How to Get More Bang for Your Buck When Buying a Used Car
Special to The Truth
Everyone knows used cars
are cheaper. But how do you make sure you are not getting a
lemon? Don’t rule out a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle,
say experts.
“A CPO is not just hype
from the automotive industry,” says Rob Christman, director
of Sales, Fixed Operations at Cox Automotive. “The
certification process offers a guarantee that you are
leaving the lot with a vehicle in good condition, and an
accompanying warranty offers your wallet some protection,
too.”
Christman offers five top
reasons to consider a CPO.
Safety
CPOs have been inspected,
repaired and certified as safe to drive. With a CPO, you
will have access to a detailed and itemized checklist of all
the items inspected by a professional mechanic, as well as
assurance that the vehicle passed inspection or was brought
up to standards. Furthermore, backing this with a warranty
adds additional peace of mind that the purchase is safe and
reliable.
Trust
Knowing that the
dealership took the time to inspect the vehicle and complete
and document repairs leads to a higher transaction
satisfaction and greater trust between dealer and buyer.
Security
For many people, a vehicle
is the second biggest purchase made in a lifetime. A CPO
warranty can help you set a realistic automotive budget by
eliminating unexpected expenses on costly repairs.
More Car for the Money
Automobile depreciation is
the single largest expense in owning a new car. Indeed, a
new vehicle will lose up to 19 percent of its value in the
first year.
You can purchase more car
with your money by buying a vehicle which has already seen
that depreciation. For example, the amount of money you
might spend on a new base model might buy you a similar,
certified pre-owned car loaded with options.
Warranty
A warranty offered with a
CPO gives you coverage for major issues and will usually
cover roadside service, towing and emergency situations
which could arise during your ownership. Check with the
dealership for details and limitations.
To compare the top CPO
programs, and learn more about the process of buying and
owning a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, visit “Top CPO
Programs” at bit.ly/20GgKdd.
While nearly every
manufacturer and dealership offers a CPO program, remember
that terms and benefits can vary greatly, so whatever you
opt for, do your research for the best deal possible.
Courtesy StatePoint
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