Certified Preowned Cars
Used cars are affordable alternatives to new cars. Used/second hand car means a vehicle that has been previously owned by one or more owners. These vehicles include privately sellable cars, seized cars, cars confiscated from loan-defaulters and cars surrendered against some exchange offers. Beware sometimes it might be a stolen/forcibly-snatched car.
These cars are sold by owner himself, car mechanics, financing agencies, commission agents, company franchisee, independent car dealers, rental car companies, leasing offices, auctions and junk yard owners. With the intention of getting maximum price some of these resellers sells these cars after a casual maintenance/repairs by a local mechanic which carries no warranties at all. Some company franchisee or reputed local dealer also offers such cars for sale with ownership warranty, genuine parts warranty, extended warranties and service plans after thorough checkup/repairs/overhauling.
In its true sense a certified used or certified pre-owned cars are those vehicles which are offered for sale by original vehicle manufacturer’s dealer network. Original vehicle manufacturer’s authorized dealers network sells pre-owned vehicles after having rigorously inspected, checked and refurbished as per manufacturers standards by its in-house experts or factory-trained technicians. Problems, if any, are fixed by these factory trained technicians. At least a 100-point inspection program or an outside independent certifying agency/authority determine if it is worth certifying and then offer support for the vehicle for a period of time beyond the original warranty. Such deals are often backed by an extended warranty, special financing and additional benefits.
Only in a few countries there are rules/regulations/laws to protect interests of the buyers. As warranties, vehicle inspection points and other relevant factors/components varies to a large extent prospective buyers have to follow the principle of “buyers beware”. While buying a used car keep in mind the following points :-
- First of all check for its ownership and history. Because if vehicle has been used in the past in terrorist/illegal activities the last owner shall have to face legal consequences, even if he is innocent.
- Vehicles with history of accident(s) requires utmost care.
- Check for vehicles documents and their genuineness. Because fake documentation can’t be denied. In case of stolen/forcibly snatched cars it is a common feature.
- Compare vehicles chassis number and engine number with its documents.
- With any certified pre-owned program, it is important to note who does the actual inspection, reconditioning and/or repairs. Practically we see that in most cases vehicles are inspected by employees of the selling dealer. And most of other formalities are completed in a casual manner. So get the vehicle checked by a mechanic of your confidence. Test drive the vehicle yourself and the mechanic of your confidence.
- In most cases bargaining is a better tool in the hands of the buyer.
When bought through original manufacturer’s network most of these problems/risks are minimum and may be almost nil.
