What about “certified” vehicles? “Certified” vehicles are an interesting concept. There is no industry or legal standard for what constitutes “certified”. So, one person’s “certified” can be another person’s quallity used car. “CPO cars are not for bargain shoppers,” says Phil Reed, the consumer-advice editor for Edmunds.com and author of “Strategies for Smart Car Buyers.”* A majority of the 109 point inspection (or whatever number they choose) consists of “volume button functional, hood latch opens, or windows function”. There are some more significant things checked in most “certification” processes but we believe that certified or not 1) nothing ought to be wrong and 2) you can’t know what might go wrong in the future. If you are going to pay $1400 or more to get the label of “certified” make sure you get a “manufacturer’s warranty type” service agreement that covers actual repairs and roadside assistance for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
If you consider yourself more of a risk taker and not the type to buy a AAA membership you’re probably better off skipping cars labeled “certified” or buying a service agreement. On the other hand if you prefer the peace of mind that comes with thorough warranty coverage make sure you know exactly what “certified” means to the individual dealer. Since there are no specific standards make sure that you get eight years or 100,000 miles of very good coverage (not just drivetrain or powertrain coverage). Make sure you don’t have to pay a deductible for use of your coverage. As many things in life, the Devil is in the details. Call Alliance for specific questions before you buy “certified”. Let us be your car buying Alliance.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
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