subject: What Makes Portland Used Cars "Certified"? [print this page] What Makes Portland Used Cars "Certified"?
During your used car search, you have probably come across the phrase "certified pre-owned" to describe the condition of some vehicles. However, it is not always clear what this phrase means. What makes Portland used cars "certified"? Every manufacturer has a slightly different process, but here are some of the basic requirements.
100-Point Testing
The first step in the certification process is a rigorous inspection. They are performed by a skilled mechanic that has been trained in this area. Most manufacturers check at least 100 points, but some require a far more extensive inspection. If you want to know how thoroughly certain Portland used cars have been tested, you can do some research about the manufacturer or simply ask the seller.
Worn Parts Replacement
The point of "certifying" a used car is to sell pre-owned vehicles that are like new at a more reasonable price. In some cases, this includes replacing worn parts on the car before it is sold. This will make the car as close to its original condition as possible so that buyers can drive off the lot with a good feeling about their new investment. Worn parts replacement also benefits the manufacturer because they will need to do fewer repairs.
Extended Manufacturer's Warranty
Part of the certification process is adding an extended manufacturer's warranty on top the original warranty. Why is this important? Many Portland used cars are sold "as-is" which means there is no guarantee on the condition of the car. These cars probably have a lower price tag, but driving away without a warranty could turn out to be a costly mistake. The extended warranty that is included when a car is "certified" is the difference between a good and a potentially very bad investment.
Because there is no industry standard when it comes to certifying Portland used cars, it is important to ask the seller what their process includes. Chances are the more comprehensive their procedure is, the more reliable the car will be. If you want to get the best deal on a used car that will save you time and money now and in the future, a certified pre-owned vehicle could be the answer for you.
