Certified Used Cars: What's So Special?

Maybe you’ve spent too long looking at that old clunker in the backyard hoping for something, anything with a little more flair to take to work each morning; maybe you’re tired of taking that same old boring sedan out on the weekends and want something you can really feel when you press down on the pedal; or maybe you’re just tired of paying crazy car payments on new vehicles that always seem to be more expensive without offering much more in terms of enjoyment.

Whatever your issue, the “I want a new car” blues are often all too common, and there may only be one reliable solution: certified used cars.

Whether you’re looking for a slightly-used roadster that can rip over the pavement or a safe and sturdy SUV with a history of reliability behind it, buying certified used cars can often offer some of the best savings without having to sacrifice value. If you’re in the market to trade up your ride without trading up on price, certified used cars are almost definitely the way to go.

Here’s a look at how you can save big by buying certified used vehicles, and why no other deal offers quite as much to the cost-conscious driver.

Manufacturers Typically Have Strict Rules on Labelling Used Cars “Certified”

These days, we’ve become so numb to marketing terms like “gourmet” or “natural” that seem to imply some kind of quality ranking but, in reality, often amount to little more than jargon meant to make you reach for your wallet before giving it any hard thought. “Certified” used vehicles, however, are definitely different - and manufacturers all across the world are working hard to keep it that way.

That’s because most manufacturers are actually pretty strict about which vehicles can and can’t be called “certified used” - the result of which protects both buyers and sellers from overspending on low-quality cars and, more importantly, removes the threat of the “lemon” from the used car buying process. Because who doesn’t want a little peace of mind with their excellent value?

If you see a car labelled as “certified used,” you can be sure it’s met a series of rigorous qualifiers meant to secure your purchase and offer a better value for a vehicle that has already earned some experience out on the road. By buying “certified used,” you get a whole lot of value to match a whole lot of savings - and that’s one serious deal for the smart shoppers out there.

Certified Used Cars Come with Special Extended Warranties

One of the worst feelings in the world - nay, maybe even the universe - is the feeling of watching that used vehicle you just paid so much for sputter out and die just a few months after driving off the lot.

These lemons, or even those vehicles that just squeeze past the “lemon” category, can be some of the most frustrating - and costly - financial mistakes a buyer can make. Certified used vehicles are here to change all that, and they do it with the value of extended warranties.

All certified used vehicles come with extended service warranties, which help secure your newly-purchased used vehicle from sudden, unexpected operation troubles or breakdowns directly after purchase. Because most of these vehicles undergo a thorough, multi-point manufacturer inspection prior to certification, many initial problems should be caught and repaired long before the certified used vehicle hits the sales lot.

This intensive inspection diagnoses problems throughout the vehicle, including everything from engine operation to interior issues to electrical problems, and those repairs are taken care of before you ever even get behind the wheel.

And, because no inspection is completely foolproof, the extended warranties offered on certified used vehicles mean you can take care of almost any issues that might arise without having to pay a penny out of pocket. These extended warranties often cover every angle of your used vehicle, helping you drive off the lot with peace of mind knowing any issues that arise can be swiftly and easily taken care of without putting a dent in your wallet.

That way, you know the money you’re saving by buying used won’t simply be sucked up into repairs or replacements just a few months or a few hundred miles down the road.

And since certified used cars pass under the watchful eye of manufacturer-approved service technicians, you can be sure your certified used car is coming to you up-to-date on any and all recalls and needed repairs before they become your responsibility, saving you the trouble of having to return to the service station just weeks after purchase to take care of some new or newly-reported problem that other used car dealers might have missed.

In short, certified used cars offer warranties that give you the security that your purchase won’t be a dud, no matter how much you may have saved in the process.

Special Financing is Often Available from the Manufacturer

If you’re wondering why certain vehicles earn the “certified used car” stamp while others don’t, the answer is often that the manufacturer is working hard to get more drivers in a particular model even months after that model is considered “new.”

Used cars are often a buyer’s market, and shoppers can take advantage of deals that pop up when previously “new” cars are replaced by a newer model year, after which manufacturers are looking to clear out inventories and are willing to offer great deals to do so.

That’s why many certified used vehicles come with special financing directly from the manufacturer, which can make the cost of these vehicles especially attractive to drivers looking for recent model years without having to pay huge amounts for modern amenities.

These deals can often be obtained directly from the manufacturer, and will be listed on the manufacturer’s website with a full list of details; other times, these certified used deals can be found through your local trusted dealer, especially those with a close working relationship with the manufacturers of the vehicles on their lot.

Whether it’s impressive interest rates for the duration of your payment plan, rebates available for savings after purchase, or bonus cash available to drivers who choose to buy certified used, these deals can often make for some seriously impressive savings for vehicles only a few years old - a great buy for any used car driver looking to trade up for something a bit more modern.

Don’t Just Choose Used - Go Certified

For drivers new and experienced, certified used vehicles can offer amazing and reliable deals on exceptional modern vehicles without any of the hassle, stress, or regret experienced by used car buyers all across the country.

Certified used vehicles offer security and peace of mind for your investment, defending your wallet against nasty surprises in terms of service issues and often offering some incredible deals when it comes to the bottom line. Whether you’re looking to save big on a slightly older model or see serious savings on newer models just a few years old, certified used cars are among the best deals on the lot no matter where you start your search.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to that old car taking up room in the driveway and to trade up to something you can enjoy for every mile you have ahead, look to certified used vehicles - the best choice for choosy used car buyers.