Certified Used Cars

You think “I’m going to buy a Factory Certified Used Car so I don’t need to have it inspected by an independent inspector.” Not so fast. That Certified Used Car may have had a 100+ point inspection or something comparable, but it may not have a complete warranty.

It is fact that prior accident damage history, no matter how severe, will not eliminate it from “Certified” status. However, accident damage history will void the warranty were ever applicable. Meaning if the passenger’s fender was damaged and repaired, the factory paint and rust through warranty is void on the passenger’s fender. The more severe the damage the more of the “Certified” warranty is voided. If the repairs included replacement of the air conditioning condenser with an aftermarket condenser (editor’s note; an aftermarket part is a part made by someone other than the Original Equipment Manufacturer [OEM]) the entire air conditioning system is at risk. Likewise if the radiator is replaced with an aftermarket unit the cooling system in its entirety is at risk. The greater the amount of damage and repair a vehicle has sustained, the greater the risk of lost warranty.

Frame damage is not one of the points listed on the Factory checklists at last check.

Certified Used Cars are marketed as “almost as good as new.” As a result purchasers take that for granted, do not look closely enough at them and pay a premium for them, often higher than top dollar. However, when they have a prior collision damage/repair history that has not been disclosed, consumers are over paying. You should always have a professional inspect your potential purchase to protect your pocketbook and safety.

Additional information is available at MSN Money's article "Are Certified Autos Worth the cost?";