap insurance and do I need it?
Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on a car loan and what the vehicle is worth if it's totaled in an accident. It's useful if you're financing most of the purchase price. You can buy it from the dealership, your insurance company, or a third party — shop around, as prices vary significantly.
How do I check if a vehicle has outstanding recalls?
Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at safercar.gov and enter the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The site will show any open recalls. Ask the dealership whether they've completed any recalls on the vehicle before you buy.