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