Certified used cars means exactly what?

Question

I hate that term. So my question is does it mean that the dealer is raising their right hand saying that they promise they are selling a used car? Does it always mean, good tires, breaks, motor, and transmittion? Or is it a mere ploy on words so that a person doesn't buy a car off of some man's drive way? Please explain.

Answer 1

also, i think they use that term because the experience can be like buying a new car, without the new car price...it's a car that would come off of that particular dealer's lot new, but it is used and has been inspected/tested to be resold as certified...it's to make you feel mor comfortable buying a used lexus from a lexus dealer as opposed to a used lexus that was traded in at the honda dealer.

Answer 2

There are several different kinds of certified programs. the best are the manufactures Gm, Ford, Toyota. They go through an inspection and you have with the above companies less chance of it being a former wreck or buyback car. Then you have the Dealer certified like the gold check they just inspect the car and put a small warranty on the car. If you want one I say go with a manufactures certified car you get a warranty that any of there dealers will honor.

Answer 3

Sortof.  It is basically the dealer telling you the car has been really well cared for.

They are typically one-owner vehicles that have low miles.

You will pay a little more than a regular 'used' car, but less than a new one of the same model.

One of the big reasons you pay more is because dealers and manufacturers will offer standard extended warranties with 'certified' vehicles.  Usually, you will see 6 year, 100K or 6 year 75K extended warranties, but they can be anything.

It could also include maintenance deals like free oil changes or something, but that is up to the dealer and the deal you negotiate.

Answer 4

It may or may not mean anything.  A Toyota certified car must pass a 160 point inspection to get that title and comes with a 7 yr 100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain (engine, transmission, drivetrain) as well as 7 years of Roadside Assistance (rentals, hotel rooms, locksmith reimbursement, and more if your car breaks down).  Honda and Nissan work the same exact way, just with a slightly different inspection.  Nissan also gives you 12 months or 12000 miles of bumper to bumper warranty like a new car.  Chrysler/Dodge certifications mean basically nothing other than the title.  GM works similarly to Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.  Just ask the dealership to provide you with a copy of the inspection sheet and information on the warranty and you will know everything you need to.

Answer 5

the term certified used car means the vehicle has been expected and usually means 1 owner. in good condition and the certify it on their terms. at my dealership they call it preowned cars