When buying a used car, you want to minimize risk and maximize opportunity for success. Choosing a certified pre-owned car is a step toward protecting your investment and guaranteeing you drive off with a vehicle that will last.  A good certified pre-owned program answers three (3) important questions.  What was the past of the vehicle?  What does the vehicle currently need for reconditioning?  Finally, if there is a mechanical failure in the future, what is the warranty?

The original manufacturer of the vehicle is using its dealer network to inspect the car, determine if it is worth certifying and then offer support for the vehicle for a period of time beyond the original warranty.  In truth, while you will pay more for a CPO car, there can be some terrific benefits to buying a used CPO car.

 Only Vehicles in the Best Condition Qualify—

• Late-model, low-mileage vehicles with clean vehicle history reports are accepted into certified pre-owned programs sponsored by auto manufacturers.
• If a vehicle does not meet specific criteria, which varies depending on the automaker, it cannot become a CPO vehicle.
• Not all used cars can qualify for certified pre-owned programs

 Multi-point Inspection and Reconditioning Process—

• To qualify as a certified pre-owned vehicle, used cars go through a rigorous manufacturer inspection process.
• A number of the vehicle’s components are reviewed, including its: Mechanical quality. Physical condition.
• Any true certified pre-owned program will include at least a 100 individual item checklist and is approved by the time it goes on sale as a certified used vehicle of the car.
• If problems are found, factory-trained technicians will fix or disqualify the car from the program.
• This means certified pre-owned vehicles may have a higher resale value (i.e. a higher price tag).

Extended Warranty Protection—

• The biggest benefit of buying a certified pre-owned car is an additional warranty that goes beyond the original warranty that came with the car when it was new
• All manufacturer CPO cars come with an additional warranty that can be used at any dealership carrying that brand
• A certified pre­owned protection plan on a used car begins when the original warranty runs out and extends coverage for additional years, mileage, or both.
• The warranty is backed by the original vehicle manufacturer.

Addititional Benefits

• Perks such as service loan cars.
• Shuttle pick-up and drop-off service, roadside assistance,
• Low-rate “incentive” loans are just a few of the reasons to choose a certified used.
• There’s also the added benefit of having your car or truck serviced by factory trained technicians.
• Services such as trip routing and trip interruption protection are often included as part of the certified program.
• Trip interruption protection is a feature that will reimburse the owner of a certified used car for incidental costs such as car rental, lodging, meals and out-of-town repair expenses should he or she become stranded due to a warranted mechanical breakdown when traveling out of town — usually an owner must be at least 100 miles from home in order to use the service.
• Some luxury brands will offer such services as trip planning or include a year’s worth of subscription fees to in-car telematics services.

 Roadside Assistance—

• Most certified pre-owned programs provide free 24-hour roadside assistance that lasts for the duration of the extended basic warranty coverage.

• This service assists owners who may run out of gas, lock themselves out of their vehicle, need a jump-start, etc.

Low Interest Financing—

• It’s true that CPO vehicles are usually more expensive than similar models that have not been certified, but CPO vehicles can also qualify for lower finance rates, typically equal to the loans offered on new vehicles.
• For buyers who are financing their CPO vehicle, the lower interest rate effectively lowers the monthly payment, helping to ameliorate the effect of the higher asking price on the household budget.

Factory certified pre-owned means peace of mind; with the inspection, repairs and warranty, you’ve saved the time and money it would have taken to find and make them yourself.