| When used cars are certified, they | | | | they're usually well maintained and an |
| are:i. Usually eligible for special | | | | excellent value, but they're not for |
| financing and an improved warranty | | | | everyone. Check out our advice about |
| because they have passed an | | | | buying used rental cars if you're not |
| inspection.ii. Less than five years old | | | | sure. |
| with less than 50,000 miles.iii. The | | | | 2) Remember that not all certifications |
| certifying authority, which is usually | | | | are created equal. |
| the dealership, ensures that the | | | | Ford, Toyota, GM, BMW, and other auto |
| maintenance is up-to-date. All normal | | | | manufacturers have great certification |
| maintenance such as transmission | | | | programs that are superior to |
| flushes, oil changes, etc. are | | | | dealerships. Dealin' Dave's car lot may |
| completed.iv. The vehicle's wearable | | | | offer certifications that are, in |
| parts (brake pads, tires, etc.) must | | | | reality, just a sales gimmick. If you |
| have at least 50% of their life left. | | | | can, it is usually better to buy a car |
| A vehicle is "Certified" after all | | | | that an auto manufacturer has certified. |
| maintenance is done and the inspection | | | | Finally, before you buy a certified used |
| is completed. When used cars are | | | | car, always ask for the "vehicle |
| "certified," they generally have a | | | | certification inspection" report. The |
| better warranty and can help you qualify | | | | inspecting mechanic fills out this |
| for better financing rates. | | | | report, and it gives details of his/her |
| In most cases, certified used cars are a | | | | opinion of the various parts and |
| good deal, and you should buy one if you | | | | functions of the vehicle. Dealerships |
| can. However, before you buy a certified | | | | are required to keep these reports on |
| used car there are a few things you need | | | | file after they certify a vehicle, and a |
| to watch out for. | | | | lot of times they also have to give you |
| 1) Certified used cars that are under | | | | a copy when you buy the car. If the |
| one year old are almost always used | | | | dealership doesn't have this report (or |
| rental cars. | | | | if they won't show it to you) go |
| Rental cars aren't necessarily bad: | | | | somewhere else. |