When it comes to purchasing a used car, traditionally customers had only two options; buying from a private seller or getting it from a used-car dealer. A private seller purchase has lots of trust issues associated with it unless you happen to know the seller.
There is absolutely no guarantee that the history of the car is as claimed by the seller and even the documentation of the car is what is should be and that you are not being palmed off a stolen vehicle. Transacting through a used-car dealer gives you a better choice and much of the risk of the condition of the vehicle and the documentation is taken on by the dealer. Thus there is a higher level of comfort associated, especially if the dealer is an established and reputed one.
However, in recent times, another alternative for buying pre-used cars has emerged in the form of certified program offered by a car manufacturer, often referred to as “Certified Pre-Owned” or CPO program. Nowadays, given the huge population of potential buyers, almost all manufacturers have started to offer their own versions of this program.
The main reason to consider a CPO car is because of the extra peace of mind that comes from a professional inspection, refurbishment, and warranty offered by the original manufacturer. While being somewhat more expensive than a typical private or used-car dealer purchase, these cars offer best value and offer no surprises in terms of mechanical reliability, thus potentially saving a great deal of money otherwise expended in buying a lemon.
What Does Certification Entail?
Typically, for a car to be eligible for a manufacturer to include it in a CPO program, the car should be less than five or six years of age. The cars should also have run less than a specified mileage; usually between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, though Bentley is an exception, as it does not impose any limitation.
Manufacturers will usually prefer to consider vehicles with known histories of maintenance, usually with their own service network, and will exclude cars with aftermarket modifications that substantially change the performance or profile of the car.
The used car is put through an exhaustive multi-point checkup, and appropriate replacements and repairs are carried out. Do not be led astray by the number of checkpoints as all manufacturers have different systems but cover all the essentials with regard to the engine, suspension, transmission, and body.
You can and should ask for an inspection report to make certain the condition of the vehicle before any purchase decision. Also insist on a vehicle-history report that will provide information regarding the previous registrations, reported collisions, service carried out by the dealers, and the when it was purchased and sold.
The CPO Program Advantages
Even though the certification process makes the used car more expensive; the extra price paid can save you a really large sum of money in terms of operation and maintenance during your ownership. Firstly, you are assured that the car is mechanically sound because the CPO program carries with it an extended warranty that protects you from expensive repairs for a certain period of time.
The duration varies with the manufacturer but is usually enough to demonstrate that the car has no major defect. Be sure to read thoroughly the fine print of the warranty and make sure you understand the terms and conditions so that there is no mismatch between the offer and your expectation. Find out if you are required to pay a deductible for any repairs done under the warranty; most CPO programs offer waivers.
Other Typical CPO Benefits
A number of manufacturers will offer lease finance for CPO vehicles. This is usually done through their financing arms or through partner arrangements. For extra incentive to buyers, almost all CPO programs offer roadside assistance in case of vehicle breakdown. If the car needs extensive repair, you could be eligible for a loaner or a car on rent for the period you do not have possession of the vehicle. Some customer-friendly CPO programs even allow for a vehicle exchange in case the buyer is dissatisfied within a specified period or mileage from the purchase date.
Author Bio: Jeff Stevens is a used-car certification expert working for Ideal Auto USA. A car enthusiast and an amateur streetcar racer, he is an avid blogger on automotive issues and trends.
