Many people hesitate to purchase a used car because they worry they will get a lemon. They don’t want to spend thousands of dollars and have no car to drive. Used car certifications can help alleviate a buyer’s concern. These certifications provide vital information about the vehicle’s quality and performance.
Used Car Certifications
Certified used cars have undergone a comprehensive inspection to ensure the vehicle meets quality and reliability standards. Potential buyers are confident they are getting a reliable vehicle worth the price. When looking at used cars waco tx, drivers must know which program was used to certify the car, as the criteria and standards differ for each program. This information allows the buyer to make an informed decision about whether to purchase the vehicle.
Types of Certifications
Manufacturers offer certification programs. Vehicles must meet specific inspection criteria to be certified by the manufacturer. Manufacturer-certified cars often come with an extended warranty. Individual dealerships may have certification programs, with each program having different criteria. Third-party organizations might also certify used vehicles. Each vehicle undergoes an objective inspection to ensure its quality and performance. All programs usually involve multi-point inspections covering key systems. A manufacturer-certified vehicle might also come with vehicle history reports and extended warranties.
Why Buy a Certified Used Vehicle?
Certified used vehicles come with many benefits. Buyers know trained mechanics have thoroughly inspected the cars, so the odds of needing a major repair within days of purchasing the car are significantly reduced. If the car does need repair, the certification program may cover the cost. A certified used car often has a higher resale value because buyers have more confidence when spending the money.
A General Overview of the Certification Process
While each certification provider has its own criteria, the process is similar. The vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection, during which the mechanic examines its structural integrity, overall performance, and wear and tear. The mechanic or another representative of the certification company then checks the car’s maintenance history to ensure all recommended service intervals have been adhered to and any needed repairs have been completed. Only vehicles that pass all three steps are certified.
Popular Certification Programs
Manufacturers often offer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs. Independent dealers may also offer certification programs, and third-party organizations provide certifications.
Identifying Certified Used Cars
Dealerships typically label their certified vehicles. Buyers might also check Carfax or AutoCheck to learn if the car has undergone a certification program and other valuable information, such as whether it has been in an accident or recalled. Dealers are also happy to share certification information and offer a warranty on these cars.
Warranties and Certified Used Cars
Certified used cars typically come with warranties. The warranty correlates with the inspection level and number of repairs completed during the process. Learn what is covered under the warranty, as it provides information about the comprehensive process. Longer warranties typically indicate more extensive certification processes. A certified used car comes with a higher price tag, but thanks to this process, the buyer worries less about the need for expensive repairs.
Buyers who understand the certification process may be confident in purchasing a certified used car. However, the certification offered by an independent dealer may be lacking compared to a manufacturer’s certification. Therefore, it is up to the buyer to understand the process and what it entails.
