Certified Used Cars

Certified used cars offers car buyers
the best used cars on the market.

  Certified Used Cars are “pre-owned”  vehicles which are “certified” by their manufacturers through an extensive vehicle inspection and repair process and can be purchased at a considerable savings over the cost of a similar brand-new model.

Before they they can be sold as certified, they’re thoroughly examined by qualified ASE technicians, refurbished to like-new condition, and then backed with a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty (the details differ slightly see accompanying chart at bottom of page—but with all Manufacturers the process is an intensive one).

Certified used cars have been refurbished to like-new standards and have passed a checklist of requirements, however be sure to find out whether a used vehicle is dealer-certified or manufacturer-certified (very important), since their standards may differ greatly. The manufacturers want to bring cars to like-new condition, because corporate reputation is tied to the sale.

Avoid so-called dealer-certified vehicles if possible. Some dealers are trying to cash-in on the precedent set by manufacturers may be more interested in a quick, cost-effective turnaround and few perform the 100+ checks required under the manufacturer programs.

Many used car ads have the "certified" name without living up to the promise of a car that is backed by the manufacturer with an impressive warranty and top-notch dealership experience.

One typical thing is that a dealer will advertise a car as "certified" and then sell the customer an extended warranty at an additional cost.

Certified pre-owned cars offer the remainder of the original warranty, plus add extra factory coverage once the original factory warranty runs out. With a certified used car, your car will continue to be covered by the manufacturer of the car. You will not have to do anything different after the original warranty runs out and the certified warranty begins. Cars that are unacceptable are simply not allowed to receive the "certified" seal of approval.

When visiting different dealers always ask for a copy of the manufacturer's warranty standards and compare them.

Manufacturer Certified pre-owned buyers don’t just enjoy the satisfaction of driving a like-new automobile at a bargain price, they also experience the unparalleled limited manufacturer's warranty that comes with it.

Keep in mind you won't find a manufacturer-certified used vehicle at a non-franchised used car dealer.

Certifying Procedures at General Motors (Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac)

General Motors trade-ins, less than four years old with less than 60,000 miles, go through a 110-point inspection to become GM Certified Used Cars.

All worn or broken parts are repaired or replaced, and all fluids are changed. These GM Certified used vehicles are backed by an extended GM factory warranty and a 3 day 150 mile money-back guarantee.

Ford (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

 Ford’s Certified pre-owned vehicles are trade-ins five years old or newer that have no more than 50,000 miles on their odometer.

First the vehicle identification number (VIN) is double-checked to make sure all paperwork matches and that all scheduled maintenance has been performed.

Then the Ford dealer put the car through a rigorous 115 Point inspection process designed to uncover even the slightest mechanical or cosmetic flaw.

Included are the power train, the chassis, all accessories, and finally a thorough cosmetic review.

Technicians check everything from the body panels to the weather stripping and the carpeting. All worn or broken parts are repaired or replaced, and all fluids are changed.

Only then is the vehicle deemed worthy of carrying the Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned window sticker.

 Manufacturer Certified vehicles will cost more than seemingly identical non-certified examples. The idea is that you recoup the added expense through lower repair bills. Make sure you're getting a manufacturer's warranty that's comparable to available third party extended warranties (some aren't, we recommend Warranty Direct for third party extended warranties comparing. Providing you can afford them, factory-certified used vehicles are your best bet for years of reliable trouble-free motoring.

Manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned buyers enjoy the satisfaction of driving a like-new automobile at a bargain price, and having an unparalleled Factory limited warranty.

Used Car History Report

We always recommend that you order the Used Car History Report for any manufacturer certified used vehicle under consideration. It's in your best interest to protect yourself against buying a used car with costly, hidden problems or dealers not following the proper procedures.