New Car Benefits at a Used Car Price
In the market for a
new car? Before you take a trip to the dealership, be sure to
do your homework. Smart car buyers are discovering an alternative to the high price of a new car
without the headaches of repair costs associated with
used cars. Their secret?
Certified pre-owned vehicles.
New Car Vs Used Car
Unlike new cars whose value depreciates up to 20 percent in their first year on the road and used
cars whose vehicle history is often a mystery, certified used cars must meet certain criteria,
pass extensive vehicle inspections and usually come with impressive warranties.
The Birth of Certified Used Cars
Since the late 1990s, certified used cars have been gaining popularity. As drivers returned their
leased vehicles to dealerships, manufacturers were forced to find creative means for unloading
these cars. And since the leased vehicles were usually in good shape – with low mileage and minimal
repairs needed - dealers had no trouble turning around and re-selling them.
Soon, car manufacturers caught on to the value of re-selling these vehicles and started their own
certified used car programs. As of today, most brands offer such programs. So whether you're in the
market for a Mercedes, pining for that Passat or jonesing for a Jaguar, chances are you'll be able
to find just what you're looking for. And for the right price. Certified used cars offer "more car"
for less money and often feel like new.
Buying a Used Car
Overwhelmed at the prospect of finding the right certified used car for you? Don't be. Websites
like
Autobytel.com,
Autoweb.com,
CarSmart.com,
Edmunds.com and
Autos.yahoo.com
offer a wealth of information, including head-to-head
comparisons of the certified pre-owned programs available by each of the major car manufacturers.
Once upon a time,
buying a used car came with the uncertainty about a vehicle's
history. However, all certified pre-owned vehicles have undergone a rigorous inspection by a
factory-trained technician. Any necessary repairs have been made.
Buying a Certified Used Car
So which car manufacturers offer the best certified used car programs? It's important to educate
yourself, as not all certified used car programs are the same. The best way to get started is to
visit an individual car manufacturer's website. Familiarize yourself with what has been inspected
during the certification process and what is covered by the warranty. It's also important to know
exactly who is certifying the car. It's better to purchase a car certified by the manufacturer
than an individual dealership. It's also beneficial to find out what additional perks each
manufacturer offers its certified used car buyers. These perks can include service loan cars,
shuttle pick-up and drop-off service, roadside assistance, free maintenance and impressive
financing deals with low interest rates.
Shopping for Your Certified Used Car
Once you've done your homework and chosen the certified used car you want, it's time for the test
drive. Even though the car has passed rigorous inspection by a factory-trained technician, it is
crucial that you inspect the car for yourself and see how it handles on the road. You'll also want
to have the car inspected by your own mechanic, just to be sure it's in the good condition the
manufacturer says it is.
As for the price of your certified used car, you should know that the dealer most likely put money
into the car (i.e. new tires, brakes, etc.) in order for it to pass inspection. What does this
mean for you, the buyer?
There is very little wiggle room on the certified used
car price. So while a certified used car will more than
likely cost you a fair bit more than a non-certified used vehicle, you will more than make up for
it in the quality and the warranties available. Think of it this way: You're buying a near-new
car at a used car price. And that's worth every penny.
