Certified, Pre-Owned: Not just for luxury cars.
Certification is a process of inspecting the vehicle in accordance with established industry standards. In order to qualify as certified at The Auto Buying Service, a vehicle must pass rigorous selection criteria, two detailed inspections by qualified technicians and include an industry-leading warranty. For example, any of the following will immediately disqualify a vehicle from consideration for The Auto Buying Service's Certified Pre-Owned Auto Program:
- Ownership. Vehicles with more than one owner are excluded. Further, a vehicle's single-owner status must be confirmed by an independent, third-party data provider, commonly Carfax.
- Age / Mileage. Vehicles must be five (5) model years old or newer and, with rare exceptions, have less than 60,000 miles.
- History. The vehicle title report must be free of State or Federal warranty law repurchase including "Lemon Law Buyback" and "Manufacturer Repurchase". Further, the title must be free of "Salvage", "Junk", "Non-repairable", "Flood" or similar title defects.
- Odometer. Any indicaton that the vehicle's odometer does not reflect the actual miles including vehicles sold "TMU" (True Miles Unknown), vehicles title history mileage discrepancies, vehicles showing signs of odometer tampering, vehicles with replaced odometers.
- Damage. Vehicle has sustained damage in an impact, fire, or flood, that after repair prior to sale substantially impairs the use or safety of the vehicle including any and all frame damage.
Note: As with the Pre-Owned Auto Program, a Carfax title guarantee will be provided with the vehicle to protect it against certain title defects. All vehicles are provided with a full Carfax history report and associated Carfax buyback guarantee. Just ask your Buying Service associate for more information.
150-point inspection eliminates all but the best
The Auto Buying Service's Certified Pre-Owned Auto Program (CPAO) relies on not one but two detailed inspections. An outline of the first, pre-acquisition, program appears below (Click here for a full list of inspected components.)
Mechanical Standards
- Structure / Chassis / Body
- Engine Compartment
- Engine Component/System
- Drivetrain Performance
- Tire & Wheel condition / integrity
- Safety Restraints & Devices
- Engine Performance
- Breaking Performance
Electrical Standards
- Gauges & Warning Lights
- Audio System
- Heating / Air Conditiong
- Lighting Systems
- Locking & Emergency Systems
- Windows, Sun/Moon Roofs, Convertible Top
Appearance Standards. Only vehicles judged to be in "Average" or "Above Average" condition will be considered.
- Exterior Body & Paint
- Driver Compartment
- Carpet & Upholstery
- Engine Compartment
- Trunk / Boot
- Wheels
Note: Prior to sale, we will provide you with a completed inspection report indicating all the components inspected.
Post-sale warranties keep you on the road
- Extended Warranty. While most of our Certified Pre-owned vehicles come with the manufacturer's warranty in tact, all are sold under a one (1) year, 12,0000 mile The Auto Buying Service Limited Warranty. This service contract provided by an A-rated insurer covers all major components of a Powertrain warranty including the engine, transmission, drive train and axels. Should you want even more warranty protection, you can choose from our inventory of optional service contracts that run over 5 years and 150,000 miles. Powertrain through Exclusionary coverages are available.
- Roadside Assistance. 24-hour roadside assistance anywhere in the United States. Just dial the easy 800 number. Some plans include emergency trip interruption insurance as well.
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Disclosure: We developed the content for The Auto Buying Service™ while working with automotive industry clients. We hope you find it helpful in making informed decisions. While we believe the information to be accurate, we do not guarantee its accuracy.
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