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