If a new vehicle isn’t within the budget, buying a certified used car may be a good option. Car manufacturers developed certified pre-owned cars as a means to sell vehicles that are turned in from a lease, repurchases, repossessions and to help dealers sell quality used cars.
There can be some advantages to certified vehicles. Before looking at some of the advantages it’s important to understand what defines a certified pre-owned car.
What is a Certified Pre Owned Car?
Car manufacturers don’t like to use the word used cars, it sounds kind of cheap, so they prefer the words pre-owned. In order for a vehicle to be crowned with the title “certified pre-owned” the car manufacture has certain guidelines that must be adhered to by their new car dealers.
In order for a dealer to be able to certify vehicles they must be authorized by the factory as a certified pre-owner dealer. There is usually training involved for the technicians as well as the salespeople. The following is a generality of what qualifies a vehicle as pre-owned certified. Some of these qualifications can vary by manufacturer.
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Qualifications
- Newer model vehicles generally not older than 6 years
- Mileage limit, generally under 80,000
- Must pass a rigorous comprehensive inspection
Advantages of Buying Pre-Owned Certified Vehicles
Since car manufacturers are motivated to sell their branded used cars, most pre-owned certified vehicles have some great advantages over buying a used vehicle from a used car lot or private party. One advantage is the rigorous comprehensive inspection. If the dealer finds any item that doesn’t pass the inspection, they must make a correction or the vehicle doesn’t pass.
If any corrections need to be made, the factory usually insists that only genuine factory parts are used as replacement parts. Safety takes top priority. In most cases if the tire tread or brake pad lining is below 50%, the tire or brake linings must be replaced. Below are some other important advantages. Keep in mind that some of these advantages may vary among manufacturers.
- Lower rate financing through the factories financial arm
- Limited warranty, usually covers powertrain components to 100,000 miles
- Limited comprehensive warranty for a short mileage/time period
- Buyer given a vehicle history report
- Peace of mind of a comprehensive inspection
- 24/7 roadside assistance programs
If thinking about trading in a car when purchasing a certified used vehicle, selling the car to a private party can result in a larger down payment. Find out what the car is worth for a trade-in versus selling it to a private party.
When looking for a pre-owned certified car, readers should remember that not all new vehicle dealers are authorized to certify and sell certified used vehicles. Always ask the dealer if they are authorized. The factory's website will usually indicate which dealers are authorized. If considering a leased vehicle, find out the advantages of a leased vehicle.
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