Why Invest in Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles

By Charlie Brown

A used car is the preferred option for many people and for many good reasons. These cars don’t experience the infamous first year depreciation hit that comes with new models from the showroom. What’s more, you can still get a relatively new model at a bargain and you will avoid potential car fees that come with new cars. You also have a wide variety of models to choose from, especially if this is your first car.

While a used car offers many benefits to the buyer, there is always the risk of buying a clunker and being strapped with repair costs. Many used car buyers are initially happy about the lower price but they come to complain later about the quality of the car they got. In fact, used car dealers get most flak on consumer review pages for this reason. How then do you leverage the advantages of buying a pre- owned car and avoid the risks?

The Best of Both Worlds with a Pre-Owned Certified Car

While there are many ways of finding a used car in the market, it is advisable to go for certified pre- owned (CPO) vehicles. These are cars sold with a Certified Pre-Owned label and for any car to get this, it has to go through intense inspection and reconditioning.

Very few old cars can meet this specification unless they are gently used. This means you will not find an old car that has just been refurbished to look like new but instead you have an almost new car that offers a pleasant driving experience. Most of these cars are from renowned models and are sold by certified dealerships.

Manufacturer-Backed Warranty

If, for instance, you are looking for a good Volvo XC60 or XC90, the cost of a new one might be too high but a pre-owned certified one will provide you with the same service. The best thing about these models is that most of them have not been involved in accidents and they come with all customer benefits. Best of all, you can find Pre owned certified cars that are sold with a manufacturer-backed warranty.

Cost-savings

The value of the car you buy will still be high and you are assured of more years driving a high performance car. Better still, your car will already have taken the huge amount of depreciation associated with new cars on their first year. This lowers the price of the car despite the fact that you will still be getting the advantage of driving an almost new car.

When looking for a certified used car, make sure you go for those that are part of a manufacturer-sponsored program. This is because many unscrupulous dealers have recognized the popularity of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles and are trying to cash in. If you come across a car in the market with a “certified” sticker on the windscreen, confirm if the manufacturer is backing the certification.

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a nightmarish experience after all; you now have the option of getting a high-quality ride without spending too much money.