Typical Certifying Procedures
* General Motors (Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac) – General Motors trade-ins, less than four years old with less than 60,000 miles, go through a 110-point inspection to become GM Certified Used Cars. All worn or broken parts are repaired or replaced, and all fluids are changed. These GM Certified used vehicles are backed by an extended GM factory warranty and a 3 day 150 mile money-back guarantee.
* Ford (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury) – Ford’s Certified pre-owned vehicles are trade-ins five years old or newer that have no more than 50,000 miles on their odometer. First the vehicle identification number (VIN) is double-checked to make sure all paperwork matches and that all scheduled maintenance has been performed. Then the Ford dealer put the car through a rigorous 115 Point inspection process designed to uncover even the slightest mechanical or cosmetic flaw. Included are the power train, the chassis, all accessories, and finally a thorough cosmetic review—technicians check everything from the body panels to the weather stripping and the carpeting. All worn or broken parts are repaired or replaced, and all fluids are changed. Only then is the vehicle deemed worthy of carrying the Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned window sticker.
Recommendations – Similar factory-certified warranties are now available from almost every manufacturer. Certified vehicles will cost more than seemingly identical non-certified examples. The idea is that you recoup the added expense through lower repair bills.
My personal and professional experience with these certified vehicles has been excellent. Make sure you’re getting a manufacturer’s warranty that’s comparable to available third party extended warranties . Providing you can afford them, factory-certified used vehicles are your best bet for years of reliable trouble-free motoring. Certified
Pre-Owned buyers don’t just enjoy the satisfaction of driving a like-new automobile at a bargain price, they also experience an unparalleled limited warranty.
Please don’t make a $10,000 mistake! We highly recommend that you order an Experian AutoCheck Report for any manufacturer-certified used vehicle under consideration. It’s your best protection against buying a used car with costly, hidden problems.
