What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean?

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If you have been looking at pre-owned cars, it can be stressful because you aren’t really sure about what you are getting. Has the car been in a major accident? Are there mechanical issues that will add to the cost of the vehicle? One way to minimize the stress of buying pre-owned is to look at certified pre-owned vehicles. Let’s review what that means and the advantages of buying certified pre-owned vehicles.

Most certified pre-owned vehicles are offered by manufacturers’ dealer networks, and may be referred to as “factory certified.” These are the dealers selling new cars, and they also offer certified pre-owned vehicles of the same brand. These vehicles have been put through a specific inspection process specified by the manufacturer. Certified pre-owned vehicles normally also have age and mileage limits to qualify — these can vary by manufacturer but are around six years old or less, and with less than 100,000 miles. You should ask your dealer what their specific requirements are to qualify a certified pre-owned vehicle.

One advantage of buying factory certified pre-owned is there is usually a warranty offered for the vehicle, often an extension of the original new vehicle warranty. This will cover mechanical issues for a time when you buy it pre-owned, though that period might be less than if you bought a new vehicle from the dealer. There are also certified pre-owned vehicles offered by independent dealers, but these vehicles are backed by independent warranty companies, not the car’s manufacturer. You need to review the fine print of any pre-owned warranty and decide if it is suitable for you.

When looking at certified pre-owned vehicles, be aware that the certification adds to the sales price, typically to cover the cost of the extended warranty. A comparable non-certified vehicle will typically be sold at a lower price. You need to decide if the warranty offered on your preferred pre-owned vehicle is an advantage and worth the price difference. For many owners, an extended warranty provides peace of mind when purchasing pre-owned. Keep in mind that the certification process also includes a thorough inspection of the vehicle and repair of any issues found at the time, which can prevent some repair costs to you in the future and adds to the vehicle’s value.

Marianna Toyota has an inventory of Toyota-certified pre-owned vehicles for your inspection. We can offer a choice of sedans, trucks, hybrids, or passenger wagons. Stop by our Toyota Dealership here in Marianna today and let us find your perfect certified pre-owned Toyota! Our exceptional team is now serving the surrounding areas such as Blountstown, Panama City, and Fountain!

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