A Day in the Life of a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

Manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned Programs (CPO) are becoming increasingly popular as more car shoppers see the value that they offer. Many, if not all auto manufacturers have developed comprehensive and meticulous Certified Pre-Owned programs. We visited a few auto dealerships in Southern California to get the lowdown on the certification process and the dealership experience that comes with owning a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

We learned that each dealership had exemplary standards as they relate to the vehicles that are eligible for their respective certification process. Dealerships are steadfast in their commitment to not certify a vehicle that is more than six model years old or has more than 60,000 miles on the odometer. Nor will the dealership admit any vehicle to the program that has undergone any damage that could compromise the integrity, safety or performance of the vehicle.

All manufacturers carry out a multi-point vehicle inspection process which focuses on the following seven areas, which the automaker has determined to be of most concern to the customer:

1. Road Test - Before admitting a vehicle to the Certified Pre-Owned Program, technicians conduct their own road test, paying close attention to any noises or motions that may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

2. Exterior - Dealerships each have Certified Pre-Owned technicians go over every inch of the vehicle's exterior to make sure there are no scratches or blemishes.

3. Interior - All Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are meticulously cleaned and reconditioned as needed to ensure that the interior is free of odors, rattles and blemishes, and that all interior devices are functioning properly.

4. Under the Hood - A technician surveys under the hood to make sure that the engine is clean, the battery is fresh, and that all fluids, hoses, fans and wires are in optimal, if not brand-new shape.

5. Under the Vehicle - Chassis technicians determine that the unibody chassis, suspension components, wheels, tires, brakes and exhaust system are all up the standards of a new vehicle.

6. Luggage Compartment - This part of the inspection determines that all required equipment such as a first aid kit, CD cartridge, spare tire, jack, etc. are present and that the cargo area is in like-new condition.

7. Other Items - Finally, the techncian makes sure all books, vehicle maintenance records and spare keys are present in every Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

The upshot of this exhaustive inspection process is that Certified Pre-Owned buyers can count on getting a vehicle that is in almost-new condition, even if it is several years old. What's more, Certified Pre-Owned vehicle owners manage to circumvent the hefty depreciation hit that comes with driving a brand-new car off the lot. Moreover, Certified Pre-Owned buyers can even take advantage of the manufacturer's new car financing and leasing rates.

And the like-new vehicle purchasing experience doesn't end on the day you buy your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The dealership goes out of its way to make sure that Certified Pre-Owned buyers get the same meticulous dealer experience that new car buyers are treated to every time they visit. In many instances, a multi-year and extended mileage Certified Pre-Owned warranty ensure that you'll have the peace of mind, while also including perks normally associated with new car warranties, such as 24-hour roadside assistance; complimentary loaner vehicles for qualified service and repairs; a generous trip reimbursement policy in case your vehicle breaks down while you're out of town; and full-service maintenance, which means your vehicle will always be returned gassed and washed when you pick it up after scheduled service. Given all of these fantastic services, a Certified Pre-Owned warranty is virtually indistinguishable from its new car warranty.