8 Tips for Buying a Certified Used Car
If the mere thought of buying a used car leaves you light-headed and filled with anxiety, take heart. Used cars aren’t the risky purchase they once were - in fact, thanks to vehicle certification programs, there are many used car shoppers who buy certified used cars for better value, especially since it’s sometimes hard to tell the different between a used car that’s just a year or two old, and a brand spankin’ new one.
Certification is a way to weed out unscrupulous used-car dealers who might sell damaged cars, such as vehicles which have been involved in major accidents and those which have been caught in floods. These are the kinds of vehicles that are prime candidates for ending up in used car scams.
According to experts, 1.7 million people bought certified pre-owned cars in 2008 and this year, that number is expected to rise. Not only do certified used cars cost less than new, many also come with some of the same benefits, which help to eliminate the anxiety and guesswork generally associated when buying a used car.
Remember though, that not all certification programs are created equal, so to help sort out the best from the rest, here are some tips to consider:
1. Make sure you know who sets the standards for the certification program and who makes certain they’re being enforced.
2. Look for manufacturer backed programs because the best people to certify a car are the ones who built it and specialize in that make.
3. Most manufacturers will offer a limited warranty in addition to honoring the car’s original warranty.
4. Research the models that make sense for your driving needs.
5. Check safety and reliability reports published online and prices from your area.
6. At a minimum, a car should have a detailed mechanical inspection and vehicle history report.
7. A certified used car probably comes with an extended warranty. Make sure you know exactly what this covers and for how long. In most cases, you can always add additional coverage.
8. If you want roadside assistance, options added to the car, free oil changes or anything else, don’t be afraid to ask.
Need more information? Check out this Cars for Girls article: Understanding Extended Warranties.
Loading ...
Wow! This is a great site! I’ve been recently looking for a used car, and I would have loved to read that one before!
Anyways, I got lucky and found a place named Mom Vehicle Sales close to Nanaimo here on Vancouver Island. And the name means it all… It is owned by a lady who wants to put the honesty back into used cars. She gives a super service, warranty and all. Check out her website : used cars nanaimo That’s the kind of business I’d like to see more often!