What's New
Tips & Advice
Provided by: 
^ Back to Top of article | < Back to Tips & Advice
Certified-car shopping tips
January 2008
Overall, the assurance that you're buying a cream puff rather than a lemon comes down to the competence of the dealer at spotting and fixing any problems. Here are some tips if you're thinking about buying a certified used car:
For complete Ratings, reliability information, test results, reviews, and other in-depth information on specific models of cars & trucks, subscribe today to access all of ConsumerReports.org.
- Read the certification benefits carefully. Find out what the warranty covers and whether you'll need to pay a deductible for qualifying repairs. We think you should skip any plan with a deductible of more than $100.
- Find out where you must bring the car for warranty work--the original dealer, any same-brand dealership or some type of independent repair shop. Ask what you're required to do in emergencies if no dealer is nearby.
- Note whether the certification is transferable if you sell the car and, if so, whether there's a transfer fee.
- Examine the checklist the dealership mechanic used when inspecting the car you're considering. Once you decide to buy, ask for a copy.
- Don't take the dealership's word on the car's condition. Have it checked by your own mechanic, preferably one experienced in bodywork.
- Aggressively negotiate the price of the vehicle. You can get an idea what a non-certified vehicle of the same age and mileage is worth through Consumer Reports' Used Car Price Service or on used-car-pricing Web sites. Otherwise, check the local classifieds. You may not get this price for a certified vehicle with a warranty, but the figure will give you a starting point for negotiating.
- Certification programs backed by dealership or a third-party company can be a real wild card. If they include an extended warranty or service plan, pay special attention to the details.
- Consider looking at a non-certified model. You could save hundreds or even thousands by foregoing the certification warranty and accepting a few extra blemishes. You should expect any late-model used car to be in good shape, certified or not.
For complete Ratings, reliability information, test results, reviews, and other in-depth information on specific models of cars & trucks, subscribe today to access all of ConsumerReports.org.
Copyright © 2004-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
^ Back to Top of article | < Back to Tips & Advice
Search for more about this
subject:
This will take you to Yahoo! Search results.
This will take you to Yahoo! Search results.
Shop Smart and Save... FREE for 30 days
- Expert buying advice
- 1000+ product ratings
- 24/7 access
- 4 year searchable archive
|
New Cars On Yahoo! Autos
Use Yahoo! Autos to research new cars. Take a look at pricing information for new cars, such as MSRP and Invoice prices. See the list of all new car models available as well as different new body styles such as Coupes, Sedans, and Sports Cars.
Popular Makes
Popular Cars
Help us improve Yahoo! Autos -
Send Your Feedback