Certified Used Cars
Should I Buy A 'certified' Used Car?
The simple answer is "maybe". But read on and don't take uncertified Used Cars off of your buyer radar just yet. "Certified Used Car inspection" programs emerged in the 90's as a way to provide shoppers with an alternative to the traditional choices of buying either "new" or "used". This third option, coined "certified pre-owned," was designed to provide New Car peace of a mind at a used car price.
The concept gained prominence as leasing programs hit all-time highs in the late 90's, leaving dealerships with a surplus of late model, low mileage off-lease cars in good condition. Rather then send the cars off to auction, dealers began reconditioning them and selling them as "certified" often with a warranty from the dealership. Luxury manufacturers such as Lexus and Mercedes were quick to see the value of such programs and soon created their own factory certified programs that included a factory-backed warranty. Soon, nearly every manufacturer had their own program and the "certified used car" became a viable option for buyers looking for something less than new but more than used.
Today, "certified used cars" represent a significant portion of all auto inspection sales. In recent years, about 10% of all sales were attributed to certified vehicles and nearly 40% of late-model used-car buyers invested in a "certified used car".
The typical manufacturer-certified used car undergoes at least a 100-point inspection and includes either the remainder of the original factory warranty or a manufacturer-backed warranty that extends the typical original 3-year/36,000-mile policy up to 7-years/100,000 miles.
Dealer-certified used cars also undergo an inspection and are generally sold with a dealership-backed warranty. Some dealer-certified used cars may include only a 90-day warranty or, in some cases, no warranty at all. In that case, the buyer can choose to invest in an extended service contract through the dealer or with an aftermarket provider.
Program details vary depending on who is certifying the car. Factory-backed programs are generally better than programs dealers offer on their own if for no other reason than you can have repairs completed at any of the manufacturer's dealerships, not just the dealership where you bought your used car. There's also the confidence factor of knowing you're dealing with the factory, not an individual dealership that may not be around when it comes time to honor a warranty repair. Although manufacturers' are experiencing their own financial woes right now, the national government has clearly stated they will back factory warranties. Lastly, terms of dealer-backed certified programs can vary greatly from dealership to dealership so if you're considering Buying A Used Car under one of these programs, be sure you understand exactly what the vehicle inspection covered and what reconditioning was completed. Also, read the fine print on the warranty to know what is covered and what isn't and what your responsibilities are in terms of preventative maintenance. While most powertrain components may be covered, often ‘wear and tear' items like brakes, belts and shock absorbers are not. It's relatively easy to get details of factory certified programs on each manufacturer's website, but each dealer's program must be researched individually by either visiting the dealership or its website. Whether you go with a factory-backed or a dealer-backed program, proponents of the certified programs say buyers purchasing certified Used Vehicles enjoy a peace of mind that can only be matched by New Car buyers.
So it's a no-brainer, right? Purchase a perfectly good certified used car with low mileage, high reliability and a warranty to boot. Well, maybe not. Unfortunately, factory and dealer-certified used cars are marked up to "premium" prices after receiving their "certified" designation. Dealers often add new-car perks such as roadside assistance and free oil changes, but rarely do they justify the higher prices for these vehicles. Whether it's the manufacturer or the dealership offering the certification, you can bet buyers are paying a significant premium for their peace of mind.
Also keep in mind that no federal or state agency monitors "certified used car" programs, so manufacturers and dealers have a lot of leeway in deciding what minimum requirements vehicles must meet to be considered "certified". Without hard and fast rules about what it takes to be "certified", some used car inspection with that designation may be in no better condition than those you might find in the private seller's market.
Of course, if you're purchasing a used car from a private party you don't have the "certified" option. However, smart buyers do have other options. First and foremost, if you're Buying A Used Car from a private party or an uncertified car from a dealership, you will want to get all of the information you can about your potential purchase. That means having an AiM professional inspector go to the dealership or the owner's home or work and thoroughly inspect the vehicle and give it a careful test drive. It also means ordering a car history report on the vehicle from companies such as Autocheck.com. Once you have the completed AiM automobile inspection report and the vehicle history report, you'll be ready to make your final purchase decision.
AiM's 150-point car inspection administered by a highly trained professional can provide the buyer with the same confidence they would get from purchasing a certified car, but at a significantly lower price. AiM allows the buyer to expand on their options by entering the realm of private sellers and other uncertified cars. Of course, the other valued component of a certified car is the factory-warranty. No problem. Much of the protection provided by factory warranties can be found in extended service contracts from aftermarket providers. Just be sure to carefully read the fine print so you know exactly what the contract covers. This option is often pursued by buyers who purchase dealer-certified cars that are not equipped with warranties. The combination of an AiM mobile inspection, vehicle history report and an extended service warranty can provide any potential buyer with "certified" reliability and peace of mind at an "uncertified" price.
About the Author
I am a professional Search Engine Marketer for <b><a href='http://www.aimmobileinspections.com'>AiM Mobile Inspection</a></b>. My objective is to create effective search marketing campaigns to gain higher qualified traffic volume leading to sales and leads. Maintain an increased presence in search that reinforces branding efforts and other Internet Marketing initiatives.
 |
 Dodge Ram 1500 We Finance SLT Certified 57L V8 HEMI 4X4 Media CD MP3 Tow Package Low Mileage One Owner $10,600.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 8h 57m |
 Cadillac XLR ONE OWNER CERTIFIED BRAND NEW CONDITION $34,900.00 Time Remaining: 18d 14h 29m Buy It Now for only: $34,900.00 |
 Dodge Challenger We Finance R T Certified 57L Hemi V8 Leather Heated Seats Media Center CD MP3 One Owner $14,100.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 8h 59m |
 Cadillac XLR Certified Navigation Chrome Wheels Low Miles $55,801.00 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 35m Buy It Now for only: $55,801.00 |
 Cadillac CTS MOONROOF CERTIFIED SUPERCHARGED RECARO ONSTAR $41,100.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 10m |
 Ford Focus We Finance SE Certified 20L 34MPG 6 CD Changer w Aux Alloy Wheels Warranty $4,938.88 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 14m |
 Porsche Boxster Boxster S 2004 Porsche Boxster S Roadster 6 speed CarFax Certified Deal eDirect Motors $17,500.00 Time Remaining: 20d 7h 56m Buy It Now for only: $17,500.00 |
 Honda Civic WE Finance LX Certified Warranty 18L 6 CD MP3 Aux Carfax One Owner $6,700.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 16m |
 Toyota Prius WE FINANCE HYBRID ONE OWNER NON SMOKER NO ACCIDENTS CARFAX CERTIFIED $12,500.00 Time Remaining: 11h 12m Buy It Now for only: $12,500.00 |
 Jeep Grand Cherokee We Finance Laredo Certified SUV 36L CD 4X4 Media Center CD Warranty Carfax One Owner $19,000.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 39m |
 Dodge Charger SE 2011 SILVER CHARGER1 OWNERCLEAN CAR FAXCERTIFIED FACTORY WARRANTY LOW RES $17,500.00 Time Remaining: 10h 18m Buy It Now for only: $19,863.00 |
 Lexus ES WE FINANCE Leather Moonroof HEATED COOLED SEATS NON SMOKER CARFAX CERTIFIED $15,900.00 Time Remaining: 10h 48m Buy It Now for only: $15,900.00 |
 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD AUTOMATIC SUPERB CONDITION SUPER LOW MILES CARFAX CERTIFIED 55+PICTURES + MORE $19,100.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 32m |
 Honda S2000 CR 2008 Honda S2000 CR CERTIFIED $27,900.00 Time Remaining: 17d 15h 43m Buy It Now for only: $27,900.00 |
 Lincoln Town Car DaBryan 120 ILS Certified 5th Door Limousine Used Limousines Limos Stretch Funeral Cars $29,000.00 Time Remaining: 10h 53m |
 Lexus GX 4wd Navigati GX460 Lexus CERTIFIED NAV Third ROW LOADED 630 965 0485 $45,100.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 1m Buy It Now for only: $55,000.00 |
 Ford Expedition XLT WE FINANCE XLT 4X4 54L V8 ONE OWNER NON SMOKER NO ACCIDENTS CARFAX CERTIFIED $15,900.00 Time Remaining: 21h 32m Buy It Now for only: $15,900.00 |
 Dodge Charger SE 2010 Dodge Charger 4DR SDN RWD Pre owned certified warranty $14,700.00 Time Remaining: 11h 8m Buy It Now for only: $15,500.00 |
 Jaguar XJ VANDEN PLAS 08 JAGUAR XJ VANDEN PLAS CERTIFIED 100K WARRANTY NAVIGATION HEATED SEATS PREMIUM $34,973.00 Time Remaining: 8d 8h 52m Buy It Now for only: $34,973.00 |
 Audi A8 4dr Sdn 2011 AUDI A8 42 CERTIFIED PRE OWNED DRIVERS ASSISTANCE $69,999.00 Time Remaining: 11h 48m |
 Porsche 911 911 Carrera 997 C2S Black 6spd CPO Certified Beverly Hills APPROVED NAV BOSE 19 BBS CH R 38 $23,956.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 22m |
 Mercedes Benz E Class E350 2010 Mercedes Benz E350 Coupe DISTRONIC PLUS Premium 2 Package CERTIFIED LOADED $43,000.00 Time Remaining: 15d 14h 44m Buy It Now for only: $43,000.00 |
 Cadillac SRX Premium Coll PREMIUM NAVIGATION LEATHER HEATED COOLED SEATS ONE OWNER CERTIFIED $23,001.00 (30 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 25m |
 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 LT 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 LT CARFAX CERTIFIED SUPER CLEAN NICE COLOR COMBO $17,977.00 Time Remaining: 4d 22h 53m Buy It Now for only: $17,977.00 |
 Mercedes Benz GL Class GL550 AWD NAVIGATION TOW REAR DVD 3RD ROW SEATING COLD WEATHER PKG CARFAX CERTIFIED $30,100.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 27m |
 Porsche 911 Carrera S Ca Beverly Hills Certified CPO APPROVED 997 C2S Arctic Silver Black Cab 38 LOW MI $48,100.00 (25 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 33m |
 Infiniti M M35 Sport Sedan 19inch wheels Carfax Certified $23,500.00 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 52m Buy It Now for only: $23,500.00 |
 Porsche 911 911 Carrera 11 C2S Cab White Black PDK CPO Certified Approved 10k mi Comfort Infotainment 19 $55,000.00 (26 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 39m |
 Infiniti G G 20 Luxury CERTIFIED 1 OWNER 02 Infiniti G20 Leather Suede Sport w WARRANTY $6,495.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 21m Buy It Now for only: $6,495.00 |
 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 GT1 Coupe SUPER CLEAN CERTIFIED $2,702.00 (21 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 45m |
 Porsche Cayenne GTS Beverly Hills CPO Certified Approved White Beige Cayenne GTS Tip xenon 31K 48 L $40,100.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 45m |
 Land Rover Range Rover 04 LR RR CERTIFIED 04 Range Rover NAVIGATION 3 DVD COLD WEATHER PKG WRNTY FINANCE $18,995.00 Time Remaining: 5d 17h 53m Buy It Now for only: $18,995.00 |
 BMW 3 Series 328xi 2008 AWD Black on Black Loaded with Nav only 43k miles Certified Pre Owned $9,769.69 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 13m Buy It Now for only: $22,000.00 |
 Jaguar XK XKR XK8 R CERTIFIED NAVIGATION ADAPTIVE XENON HEATED SEATS WOOD TRIM LOCAL TRADE $33,995.00 Time Remaining: 17d 18h 30m Buy It Now for only: $33,995.00 |
 Honda CR V EX 1 Owner N 1 Owner Non Smoker MOONROOF Mp3 Buy Direct CARFAX CERTIFIED $13,255.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 33m |
 BMW 3 Series 330xi Sedan 04 BMW 330XI AWD CARFAX CERTIFIED LOW RESERVE SPORTS PACKAGE PREMIUM PACK $7,100.00 (40 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 52m |
 Jaguar XJ XJL S C 11 JAGUAR XJL SUPERCHARGED CERTIFIED 100K WARRANTY HEATED COOLED SEATS 1OWNER $72,973.00 Time Remaining: 4d 16h 11m Buy It Now for only: $72,973.00 |
 BMW 5 Series 535i 2008 BMW 535i SPORT PACKAGE CARFAX CERTIFIED LOW RESERVE GREAT CONDITION $18,100.00 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 53m |
 Porsche Cayman S Sport 303 HorsepowerTrade InPorsche CertifiedGreat looking car $44,991.00 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 38m Buy It Now for only: $44,991.00 |
 Chevrolet Corvette Chevrolet Co 2006 CHEVY CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE CARFAX CERTIFIED LOW MILES LOW RESERVE 05 07 $20,100.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 53m |
 Acura MDX Technology P 2008 Acura Mdx AWD TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE CARFAX CERTIFIED LOW RESERVE 09 10 11 12 $16,800.00 (20 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 53m |
 Toyota Highlander FWD 4dr L4 FWD 4dr L4 Certified 27L Third Row Seat CD 4 Cylinder Engine 4 Wheel ABS $28,000.00 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 15m Buy It Now for only: $28,000.00 |
 Nissan Titan SE 2008 Nissan Titan SE 4DR Crew Cab 4WD AWD LONG BED CARFAX CERTIFIED LOW RESERVE $4,716.00 (20 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 53m |
 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUPERCHARGED 11 Range Rover Sport SUPERCHARGED CERTIFIED 100K WARRANTY VISION ASSIST 1OWNER $70,973.00 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 23m Buy It Now for only: $70,973.00 |
 Hyundai Sonata Gls 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS CARFAX CERTIFIED 1 OWNER LOW RESERVE LOW MILES 10 12 $10,200.00 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 53m |
 Mercedes Benz M Class ML350 07 MERCEDES BENZ ML350 CARFAX CERTIFIED NAVIGATION BLK BLK LOW RESERVE LOW MILES $15,100.00 (20 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 53m |
 BMW 7 Series 750i 2006 BMW 750I ALPINE WHITE CARFAX CERTIFIED A TRUE Florida Car BEAUTIFUL $25,977.00 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 53m Buy It Now for only: $25,977.00 |
 Audi Q7 QUATTRO 4DR TDI Clean Turbo Diesel We Finance Audi Certified 1 owner $30,250.00 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h |
 BMW 5 Series Sport Package Premium Package Carfax Certified One Owne $28,995.00 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 39m Buy It Now for only: $28,995.00 |
 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD 4DR AUTO CERTIFIED 2007 FJ 4X4 AUTO ROCK RAILS ROOF RACK UPGRADE PKG 2 TOW HITCH 6 DISC $22,811.00 Time Remaining: 14h 1m Buy It Now for only: $23,311.00 |
 Cadillac CTS 36L V6 EXCELLENT LOW MILE ONE FL OWNER 2009 CADILLAC CERTIFIED $15,100.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 12m Buy It Now for only: $23,999.00 |
 Pontiac G8 4DR SEDAN 1 OWNER FL CAR WITH ONLY 19K MILES CARFAX CERTIFIED TAN LEATHER FLAWLESS INOUT $20,977.00 Time Remaining: 8d 16h 23m Buy It Now for only: $20,977.00 |
 Cadillac SRX V6 EXCELLENT 2009 CADILLAC CERTIFIED SRX $3,550.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 12m Buy It Now for only: $22,599.00 |
 BMW 3 Series 325 Ci C CERTIFIED 01 BMW 325Ci C Convertible Prem Cold Wthr PKG w WRNTY WE FINANCE $10,495.00 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $10,495.00 |
 Buick Enclave We Finance GM CERTIFIED Buick Enclave FWD 4dr CXL AUTO V6 Financing $19,200.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 18m |
 Toyota Camry 2DR CONV SLE CERTIFIED 2008 SLE V 6 CONVERTIBLE LEATHER JBL 6 DISC BLUETOOTH VERY NICE CAR $21,700.00 Time Remaining: 14h 18m Buy It Now for only: $21,799.00 |
 Mercedes Benz SLK Class SLK 230 CERTIFIED MB SLK230 KOMPRESSOR DESIGNO EDITION LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY w WRNTY $8,995.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 4m Buy It Now for only: $8,995.00 |
 Lexus LS 4dr Sdn RWD 2010 Lexus LS460 Certified Warranty Smokey Granite Black interior One Owner $53,988.00 Time Remaining: 14h 29m Buy It Now for only: $54,489.00 |
 Audi S5 CERTIFIED 2008 AUDI S5 42 QUATTRO TECH PACKAGE CLEAN CARFAX BO SOUND CPO WARRANTY 100K $42,888.00 Time Remaining: 4d 16h 7m Buy It Now for only: $42,888.00 |
 Lexus GX 4WD 4dr 2009 Lexus GX470 AWD Navigation Certified Warranty Black Onyx Beautiful $41,850.00 Time Remaining: 14h 29m |
 |
Extech 407730 40-to-130-Decibel Digital Sound Level Meter
List Price:  |
DescriptionDigital Sound Level Meter --- Analog bargraph with 50dB range updates every 40ms |
 |
Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6E
List Price: |
DescriptionTranscend and Amazon.com have teamed up to offer this item in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging, a recyclable, easy-to-open alternative to traditional packaging. A Frustration-Free Package comes without excess packaging materials such as wire ties, hard plastic "clamshell" casings, and plastic bindings... |
 |
Sandisk 4GB Secure Digital SD HC Memory Card (SDSDB-4096, BULK, No Reader)
List Price: |
Descriptione SD High Capacity (SDHC) 4GB flash card is SanDisk's newest format and capacity SD card. SanDisk cards give you plenty of room to capture and store all your precious photos, safely and securely. Fast, and built to last, you can count on SanDisk cards to be ready when you are, every day... |
 |
Griffin Technology PowerDuo 2 amp Power Charger for iPad, iPhone and iPod (Black)
List Price: |
DescriptionCombines our PowerBlock AC charger and PowerJolt auto charger in one convenient bundle. Keep your iPad, iPhone or iPod charged and ready wherever you go with 2 amps of charging power. Includes a charge cable for iPad, iPhone and iPod models with full-sized dock connector. |
 |
Garmin Suction Cup Mount
List Price: |
DescriptionGARMIN SUCTION CUP MOUNT |
 |
Polk Audio DB651 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers
List Price: |
DescriptionTurn up your vehicle's audio performance with the db651, a 6-1/2-inch coax speaker designed to drop into a variety of applications in no time at all. Advanced materials reduce component weight while offering rock solid reliability, advanced looks and ultra high performance... |
 |
iDeck Integrated Car Cassette Adapter for iPod (Certified "Made for iPod")
List Price: |
Description*** PLEASE REVIEW THE MAIN PICTURE ABOVE TO SEE IF THE CASSETTE IS INSERTED INTO YOUR CASSETTE PLAYER SAME WAY (SAME DIRECTION) . IDECK ADAPTER DOES NOT SWIVEL. THEREFORE IDECK WILL NOT WORK IF YOUR CASSETTE DIRECTION IS DIFFERENT*** Compatible with iPod Classic (80GB, 120GB, 160GB), Video 5th Gen... |
 |
Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term Care, 2nd Edition
List Price: |
DescriptionHartman's Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term Care, 2nd Edition The second edition of one of our best-selling nursing assistant training textbook (formerly known as Nursing Assistant Care) includes information on long-term care and some material on subacute and acute care... |
 |
Automotive Technician Certification: Test Preparation Manual
List Price: |
DescriptionFilled with updated task list theory, practice tests, and abundant, demonstrative graphics, this revised edition provides all the latest information required to sufficiently prepare technicians to pass each of the A1-A8 and L1 ASE certification exams... |
 |
Nyko Power Adaptor for Wii
List Price: |
DescriptionReplaces standard Wii power card. 12V power supply. Velcro cable wraps keep wires organized. Designed to match the d?cor of the Wii. UL and CE certified. Wii Power Adapters & Chargers: Video Game: Wii... |
|
|
Pilot`s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge 2008 (Paperback) $15.03 Used extensively as a reference source for the FAA Knowledge Exams, this resource includes basic knowledge that is essential for all pilots, from beginning students to those pursuing advanced pilot certificates. This updated... |
|
|
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems $117.73 Using a problem solving, critical thinking approach, this book follows and matches the requirements of the only nationally recognized automotive educational certification program in the US; i.e., The National Automotive Technicians Education Fo... |
|
|
Cars $18.7 An exciting addition to White Star's best selling CubeBook series, this portable fantasy garage of the world's most spectacular cars will delight automobile aficionados. The photographs in this hefty little compendium spotlight a vast range of the world's most important and influential car designs, showcased in a variety of perspectives through the signature three-dimensional CubeBook format. From classic cars to dream cars, sport cars, luxury automobiles, and exotic cars, "Cars CubeBook" conveys the design details that have made the cars in these pages the most sought after in the world. Among the automobiles featured are the finest luxury cars produced by Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Lancia, Bentley, Triumph, and Jaguar as well as iconic cars from Chevrolet, Ford, GM, and Chrysler. An irresistible package of superb images and informative captions containing fascinating automotive tidbits, Cars will appeal to car lovers both young and young at heart. |
|
|
Used Cars $7.35 {#Used Cars} is one of {$Robert Zemeckis}' pre-{#Roger Rabbit} and pre-{#Forrest Gump} efforts starring {$Kurt Russell} is a devious car salesman who goes to work for affable but monumentally unsuccessful used car dealer {$Jack Warden}. Warden's principal |
|
|
CARS $6.97 This book is in Good Used condition |
Buying 'Certified' Used Cars