How can I find the best certified used cars?
Getting a new car is an experience that just about everyone enjoys, except for the high payments. But who wants the worry and frustration that comes with the unknown of most used cars? However, there is a way to enjoy that new car feeling and save money by buying a certified used car. For faster service, enter your ZIP code to compare car insurance rates and quotes.
These cars will cost you about two to eight percent more than the average used vehicle, but due to what they offer, it is usually worth the extra cost to buy a certified used car instead of a traditional used vehicle.
Why are Certified Used Cars Worth More?
This certification process that the cars must gives the new owner some peace of mind when it comes to the car’s background and its condition, and lets the car dealership build up their brand loyalty and respect for their cars.
Car experts estimate that nearly two million of these certified used cars are sold every year, which is nearly 10 percent of all car sales.
What is a Certified Used Car?
A certified used car is a much better option than your average used car because they are backed by the car manufacturer through special programs designed to promote a particular brand or model of vehicle. The difference between a regular used car and a certified used car is that the latter gets a comprehensive inspection by a certified expert mechanic. If the car doesn’t pass this impressive inspection, then it doesn’t get to carry the title of certified used car.
Several manufacturers offer certified used cars such as high end vehicles from Lexux, Nissan, BMW or Mercedes Benz. There are also program for other brands of vehicles such as Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Pontiac and more. All of these special programs are designed to put these pre-owned cars into the hands of new owners after the cars have passed all inspections and other requirements.
What Do Certified Used Car Programs Offer?
Each car brand that has a certified used car program may do theirs a bit differently. For instance, Lexus provides a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty on their certified used cars, while Nissan has a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty. Even so, there are also several things that most of these programs do. These include:
- Cars are no more than 5 years old
- Mileage amounts must be lower than 100,000
- Cars have not been in an accident or had any kind of damages
- Cars Undergo a 100+ Point Inspection
- All Cars are Provided with an Extended warranty
- Cars Are Sold With Low Interest Financing
- Most programs have a 24-hour roadside assistance option
What Benefits do Certified Used Cars Offer?
When you choose to buy a certified used car instead of a traditional used vehicle you get several benefits. One of the most important benefits is that you avoid the majority of the risk normally associated with buying a used car. A certified used car must undergo a thorough inspection by trained specialists and has an extended warranty, something most used cars don’t get.
Certified used cars as a less expensive option than buying a brand new car. If you buy a certified used car that is only a year old, for instance, you get most of the newest features that may have come out, put you get to pay less than if you bought a brand new car that may not be much different.
Certified Used Cars Cost Less, Still Have Better Value
The old saying is that as soon as you drive off the lot, a new car is automatically worth much less. That’s not untrue, as most cars depreciate and lose their value quickly. But if you buy a certified used car, it has already been through the first year or two or that price loss and you get the benefit of a great car at a much lower price.
Which Certified Used Cars are Best?
When it comes to buying a certified used car, Consumer Reports has tested several brands and come out with a top listing of the best of the best in certified used vehicles. The ones rated best included the Honda Accord, Acura TL, Lexus GS, Subaru Impreza and the Toyota 4Runner.
They were rated based on 17 areas, including the engine, transmission, brakes, electrical systems and the power equipment. The car that came out best over all of the rest in every category was the Honda Accord.
The bottom line is that if you want the feeling of a new car, but don’t want to pay high monthly payments, then consider purchasing one of the various manufacturer’s certified used cars. These are used vehicles that have undergone extensive inspections and have passed tests given by certified technicians who are experts in their field.
The Next Step
So, if you are in the market for a reasonably priced used car and want the best possible deal that you can get, you should purchase a car from the certified used car programs at various manufacturers.
To find the best information on cars, enter your ZIP code online. A list of certified cars will surface, please compare and make the best selection. This same method can be used for car insurance quotes as well.
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