Top ten tips to buying a Certified Pre-Owned Car

LOS ANGELES - Dec. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Top Ten Tips to Buying a Certified Pre-owned Car

The buzz around Monterey Park (Los Angeles) says buyers can save thousands of dollars by choosing a Certified Pre-owned vehicle instead of a brand new one. The manufacturer thoroughly inspects these late model, low mileage vehicles and certifies them based on their excellent condition. Finding CPOs is easy; you can search online at CPO-specific sites like CertifiedCars.com or shop the local dealerships.

Certified Pre-owned shoppers should never neglect due diligence and rely only on the dealer or manufacturer’s word. Whatever way you choose to find your next vehicle, keep these Top Ten Tips in mind while shopping.

Make sure that the automobile manufacturer offers the certification and not the local dealership. Manufacturer certification insures your ability to have the vehicle serviced at dealerships nationwide. The manufacturer certification also means that the vehicle passed the manufacturer’s more thorough, multi-point inspection.
Look at the automobile’s maintenance and repair history. Some manufacturers will include a Carfax report with the vehicle automatically. Make sure you get the facts.
Make sure that all the major elements of the vehicle were inspected. Each manufacturer has a different checklist of inspection points for their certified vehicles. You can find the manufacturer checklists online.
Research the resale values for this vehicle in your area. Compare the price with other autos with the same bells and whistles. Yes, you will likely pay more for a Certified Pre-owned vehicle, but you should not overpay substantially.
Negotiate your price. Certified Pre-owned vehicle prices can be negiotiated just as you would for any other new or used car. Don’t think you have to pay the sticker simply because the manufacturer certified the car.
Get the warranty details. This is the time to read the fine print. While most CPO warranties cover only the powertrain, others cover more. Coverage varies by manufacturer. If you want bumper to bumper coverage, consider buying a separate policy.  Is the warranty transferable?
Find out what remains of the new-car warranty and make sure the details are clear and in writing. Most CPO warranties do not begin covering the vehicle until the new-car warranty has expired.
Understand the mileage and age limits of the warranties.
What is the vehicle return policy? Can you return it and for how long?
Test-drive the vehicle.