Certified vs.Non-Certified: What’s the Best Used Car Option?
When buying a car, we have three options: New Car, Certified Pre-Owned, or Non-Certified Pre-Owned. We all know that buying a new car is always better. However, not everyone can afford to buy a new car. Those who cannot afford a new car and are looking for a used one are often confused between certified and uncertified options. If you are one of them, read this article to make an informed decision that meets your personal needs.
Certified Used (CPO)
Used vehicles that are thoroughly inspected and reconditioned to meet the required certification standards are called “Certified Pre-Owned”. Depending on the certification authority, they are again classified into two types: certified by the manufacturer and certified by the dealer.
* Certified by the manufacturer: In a typical manufacturer certification program, used cars that are less than 5 to 6 years old or less than 60,000 to 80,000 miles are selected, tested, repaired, and finally verified to make sure they meet the manufacturer’s standards. Cars that meet the manufacturer’s standards will be certified and backed by warranties. Cars with suspicious records and serious faults will not be considered for this program.
* Certified dealer: Used cars will go through the same procedure, but the only difference is that they are not certified by the automaker. With the help of some expert technicians, the dealer performs all the checks and reconditioning programs and certifies it according to its own standards. He will also provide some warranty called a dealer warranty.
Used not certified
These are the vehicles that are generally sold by private sellers or by car owners themselves. The main thing that attracts people to buy these cars is their low cost. But in reality, they pose significant risks, and the underlying costs after purchase are myriad.
Advantages of certified cars
* Manufacturer certification increases your value and gives consumers peace of mind.
* The inspection includes a list of 100-160 things that are checked and verified by qualified mechanics. Therefore, there is no need to spend extra money on repairs and inspections.
* Comes with warranties and other added benefits like roadside assistance, trip interruption insurance, free maintenance, etc.
* A financing service is also available, so you can buy the car in simple installments.
* Authorized dealers offer a wide range of models to choose from
Disadvantages
* A little expensive compared to non-certified cars.
* High interest rates on finance compared to new cars.
Pros and cons of non-certified
The only possible advantage of these cars is their low price. There are many disadvantages.
* Without certification or inspection. You need to spend money on repairs and reconditioning, which is an additional expense.
* No warranties, no service-related repairs, no added benefits
* No financial assistance
* Vehicle history remains unknown, so the risk of sourcing lemons increases.
* Limited option
Making the right decision
After looking at the pros and cons of certified and non-certified cars, you may have an idea of what is worth buying. Although CPOs are a bit pricey, benefits like a manufacturer’s warranty can outweigh their prices. However, it is often recommended to prefer a manufacturer certified program over a certified dealer because the factory certification program is more reliable than the other.
Do your research
If you’ve decided to buy a CPO, check out the dealerships that offer the maximum range of products at the best prices on the market. You can check their websites to see the inventories that are listed with used cars for sale. Choose a reliable dealer and choose a car that meets your needs. Finally, check the actual inspection report to get a better idea of what exactly is being checked and reconditioned. Also make sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the report matches the car number. Request a test drive to feel more confident about the condition of the car. Remember also that authorized dealers offer the best products at better prices than the rest.
Certified Pre-Owned Cars are becoming more and more popular among all classes as they bring huge benefits. However, be sure to approach a reputable dealer to get the best value for your money.
