Certified Pre-Owned Car Tip: Buy From A Manufacturer

Certified pre-owned cars CPO have become popular in the market, and so in addition to manufacturers, independent dealers and used car mega stores also offer CPO programs. But CPO programs aren't ruled by industry standards, and so the quality of the program depends on who offers it. According to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, CPOs from automakers are considered to be the best option. Here are some reasons why:

Better Models: CPO programs backed-up by a manufacturer offer newer cars with lower mileage and fewer mechanical problems.

Warranty: With a manufacturer CPO program, you are assured that any repairs covered by the warranty will be done by a manufacturer dealer across the country.

Discounts: Manufacturer-certified vehicles are generally more open to negotiating larger discounts from the dealer asking price.

Additional Perks: Only CPO vehicles backed by a manufacturer qualify for free roadside assistance and loaner vehicles.

We encourage you to buy a certified car from a manufacturer. If you decide to go with an independent dealer or used car store, evaluate the deal by making sure you understand the conditions in which the car is being sold to you and what exactly the certification program offers for the money invested.

For more info, read "CPO Vehicles Get Higher Owner Approval."

Find Style And Quality For Less Money In A Luxury Certified Pre-Owned Car

Certified pre-owned (CPO) cars have proven to be good deals, both for luxury and non-luxury models. However, luxury CPO vehicles have the highest customer satisfaction ratings, according to research by JD Power & Associates.  So if you're looking for cheap luxury, the BuyingAdvice Team advises you to buy a luxury CPO car.

Dennis Galbraith, senior director of research at J.D. Power & Associates, says that luxury certified car programs are the most well-established. Usually luxury manufacturers are the most selective when deciding which of their vehicles qualifies for a CPO program. Since they have higher standards than non-luxury automakers, you'll probably get an auto with lower mileage and better mechanical quality if you buy a luxury CPO car.

Customer demand for luxury cars is expected to rise soon. If you're one of these prospective buyers considering buying luxury and willing to give CPO cars a shot, you won't regret it.

Take a look at the best 2007 luxury CPO car programs at Intellichoice and judge for yourself.

Volkswagen Used Car Dealerships Voted Best In Class

For the third year running Volkswagen used car dealerships have been voted the "best non-luxury certified pre-owned program" by the people at IntelliChoice.  Volkswagen must be doing something right.

All Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with a 2 year/24,000 mile used auto warranty.  Volkswagen also puts all of its vehicles through a rigorous 112 point inspection that is preformed by a certified Volkswagen mechanic.  Also all Volkswagen CPO vehicles come with 24 hour roadside assistance for two years.

Spokesmen from VW have said that they are honored by the award and that it reflects the peace of mind that consumers get when they buy a Volkswagen CPO vehicle. When you buy a Volkswagen certified pre owned car you can be sure that you are buying a top quality vehicle that is in top condition.

Read more in "Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned Program Voted Best in Class Third Year in a Row."

3 Months Of Free XM Offered By Acura Certified Used Car Sales

The people from Acura Certified Used Car Sales are sweetening the deal on many of their certified pre-owned cars.  Acura and XM Satellite Radio have teemed up to provide three months of free XM service when you buy an Acura Certified used vehicle that is factory equipped with XM radio.

All of Acura's Certified pre owned vehicles come with a standard Certified Limited Warranty which covers the car for 12 months or 12,000 miles and a Powertrain Limited Warranty that lasts for 7 years or 100,000 miles.

Acura vehicles that have XM satellite radio installed as an aftermarket car accessory will not be able to receive this deal.

Read more in "Acura And XM Are First To Offer Complimentary Satellite Radio Program For Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles."

August Brings Record Used Car Sales From Chrysler

Chrysler's Certified-Pre Owned car dealerships set a new sales record in August.  Chrysler reported 9,728 used car sales in August, an increase of 8% from August 2005 and an increase of 12% from July 2006.  It seems that Chrysler is not doing bad in a summer marked by slower that average car sales.

Chrysler Certified-Per Owned car dealerships put their cars through a lot before they put them on the lot.  All of the cars must pass a rigorous 125 point inspection and be tested to insure that they are in top running condition.

The most popular used cars in Chrysler's line up are the Chrysler 300 and the PT Cruiser.

GM's Certified Used Car Sales Top 2,000,000

General Motors must be doing something right. Last month GM's Certified Used Car Sales program was the first of its kind to hit the 2,000,000 sales marker.

This American automaker has long been a leader in manufacturer-certified used vehicle sales. In 2005 they sold 455,498 used cars and set an all-time annual sales record. Now they are doing it again, for the fourth consecutive year!

GM manufacturer-certified used cars are thoroughly tested for quality and are guaranteed to run. You also get a three month/3,000 mile comprehensive used car warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance while the warranty lasts.

Certified Pre-Owned? Tips On Buying A Second Hand Car

The truth of the matter is that there is no industry standard for what "certified pre-owned" really means. However, one feature that all certified vehicles do have in common is an increase in price. J. D. Power & Associates calculates that the average certified pre-owned vehicle will cost $1,680 more that the same vehicle without certification.

We don't mean to say that certified pre-owned vehicles are a bad deal. In fact, some certified vehicles can offer a very good value. Certification that comes with a good used car warranty can really be worth the cost.

When shopping for a certified pre-owned vehicle remember to do the following:

• Ask what certified means at each dealer. A vehicle certified by the manufacturer is better than one certified by the independent dealer.



• Look at the used car warranty. An automotive extended warranty is one of the best features of certified cars. Be sure to lean what the warranty covers and where you can go for repairs.



• Get a vehicle history report. Knowing the cars history can help you to haggle more effectively. If the vehicle has had an incident in the past, ask about it.

Read more tips and more about certified vehicles in "Customers pay more to get safety, reliability of 'certified used' autos"

Don't Risk It: Get A Vehicle History Report

Think buying a used car is a gamble? Well, you're probably right, but if you want to turn the odds in your favor, a vehicle history report is the way to go.

One simple phone call or e-mail, and around $20 could save you a lot of headache and expensive repairs on a recently purchased used car. A vehicle history report holds valuable information about the used vehicle, including prior accidents or flood damage. It will also give you the car's true odometer reading and registration information.

All you need is the car's vehicle identification number or VIN. You'll find this magic number on the front driver's side door or dashboard. It can also be found on the vehicle's title, registration or insurance card.

There are many websites where you can have easy access to vehicle history reports. The most famous is CARFAX, but Consumer Guide Automotive and the National Automobile Dealers Association also offer the service.

To learn more read "Play It Safe With Used Cars".

5 Tips To Buy A Certified Pre-Owned Car

9 out of 10 Certified Pre-Owned car owners are either "very" happy or "completely" satisfied with their purchases, says The Chicago Tribune. Want to be one of them? We have 5 tips to help you make the most of your certified pre-owned vehicle purchase:

The Certified label should be backed by a manufacturer rather than an independent dealer. Always try to get an extended warranty. Insist on a copy of the inspection check list. Road side assistance, detailing, etc. are minor issues and shouldn't be deciding factors in choosing a car. Negotiate the price just like you would a new car and check on financing.

Curbstoners, Unscrupulous And Downright Criminal?

Unregistered and illegal sellers of used cars are referred to as "curbstoners." It is estimated that 80% of the used cars you see in classified ads are being advertised by used car selling "pros". Mall parking lots have become a major outlet for these unprincipled merchants. Many of the vehicles they sell are either salvaged, flood damage or even stolen.

The massive numbers of flooded cars that are now flowing out of the hurricane region of Gulf Coast America are something to worry about. It's up to you to be cautious about the vehicle you are buying. And this is just one more reason to purchase a pre-owned vehicle from a legitimate auto dealer.

To read the entire article "Illegal Car Dealers Will Kick You To The Curb" go to ABC News.