| hear the term when watching television or | | | | repaired and guaranteed for a certain length of |
| perhaps while you are shopping for new and used | | | | time. Without the certification, you would have to |
| vehicles, but do you really understand what it | | | | spend extra time and money to have your |
| means to purchase a certified pre-owned car? | | | | potential new car inspected by a mechanic. You |
| We are breaking down what a certified | | | | will also avoid the upfront depreciation costs that |
| pre-owned car is, the pros and cons of purchasing | | | | were incurred by the previous owner. New cars |
| one and tips to make sure you find the new car | | | | can lose between 20 and 40 percent of their |
| for you. | | | | sticker price in the first three years of ownership. |
| It is often said that certified pre-owned vehicles | | | | Luckily, you can side step this by looking for a |
| are new cars at used car pricing. In the current | | | | certified pre-owned vehicle. |
| economic climate, this may be the wisest | | | | If you are ready to start shopping, there are a |
| purchase you can make. Cars become certified | | | | few things to keep in mind. Start with lots of |
| pre-owned vehicles because they have a | | | | research! Look for information about the |
| warranty which is backed by the manufacturer or | | | | vehicle’s condition, mileage, optional |
| the dealership. If it is a factory-certified car, the | | | | equipment and more, just as you would look at |
| manufacturer is essentially using the dealership to | | | | this information when searching for a new or |
| inspect the car and determine if the vehicle is | | | | non-certified used car. Ask the autodealer if you |
| worth certifying. The dealership must inspect the | | | | can see the certification checklist for a better idea |
| used car, make the necessary repairs and offer | | | | of what was look at and what was not. You can |
| support for the vehicle repair during a certain | | | | probably also find this information on the car |
| period of time. | | | | maker’s website. |
| Not all used cars qualify as certified pre-owned | | | | Next, make sure the warranty is clear and in |
| ones, so be sure to check with the dealership | | | | writing. Often the warranty is the main reason a |
| about the car you plan to purchase. Terms to | | | | person will purchase a certified pre-owned car. |
| certify a car will vary from company to | | | | Warranties will differ from car maker to car |
| company, but most include a 100 point inspection | | | | maker and they can easily become confusing |
| with trained technicians. After the car is deemed | | | | when you view a lot in a small period of time. |
| worthy to certify, it will get a new warranty to | | | | Before you settle on your new car, read the fine |
| take effect when the old warranty expires. This | | | | print in the warranty and make sure you |
| new warranty offers coverage for a certain | | | | understand what is covered. Some are good for |
| number of miles or years. | | | | powertrain only, while others are |
| There are several clear benefits to purchasing a | | | | bumper-to-bumper. Some last for a longer period |
| certified pre-owned car. You will have peace of | | | | of time, while others are transferable. |
| mind knowing the car has been inspected, | | | | |