Lemons are for Lemonade, Not Used Vehicles: What to Look for When Buying a Pre-Owned Car

Buying a pre-owned vehicle doesn’t mean you have to settle for lower quality. With Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (CPOVs), you can find a like-new car, truck, minivan or SUV that’s right for you. When shopping for your next CPOV, there are several things to look for to consider.

Certification and Inspection

Make sure you next pre-owned vehicle is certified. Look for a 125-point inspection that covers all these areas:

·        Qualification Standards – Clean title, mileage, age of car and frame condition.

·        Ownership Materials – Warranty and owner’s manuals and operational key.

·        Mechanical Standards – Pre-road test, road test, and post-road test with operational checks and performance checks and comfort.

·        Maintenance Standards – Fluid inspection and change, brakes, tires and wheels, hoses and belts.

·        Appearance Standards – Interior and exterior, lamp and wheel covers, carpet, headliner and instrument panel.

·        Detail Standards – Interior and exterior detailing, clean engine compartment, and free of odor and moisture leaks.

Vehicle History

It’s essential to know where the vehicle has been and how it’s been treated. Our CPOV’s come with a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report and CARFAX® Buyback Guarantee, so you can be sure the vehicle you select has no prior title obligations and has not been involved in any DMV-reported incidents, such as fire or flood, salvage, a lemon history or odometer discrepancies. With the occurrence of natural disasters in recent years, it’s especially important to make sure a vehicle has not been subjected to extended flood conditions.

Warranty

Buying a CPOV with an included warranty gives you something that’s priceless: peace of mind. Any reputable pre-owned vehicle dealer will offer a basic warranty with the option of purchasing an extended warranty. In addition to basic and extended warranty options, try to get a Lifetime Certified Upgrade Plan for qualifying vehicles.

Roadside Coverage

Accidents happen – tires go flat, keys get locked in the car, etc. When they do, it’s good to know you’ve got someone you can call, 24/7. Find a vehicle partner that also includes towing and roadside assistance so that you know you’re in good hands for those times you run out of gas or leave your lights on and need a jump start. It’s always a good idea to have your bases covered when things don’t go as planned. It would be good if roadside coverage offers even have a rental car allowance just in case a covered component fails. If your CPOV is inoperable and repairs take overnight, these plans often provide up to $35 a day with our rental car allowance.

Extras

When you shop for your ideal CPOV, there are details to look out for that sweet the deal, such as three complimentary months of SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, which can make the difference.

Questions

Send us your questions on what to look for or on how to shop for used cars. Leave a comment below or contact us here.