Avoiding Common Issues on a Certified Pre-Owned Car

Tire on Road

Buying a certified pre-owned car can be a good idea for those who want a well-maintained, inspected late-model automobile that comes complete with an extended warranty and enhanced peace of mind. Whether the vehicle is certified by the manufacturer or a pre-owned car dealer in Houston, TX, you can feel good about purchasing a car that has been thoroughly vetted and is guaranteed with a warranty. Often when buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, you get all the benefits of a new vehicle at a significantly lower price point. It’s true that you could find a quality used car that will provide you with years of faithful service on your own without certification, but your chances of getting a reliable, well-kept car are higher when you buy from pre-owned dealerships.
Just because a car is certified pre-owned doesn’t mean that there’s a guarantee you won’t experience issues. Fortunately, there are some things you can do as a consumer to increase your risk of getting the quality and reliability you want when selecting a quality pre-owned vehicle. Keep reading to learn how you can avoid some of the most common issues involved with purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Get It Checked by a Mechanic

Even though a certified pre-owned car may have been checked by the manufacturer or dealership for potential problems doesn’t mean that there isn’t some issue lurking right beneath the surface waiting to rear its head after your purchase. As is the case when buying any used vehicle, it’s best to have a trusted mechanic give the car a once-over to make sure there aren’t any significant problems that you should know about. While your chances of getting a great car may be higher with a certified pre-owned vehicle, it’s not a guarantee. Hedge your bets by having your mechanic check the car before you complete the purchase.

Know the Common Problems with Your Car

If you’re planning to buy a car of a specific make and model, educate yourself on the common issues with that vehicle before you step on the car lot. In many cases, similar problems can be found in cars from similar years or similar models, and if you know what those issues are you can check them out prior to purchase. Ask the dealer if those specific issues were addressed, and make sure there are no recalls that have not yet been handled.
Hands on Wheel

Understand Your Warranty and Benefits

There’s nothing worse than thinking you’re protected by a certified pre-owned warranty only to find out that the issue you’re experiencing isn’t covered. While most warranties are sound, there are some with exclusions and exceptions that could cause you to miss out on coverage. For example, if your warranty only covers the drivetrain and your ball joint goes out, you may have to come out of pocket to pay for the repair cost. Read the fine print and know exactly what the certified pre-owned warranty will cover before purchasing a vehicle.

Don’t Let Small Issues Pass

If you have a proper warranty and notice that there’s a small issue that could become a bigger problem, make sure that you get it repaired by the dealership providing your warranty. Don’t let problems slide, no matter how insignificant you think they may be. When you buy a certified pre-owned car, you’re purchasing peace of mind and an extended warranty. Take advantage of those benefits by making sure every potential problem is repaired, no matter how minor it may seem.
If you’re in the market for a vehicle, consider the purchase of a certified pre-owned vehicle. However, don’t forget to use the tips above for avoiding potential pitfalls with a pre-owned vehicle. To learn more about how you can avoid common issues with certified pre-owned vehicles, contact Bemer Motor Cars today!

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