Not all CPO programs are created equal...

Heed caution! CPO programs are offered by thousands upon
thousands of dealers. Choose your vendor wisely!

With certified pre-owned being such an attractive option to consumers, it's no surprise that thousands of dealers and vendors have adopted CPO programs and began to market them. However, there are plenty of used car vendors who may not respect the "certified pre-owned" label as they should.


When examining the marketplace, conscious consumers will notice a great variance in what certain dealers/vendors consider certified pre-owned. There is no universal definition for the label and unfortunately, there are unscrupulous sellers who will use this lack of distinction to their advantage. It's imperative to use caution and discretion when searching for CPO cars, despite the comfort provided by the "certified" designation. 


The most lax CPO programs offer a brief inspection and maybe a free vehicle history report. Their criteria are few and their expectations low; it doesn't take much to get a vehicle certified. These are the CPO programs to watch out for -- with such low standards, sometimes the only difference between a CPO vehicle and a traditional used vehicle is the price! 


Don't make the mistake of falling for gimmicky CPO programs -- be an educated consumer. Read and comprehend exactly what your chosen vendor's CPO benefits include and ensure that their criteria are numerous and their standards strict. Look for at least a 128-point inspection performed by ASE Certified Technicians (not just any mechanic) and ensure that a more detailed vehicle history evaluation is requested. Free history reports can be misleading and sometimes even inaccurate. Additionally, make sure that your CPO program only accepts vehicles with an impeccably clean title -- the last thing you want to be dealing with is a hole in your pocket and a legally inoperable vehicle.


In my next article, I'll focus on specific CPO programs that will best fit YOUR needs. Stay tuned and stay educated!


http://soyouwanttobuyausedcar.blogspot.com/2011/02/not-all-cpo-programs-are-created-equal.html
certified pre-owned, QCertified, used cars, buying advice, buy used cars, Chicago, Indianapolis, Virginia, Chester