Why Choose Certified

At Hanlees Auto Group, we want to bring that sense of comfort and care to our customers. And when it comes to certified pre-owned vehicles, we'd like to reassure you about the benefits when it comes to looking at these type of vehicles.

A certified pre-owned car, CPO for short, is a vehicle that has either been traded in or bought for repurchase. Car manufacturers have the dealers inspect and repair these before selling them from out of their own pocket. Meanwhile, the manufacturers provide a warranty on the certified pre-owned cars. Usually, there are reduced-rate financing options available to interested buyers.

Each car manufacturer has their own take on what it means to buy a CPO vehicle. Click here for more detailed information.

Buying Certified Pre-Owned Cars

A certified pre-owned car (CPO) is a car that has either been traded in or bought for resale. Automakers have dealers inspect and repair trade-ins prior to resale out of their own pocket, and then offer a warranty on the certified pre-owned cars. 

Pros

• Avoids high depreciation costs
• Car has already been inspected/fixed and comes with a warranty, giving you peace of mind
• CPO programs create vehicles with higher resale values, providing increased bargaining power when it's time to trade the car in. 
• Reduced-rate financing options are often available for CPO purchasers

Cons

• Just because the car is certified does not mean that it comes trouble-free. You should still have a mechanic inspect the car and take it back to the dealer for repair if any problems are found.
• Though you avoid new-car depreciation, you still have the traditional higher mileage and used-car damage that new-car buyers don't need to worry about.

Factory-backed programs

• Vehicle has been inspected, repaired, and backed by a factory warranty at no cost to you
• Sends representatives periodically to ensure inspection and repairs have been made.
• Auto manufacturers tack on anywhere from 2-8% of the original used-car price for the certification sticker. Typically, the higher-end the model or brand, the higher the percentage.

Dealer-certified programs

• Offer extended warranties at a cost; often require deductible payments and exclusions for any "normal wear and tear" repairs and owner abuse.
• Warranty may require you to to always return to the same dealer for service or repairs

General tips

• Whether you decide to go with a factory- or dealer-backed program, always be sure to thoroughly read the warranty agreement, including the fine print and age/mileage limits.
• Know the details of the return policy, from time frame to what refunds are covered.
• Ask to see the certification checklist to make sure all major components have been inspected. Be sure to look at the vehicle repair/maintenance history as well.
• Take the CPO for a thorough test drive.
• Always negotiate - you can still haggle the price down for any CPO.

Picture courtesy: http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e2017616815460970c-800wi