Years ago, there was only one basic choice when buying a car: new or used. Today, though, there is a third option that falls right in between the two. Certified pre-owned vehicles are lightly used and thoroughly inspected, letting savvy shoppers save money by buying a used car that's in as close to new-car condition as possible. Read More »
Tag Archives: Certified Used Car Programs
Feed SubscriptionTypes of plans: Manufacturer vs. dealer, luxury vs. standard
Every certified used-car program is different. Mileage and age limits, the complexity of the inspection and the length and type of additional warranty will all vary, so it's important to shop around for the program that best fits your needs as a car buyer. Read More »
The checklist: Know what’s been tested
At the heart of every certified used-car program is one thing: the vehicle inspection. A good, thorough inspection gives certified used cars a big advantage over traditional used cars, so pay close attention to exactly what has been checked and what hasn't. Buyers should dig in to the details of the inspection process. Who inspected the car? What did they look at? What repairs or service were performed on it? Read More »
Extra protection: Certified cars can come with longer, better warranties
You can tell when a company believes in their products. They put their money where their mouth is. Because certified used cars have been inspected and fixed, manufacturers are willing to back them up with longer warranties and better coverage than other used cars, often at no additional charge. Every certification program offers some type of additional warranty protection, ranging from simply extending the original new-car warranty to adding extra benefits on top of the basic warranty coverage. A few even offer full, bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage for a period of time, even if it has expired under the new-car policy. Read More »
Return policy: Some programs let you bring a car back if you don’t like it
Buying a car isn't like buying anything else. If you pick up a sweater at the store, then bring it home and decide the color is all wrong, you can return it and get your money back. For the vast majority of car purchases, though — which are much more important and expensive — you don't have that luxury. Once you decide to buy the car, you typically can't take it back to the dealer to get your money back. A select few certified pre-owned vehicle programs make an exception to that policy, though, which is a good advantage if you can find it. Read More »
Added value: A quality, fully repaired car will save you money over time
One of the biggest costs associated with a pre-owned car is not the payment, the insurance and the gasoline. It's the upkeep. To stay in tip-top condition, every car needs ongoing maintenance and repairs as it goes through its life. Any mechanic can tell you that deferred or ignored maintenance will be much more expensive later on, so knowing that all the proper service has been performed on your vehicle is critical to making a purchasing decision. Read More »
Ease and comfort: By looking at only the best cars, you’ll make the shopping experience simpler
One of the biggest advantages of certified used cars isn't usually advertised by dealerships. It's how much easier the buying process can be. A good certified used-car program is like having someone help you do the shopping. It weeds out all the bad or ordinary cars and lets you pick from the very best, the cream of the crop. Read More »
Certified Used Car Comparison Chart
Always check with your local dealer for the most up-to-date, complete information on certified used car programs. Brand Age/Mileage Limits Inspection Vehicle History Report Return Policy Warranty Acura 6 years/80,000 miles 150 points CARFAX 3 days 12-month/12,000-mile certified limited warranty and 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty Audi 5 years/60,000 miles 300+ points CARFAX N/A 6-year/100,000-mile limited warranty from the date the ... Read More »