Points to Consider When Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

When you buy any type of car, you will, of course, be making many comparisons. When you buy a car that is in the Certified Pre-Owned category, you will be faced with many choices as you make your purchase. Here is a list of some of the most important points to consider when you are in the market to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle.

The Many Perks of Owning a Certified Pre-Owned Car

When you buy certified pre-owned, you are getting a vehicle that has been through multiple thorough inspections and must meet stringent criteria before they can wear the sticker of Certified Pre-Owned. Here are a few of the areas the cars must undergo before being certified into a CPO, manufacturer backed, program.

The Cars Must Be Free from Any History of a Major Collision. Many people are not aware of this point, that for a car to be certified pre-owned, they cannot have been involved in any major collisions that would affect the performance or appearance of the car. Even after repairs, modifications that must be made to mend a car that has sustained heavy damage can alter the car greatly, either in appearance or performance, so that a manufacturer cannot back it in a certified pre-owned program.

The Car Must Only Be “Gently Used”. What does this entail? Well. For starters, different manufacturers will have different qualifications for mileage, but most keep the mileage cut-off fairly low to be considered for the certified pre-owned program. When it comes to the overall appearance of the vehicle, the interior and exterior must also look pretty much just as it did when it first hit the showroom floor. The interior must be free from stains, wear, dings, and fading, and the exterior must not have any damage, even minor. This will ensure that the future driver gets to experience a like-new vehicle.

They Must Undergo a Vigorous Inspection. For a car or SUV to enter a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program, it must be inspected on multiple points. This ensures that the vehicle in question is of the highest quality when it drives off the lot. Like the appearance, even the mechanical properties of the vehicle must be in practically new condition. This gives a certified pre-owned vehicle a leg up over other used cars and ensures that the car is a good investment.

Certified Pre-Owned Cars Come with a Warranty. This is definitely one of the most appealing aspects of buying a certified pre-owned car. When you buy pre-owned you get a few options for warranties. Some cars may still be well under, with ample time remaining, of their original manufacturer warranty. Others may have the dealership offering an extended warranty on bumper-to-bumper or any warranties remaining that may soon be expiring, Drivers may also opt to pad up their existing warranty by adding extra coverage. Overall, certified pre-owned vehicles offer major incentives in terms of warranty options.

Incentives. Extra sales, deals, financing options may be available on certified pre-owned vehicles. If you’ve been looking for a CPO vehicle, you should check with your local dealership like McCluskey Chevy to see what current incentives they have going on. You’re likely to find a great deal!

Not All Certified Pre-Owned Cars are Created Equal

Just like any new car, certified pre-owned vehicles are not all created equal, neither are their programs or manufacturers that certify them to be qualified for the program. Here are a few points that you should take a look at when you are buying a certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV.

Check Inventory – Many dealerships that offer certified pre-owned vehicles at their showroom will have a nice selection of pre-owned vehicles to choose from. Dealerships that have very few options may raise a red flag. A low or undesirable, or seemingly old inventory may be the biggest of red flags. This could mean that the dealership’s programs, customer, service, financing, or maintenance are not very good and that they have a hard time attracting new customers or keeping established ones. This can lead to a low inventory because they don’t have the profits to purchase and field in new vehicles to their program.

Find Out for Yourself – While CPO vehicles usually undergo thorough inspections, that is part of their appeal, you should always test drive, visually examine, and have the certified pre-owned vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy. Surprises are not something you want in a new car.

Check the History – One of the most important steps in buying a CPO car, truck, or SUV is to check the vehicle’s history report. Any dealership that offers certified pre-owned programs of the highest quality, should be more than willing to offer you the history report on their entire inventory of stock vehicles. If not, this should represent an area of concern. Luckily, if you choose McCluskey Chevy, you’ll be investing in a trustworthy, reputable dealership who is proud of the vehicles they offer. Our pride and reputation is the reason we will gladly offer you a vehicle history report on any CPO car you’re interested in.

Pay Attention to Pricing – While certified pre-owned vehicles are almost always cheaper than new vehicles, pay attention to the actual value of the car you are looking to buy. Do yourself and your wallet a favor by checking comparable vehicles and their price ranges, complete research on value books and sites, and be diligent about getting the best price. Also, be wary of add-ons that don’t feel necessary when you sit down to purchase your CPO vehicle. These can inflate the cost of your vehicle exponentially if you’re not careful.

Extra, Extras – When you shop for a certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV you will notice that there are a good degree of differences when it comes to extras, add-ons, trims, and more. A good plan is to start with an idea of some extras in tech, safety, towing capability, cargo room, and passenger room in mind that you would like before you head to the dealership. This way, when you start shopping, you will be able to focus on what you really want and not be confused into buying somethings that are really not a priority for you. Knowing what you would like to aim for before you start to shop also helps give your customer service representative a better idea of the vehicles they should show you from the beginning.

Buying Certified Pre-Owned Can Put You In Your Dream Car for Less

There are many benefits of owning a certified pre-owned car. These cars are part of programs that are sponsored by the manufacturer and are supported by warranties and additional service and protection plans. Certified pre-owned cars also undergo thorough inspections before they are placed in the pre-owned program, further ensuring drivers that they are getting not only a great value, but also a great car, truck, or SUV.

One of the most important parts of shopping for a car, be it new, used, or CPO, is to head to your dealership with some great facts and solid questions. If you know what you are looking for, have a good idea of where your budget needs to be and can lead with a few preferences, you have the best chance of driving out of the dealership with your dream car at a great price.

Certified pre-owned vehicles allow drivers to spend a little less money, but also lessen the risk they have with buying a used car that comes without the protections of a CPO program. So, when you’re ready to purchase your next certified pre-owned vehicle, be sure to visit McCluskey Chevy! We have the inventory, customer service, and financing options you’re looking for.