• Google Buzz

Most consumers purchase used vehicle because it makes a lot more financial sense to do so than to rather than buy something new and take a major hit in the value of the vehicle in the first few years of ownership. Some consumers tend to shy away from used vehicles because they can sometimes come with operational and mechanical problems that you would rather not have to deal with. Car dealers have attempted to eliminate that concern by offering “certified” used cars promising that they’ve done all sorts of inspections and that the car is in great condition. Often you will pay a lot more for the privilege of buying a certified used car than you would if you just bought one from a private party. Knowing that a used car is in good shape when you buy it is always a good idea, but when a car dealer advertisers that their used vehicles are certified, usually it means nothing.

Automobile dealers have learned that customers are willing to pay a significantly higher amount for certified used cars than regular used cars, so many of them use that term very loosely. There is also no legal definition for what’s required for a used car to be certified. A first year mechanics student could have taken a quick look at the car, said everything looks fine, and the automobile dealer could legally say that it’s certified. Even if a used vehicle is certified, you should still get it inspected by an independent mechanic.

The only real legitimate offer for certified used cars is when they are certified by the manufacturer. In return for the premium that you pay on the used vehicle, you’ll receive a real extension on the warranty of the vehicle. Some of the luxury automobile dealers, such as Lexus and Jaguar, came out with these programs so that they could get more money for their used automobiles. With these deals, the manufacturer will not actually certify the vehicle, it’s an agreement between the manufacturer and the dealership that the car has been inspected and any problems have been fixed. Even when the dealer fixes the car, it’s hard to know if the work was done properly by a well qualified mechanic, so it’s always a good idea to get your potential vehicle inspected before purchasing it.

You should never pay the premium for a certified used car. You’re paying thousands of extra dollars on a car for what amounts to literally nothing. Instead buy a regular used car and have it inspected by a mechanic you know and trust to ensure that it’s in proper running condition.



 Related Content: