If you’re in the market for an automobile, you’ve likely encountered the term “certified pre-owned car” or “certified used car.” What does that mean? At Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux, where we’ve helped countless people find quality vehicles at affordable prices, customers ask this a lot. The short answer is that having a certified pre-owned car means peace of mind.
A certified pre-owned car is a used vehicle that has undergone a thorough inspection and met certain criteria set by the manufacturer or dealership.
Auto manufacturers have certain requirements for declaring a vehicle certified. A General Motors certified pre-owned car, for example, is guaranteed to have certain features and benefits that may or may not be found in a used car, including:
A six-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
A 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-buper limited warranty
Roadside assistance
A three-day/150-mile exchange policy
A free vehicle-history report
What are the benefits of a certified pre-owned car?
The biggest advantage to purchasing a certified pre-owned car as opposed to buying a new one is the cost.
With certified used cars, you get the features and performance you’ve always wanted at a reduced price. You can often get a used car that’s just as good as new for a lower price.
For example, a new car might lose up to 20% of its value as soon as it’s driven off the lot. A certified pre-owned car, on the other hand, has already experienced that initial depreciation, which means you can often get a great deal on a relatively new car.
While it’s true that certified used cars have more mileage, there are steps taken to make sure the buyer is protected and that the car is in great condition.
If your favorite car or truck is a bit out of your price range at the moment, consider the value you get in a certified pre-owned vehicle. You can still get a high-performance vehicle without paying top dollar.
Certified pre-owned car versus a used car
It’s important to note that not all used cars are certified pre-owned cars. When you purchase a conventional used car, there’s no guarantee that it’s been inspected or meets certain quality standards. You might save money up front, but you could end up with unexpected repair costs down the road. At Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux, we put every vehicle through a extensive 200-point inspection that guarantees you a quality used vehicle.
When it comes to buying a car, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of a certified pre-owned car versus a regular used car to determine what’s best for your situation. Whatever your decision is, remember to always choose a reputable car dealer.
In conclusion, a certified pre-owned car is a great option for those looking for a used car that’s been thoroughly inspected and meets certain quality standards. With extended warranties and other perks, a certified pre-owned car can provide peace of mind and potentially save you money in the long run.
A helping hand in finding your next vehicle
If you’re shopping around for used cars in the Central New York area, your friends at Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux can help. We’ve got plenty of nice cars that are good to go! Give us a call at (877) 828-4940 and let us know what you have in mind. We’ll take the headache out of car shopping and guide you through the process.