The benefits of a certified pre-owned car
If you’re dreaming of a new car but a used vehicle is the only option that suits your bank account, then perhaps you should take the time to consider a certified pre-owned vehicle.
Buying a certified pre-owned car is much like buying a new car with a few unique twists.
Unlike your usual used car that is acquired through a private seller or car dealerships, CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicles are a select few that have been chosen, and they include a warranty that extends the length of the new car coverage.
As perfect as the thought of a new car is, the biggest negative with purchasing a new car is that it experiences massive depreciation over the first year of owning it. This is why a CPO vehicle is the better option. Although more expensive than most used cars of the same model, these cars are still new.
Here are a few of the key benefits of buying a certified pre-owned car:
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Only the vehicles that are in the best quality qualify for certification
If you’re looking for the cream of the crop in your specific budget range, then CPO vehicles are the way to go. These vehicles come with a warranty and have specific criteria that only allows the latest car models with low-mileage and a clean vehicle history to be accepted into a certified programme. These in-depth programmes are usually sponsored by an auto manufacturing company, hence the added expense. If a vehicle does not meet the requirements, then it cannot be picked and sold as a CPO vehicle.
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Programme includes a multi-point inspection with a reconditioning process
Before any vehicle can be approved and sold as a certified vehicle, there are countless checks that need to be completed. From the car’s model to the specific manufacturer, the criteria that each car has to meet varies. Should there be any parts that need to be replaced or reconditioned in order to meet a specific standard, the manufacturer will fix it in order to meet that specific car model’s standards.
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CPO vehicles include extended warranty protection
One of the biggest advantages of owning a CPO vehicle is the warranty that it comes with. These warranties go beyond the original warranty that came with the car, as many manufacturers like to extend both the original basic and the original powertrain warranty on a CPO vehicle. Typically, the companies that provide shorter-term time and mileage limits are more likely to extend their CPO programmes whereas other manufacturers that provide generous new car warranties may not increase limits at all.
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These vehicles include roadside assistance
Usually, CPO programmes provide 24-hour roadside assistance to drivers that find themselves in emergency situations. This perk lasts for the duration of the extended basic warranty coverage. Each manufacturer’s assistance will differ, but some assistance includes towing and rental reimbursement. No matter the situation, you will find some peace of mind in knowing that if something happened, you are covered.
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CPO vehicles can qualify for low finance rates
Depending on the manufacturer, pre-owned cars in Gauteng and elsewhere in South Africa can offer regular deals on certified used car financing which can save you thousands on financing costs during the term of your new car loan. Although these cars are more expensive than similar used car models, they can also qualify for lower finance rates which will lowers the overall monthly payment on your vehicle.
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These vehicles are available for leasing
Most auto companies allow customers to lease a certified pre-owned vehicle which provides an appealing alternative to buyers who are interested in driving a more expensive pre-owned vehicle but cannot afford to purchase one. Leasing in its entirety can offer various benefits for the driver, especially if you are in need of a vehicle for a short period of time and are not looking to purchase something for the long-term.
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The car that you purchase will have undergone a free maintenance check
Maintenance checks alone give buyers peace of mind, knowing that the vehicle they have chosen has undergone an in-depth test according to manufacturing standards. This benefit includes free maintenance for a specific period of time and/or mileage limit, oil changes and tyre rotations according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as well as free vehicle inspections.
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CPO programmes provide buyers with a satisfaction guarantee
This is another benefit that is extremely attractive to personal or business vehicle owners. If you are someone who likes to change up your car every now and then, there is a variety of different CPO programmes that allow buyers to bring back the vehicle and exchange it for a different vehicle (within specific time frames and under specific mileage limits). This is mostly done on luxury vehicles. It is not a money-back guarantee but rather a one-time swap for a vehicle you might like better than your current one.