How To Buy Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Going out to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle is always intriguing, but it has to be handled the right way. Car buyers wanting a used vehicle can look at this option to gain control of the process.
These CPO vehicles tend to cost a little more than non-certified vehicles. While you have to pay more, you are also going to gain access to a long list of benefits.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important tips to focus on when it’s time to buy a CPO vehicle.
Check Who Certified The Vehicle
Just because a vehicle is certified does not mean the proper party has done it. You will want to know whether it was the dealership, manufacturer, or an independent third party.
Certified pre-owned vehicles go through rigorous testing when done right. There are strict certification standards for how these vehicles are inspected. However, manufacturer CPO vehicles are tested in greater detail compared to those done by an independent dealership.
This is why it’s essential to ask whether it was certified by the manufacturer or someone else. This includes asking for the relevant documents.
Read Through The Certification And Understand It
When it is time to go out and buy a CPO vehicle, you will have to read through the certification in detail. Many car buyers don’t do this, and that is a mistake. You will want to also request a warranty before signing on the dotted line. Manufacturers do offer complete warranties in comparison to dealerships or third parties.
Always take the opportunity to go through the warranty plan too. This includes what’s covered and what’s omitted. A high-quality warranty policy will have the option to get a complimentary loaner car during repair work and roadside assistance.
Go Through The Maintenance History & Certification Checklist
Each pre-owned vehicle is going to have a comprehensive certification checklist under its name. This will also include a maintenance report highlighting the work that has been done on the car since it was bought. Buyers looking to get their hands on a pre-owned vehicle should ask for this information right away and go through it in detail.
You should not be purchasing any pre-owned vehicle without doing your due diligence, and that includes these reports.
A competent dealer is going to have all of this information in an easy-to-read format. Go through this information right away.
The reports will include:
- Under The Hood Checks – Radiator, Alternator, Battery
- Road Testing – Check All Driving Functions
- Brake Fluid & Coolant
- Interior Inspection
- Exterior Inspection
- Under the Vehicle Checks – Tires and Rims
A seller that refuses to provide these reports to you as soon as they’re requested should be avoided at all costs. They are not being sincere or professional when selling the vehicle and do not deserve your business moving forward.
It is important to be stern here to avoid paying for a dud.
It would be best if you also asked for the warranty/return policy on the vehicle. This ensures you do have a way out after buying the vehicle.
Do Your Homework Before Negotiating
Do not pay the first amount cited to you as that is likely over the fair price. You have to know the going rate for a vehicle that is the same make and model. This includes the condition it is in.
Most people take a mechanic with them to certify the vehicle and make sure it is a good buy. Take advantage of a professional if you have never bought a car in the past and want to get it spot on.
A CPO car is not guaranteed success, but it is often going to come with ample information compared to non-certified vehicles. This is the information you are going to want as soon as you begin the research phase.
If you have any questions regarding the information in this article, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Breeze. One of our protection assistants will be happy to remedy all of your concerns and even help you qualify your vehicle online in less than a minute.
Thanks for reading and allowing us to share these tips so you will always have a one-up when you are looking to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle.
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