A Certified Pre-owned Vehicle? Why Not?

The vast majority of automobile manufacturers now offer consumers a certified pre-owned vehicle program, something to consider when we’re shopping for a good used car.

First of all, not all pre-owned vehicles sold in automotive dealerships can obtain the manufacturers’ certification. According to them, cars and trucks are thoroughly inspected and hand-picked. They can’t be more than three or four years old, and their mileage can’t be too high either.

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Usually, a certified pre-owned vehicle is still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty and, in some cases, an extended warranty. Certain brands also offer an exchange privilege for a few days in case the buyer isn’t satisfied with the vehicle, an inspection report, CarProof certification, a wear and tear warranty of certain drivetrain components for the duration of the finance contract, roadside assistance, a satellite radio subscription and access to customer service.

And in most cases, these certified pre-owned vehicles can be financed at reduced interest rates compared to other used vehicles, or compared to the regular interest rates of financial institutions.

To find a certified pre-owned vehicle, automakers invite consumers to visit their websites, where a search engine awaits them. We can filter through the inventory by model, price or region.

Are there disadvantages to certified pre-owned vehicle programs? Some models could be harder to find than others, and the purchase price of these cars and trucks are generally higher compared to vehicles sold by private owners. However, for peace of mind and to drive a used car that’s reliable and well-maintained, we sometimes have to pay a little more.