FAQs Regarding Certified Pre-Owned Cars

As a prospective car buyer on a budget, you may assume that it’s in your best interest to pursue a used car. Now, while this certainly isn’t a misguided mindset, there may be a major alternative that you haven’t even considered.

Certified pre-owned vehicles are seemingly flooding dealership lots, and these particular vehicles provide customers with a host of benefits and incentives that generic used cars do not. Besides the fact that these specific offerings have already undergone extensive inspections, brands and dealerships also include warranties, providing the buyer with an extra bit of protection.

While these specific vehicles tend to be a bit more expensive that their standard used counterparts, that shouldn’t be enough to scare you away from a pursuit. Rather, check out some notes on these CPOs below. We’ve answered some of the most popular frequently asked questions, which should provide some guidance if you’re considering a certified pre-owned Chevy…

What are Certified Pre-Owned Cars?

You may think that “certified pre-owned” is just a fancy name for a used car. While this is somewhat the case, these specific offerings provide a number of benefits that your typical “pre-owned” car will not. As a result, you’ll find that there’s actually a huge discrepancy when it comes to the quality of a CPO and a generic used car.

Specifically, these vehicles have already undergone an extensive inspection process by the time they hit the lot. Whether they’re certified by the brand or the dealership, these specific cars are required to undergo an exhausting inspection process that often requires more than 100 different steps. If the vehicle displays any worrisome mechanical signs, the dealership or brand will fix up these issues, assuring the car is in the best possible shape.

Are Certified Pre-Owned Cars Old?

Well, they’re certainly not new, but customers shouldn’t expect to find beater cars earning this “certified pre-owned” distinction. Rather, most brands and dealerships require their vehicles to fall under a specific mileage marker, assuring that customers can rely on their target for at least half-a-decade. Therefore, if you’re targeting a CPO, you shouldn’t ever worry about its longevity, as the seller has already weeded out all of the older, unworthy options. Still not convinced? Well, there’s a good chance that these dealerships will also offer customers a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report, allowing you to anticipate any issues ahead of time. While these sellers may offer this opportunity with their typical used vehicles, it’s not a foregone conclusion.

Since these dealerships or brands require vehicles that fall within a specific mileage threshold, there’s an increased chance that you’ll find a recent-year model sitting on these lots. Specifically, it’s likely that, say, a 2000-year vehicle has already surpassed the mileage restrictions, but it’s unlikely that, say, a 2015 has. Therefore, customers shouldn’t only expect a lower mileage marker on the odometer. Rather, they can anticipate a much more modern vehicle altogether.

How Much More Do These Cars Cost?

There are considerable risks that accompany a traditional used vehicle. Customers can do as much research as possible, and they can also inspect every aspect of the car. Still, there’s no guarantee that the target is in proper working shape. If you land on a lemon, there’s little chance that the dealership will provide you with many protections. In this scenario, you’re forced to tolerate the vehicle.

However, if you opt for a certified pre-owned vehicle, the majority of these risks are eliminated. Since the vehicle has already undergone an extensive inspection process, there’s little chance you’ll come across any mechanical problems. Therefore, dealerships tend to charge more for these offerings than their traditional used counterparts. As a result, you should expect these CPOs to be a bit more expensive. However, when you consider the trips to the mechanic that you’ll ultimately be avoiding, the higher price tag may be worth it.

Are There Any Protections?

While these vehicles have already gone through a lengthy inspection process, dealerships and brands still do an admirable job of providing their customers with an assortment of protections. Primarily, these sellers are willing to attach some type of warranty to their vehicles, assuring that you won’t have to (always) dig into your pocket for any maintenance or repairs. Of course, if you do get to capitalize on a warranty, make sure you understand every aspect of the agreement. There may be some fine print that could come back to bite you in the butt.

Occasionally, you’ll inherit the existing warranty that’s still attached to the certified pre-owned vehicle, but it’s more likely that the dealership will provide you with a brand-new deal altogether. As a result, you won’t have to pursue repairs from an untrustworthy mechanic. Rather, you can save a bit of cash and turn to the dealership instead.

Should I Still Be Wary of the Car?

Not necessarily. Well, you at least shouldn’t be as wary of a certified pre-owned car as you would be wary of a generic used car. However, it’s still important to remember that these particular cars aren’t new. It’s also important to remember that these dealerships are probably more focused on the vehicle’s value than quality.

In other words, it may be in your best interest to have the vehicle checked out by an independent mechanic before you commit to any purchase. This unbiased individual will be able to pinpoint any potential mechanical problems with the car. While these warning signs may not be enough to dissuade you from committing to a purchase, the information could at least help you during the negotiation phase of the process.

Now, this sentiment doesn’t solely apply to the vehicle’s mechanical components. Rather, some brands will only certify a specific car if they contain all of the standard equipment that usually accompanies the nameplate. For instance, if you found that your recently-purchased Chevy doesn’t contain the proper wheels, you should push for the brand or dealership to add this feature to your ride. There’s a good chance that they’ll ultimately give in to your requests.