What Does It Mean When A Used Car Is Certified? | Cars and Trucks

By JasonLancaster
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Word Count: 386

Certified used cars are:

i. Usually eligible for special financing and an improved warranty because they have passed an inspection.

ii. Less than five years old with less than 50,000 miles.

iii. The certifying authority (usually the dealership) must have made sure that all the maintenance is up-to-date, which means that all the oil changes and transmission flushes, etc. (normal maintenance) should be complete.

iv. Cars that have wearable parts like brake pads or tires with at least 50% of their life left.

After the maintenance is completed and the inspection is done, the dealership declares the vehicle "Certified". Used cars that are "certified" typically have a better warranty than a used car that is not. In addition, they can qualify for used car financing rates that are better than average.

In most cases, certified used cars are a good deal, and you should buy one if you can. However, before you buy a certified used car there are a few things you need to watch out for.

1) When a used car is certified and is less than a year old, it is usually a used rental car.

Rental cars aren't necessarily bad: they're usually well maintained and an excellent value, but they're not for everyone. Check out our advice about buying used rental cars if you're not sure.

2) Remember that not all certifications are created equal.

If you're at Dealin' Dave's car lot and they have certified a car, that might not mean anything. Dealin' Dave's certification may just be a sales gimmick. It's better to buy a vehicle that has been certified by an auto manufacturer like Ford, Toyota, GM, BMW, etc. They all have superior certification programs, better than you would find at any dealership.

The last thing you should know is that you should request the "vehicle certification inspection" report before buying a certified used car. The inspecting mechanic details his or her opinion about the vehicle's parts and functions in a report. These reports are required to be kept on file after a dealership certifies a vehicle. Oftentimes the dealership has to give you copy if you decide to buy the car. If a dealership doesn't have this report or especially if they refuse to give it to you, do not buy the car. You should go somewhere else where they will provide you with the "vehicle certification inspection" report.

About the Author

Author Jason Lancaster, a car industry veteran, developed AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You'll find accurate advice on certified preowned cars and certified used cars.

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