Just because you're considering the purchase of a pre-owned vehicle doesn’t
mean you have to go on what you see and hope for the best. It also doesn’t mean
that you should refrain from doing your own research before you sign. Here are
some tips to make your shopping experience pleasant and also give you peace of
mind:
1.
Do
your research in the same way you would to look into a non-certified vehicle.
You can check AutoTrader Trade-In Marketplace and Kelley Blue Book pricing tools
to get an average value, determined by the vehicle's condition, mileage,
optional equipment and other factors. Make sure you are honest; fudging on the
condition of the car doesn’t help you in the long run.
2.
Make
sure the certification comes from the manufacturer and not “Tom’s Auto Sales”.
That way you know the CPO car meets the manufacturer's certification requirements,
and you'll be able to have your vehicle serviced at locations nationwide.
3.
Ask to
see the certification checklist to make sure all major components have been
inspected.
4.
Insist
on a carfax or history of vehicle maintenance and repair.
5.
Read
the fine print on the CPO warranty. Most certified used-car warranties cover
only the powertrain. If you want bumper-to-bumper coverage, you may have to
purchase that separately. Warning: All warranties are not created equal. Some
warranties are much longer than others. Some warranties are transferable;
others are not.
6.
Pay
attention to both the age and mileage limits in the warranty. Most customers
hit the mileage limitations first.
7.
Take
the certified used car for a nice, long test drive. You want to make sure you
know all the sounds and check all of the equipment before taking delivery.
8.
Inquire
about discounts. Certified does not mean you pay sticker. Depending on the age
of a unit, a dealer might give significant discounts.
