What Exactly Is A Certified Used Car?
Jason Lancaster
When used cars are certified, they are:
i. Usually eligible for special financing and an improved warranty because they have passed an inspection.
ii. Less than five years old with less than 50,000 miles.
iii. The certifying authority, which is usually the dealership, ensures that the maintenance is up-to-date. All normal maintenance such as transmission flushes, oil changes, etc. are completed.
iv. Cars that have wearable parts like brake pads or tires with at least 50% of their life left.
A vehicle is "Certified" after all maintenance is done and the inspection is completed. When used cars are "certified," they generally have a better warranty and can help you qualify for better financing rates.
In most cases, certified used cars are a good deal, and you should buy one if you can. However, before you buy a certified used car there are a few things you need to watch out for.
1) Certified used cars that are under one year old are almost always used rental cars.
Buying a used rental car can be a good thing. Typically, they are maintained well and are an excellent value. However, they aren't for everyone. If you want more information before you decide, check out our advice on "buying a used rental car."
2) Remember that not all certifications are created equal.
If you're at Dealin' Dave's car lot and they have certified a car, that might not mean anything. Dealin' Dave's certification may just be a sales gimmick. It's better to buy a vehicle that has been certified by an auto manufacturer like Ford, Toyota, GM, BMW, etc. They all have superior certification programs, better than you would find at any dealership.
The last thing you should know is that you should request the "vehicle certification inspection" report before buying a certified used car. The inspecting mechanic details his or her opinion about the vehicle's parts and functions in a report. These reports are required to be kept on file after a dealership certifies a vehicle. Oftentimes the dealership has to give you copy if you decide to buy the car. If a dealership doesn't have this report or especially if they refuse to give it to you, do not buy the car. You should go somewhere else where they will provide you with the "vehicle certification inspection" report.
Author Jason Lancaster, an auto business veteran, created AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate advice on http://accurateautoadvice.com/used/what-are-certified-used-cars/) certified pre-owned cars and http://accurateautoadvice.com/used/what-are-certified-used-cars/) a used certified car.
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