Buying a “certified pre-owned” vehicle

We all have that fear of buying a used car due to lots of unknowns such as vehicle’s history. In 1980s, Mercedes Benz came up with the idea of fixing traded-in used cars and providing a warranty that we know today as the “certified pre-owned” (CPO). Now nearly all car makers and host of others carry CPOs. They are a formidable alternative to buying a pricier new car.

Most dealers consider CPO as a vehicle with less than 60,000 miles odometer reading, that has no significant collision damage, and a vehicle with no major repairs after an inspection by the dealer. They all come with a warranty and many may carry financing too.

Compared to a used car, CPO vehicle may be bit more expensive. But it is acceptable because the vehicle comes with a warranty. Still it will be lot cheaper than a new car of a same make and model. But it is still up to the buyer to look in to the features especially the CPO vehicle warranty. One other important factor is if the CPO is still under the original warranty, it may give you few months or miles to get needed repairs covered under the old warranty.