About Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Cars

Buyers are often wary about buying used cars because of the uncertainty of the quality of the vehicle. A previous owner may have mistreated the car or neglected to keep up with maintenance, compromising its lasting value. With Toyota certified pre-owned cars, buyers can rest assured that the vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and carries a warranty against major defects, similar to the warranty of a new vehicle.

History

Up until the 1990s, car dealerships offered little or no guarantees about the quality of their used cars. Buying a used car was at the buyer's risk and any repairs the car might need after a few months of ownership were the responsibility of the new owner. During the 1990s, Toyota implemented a plan to certify its used vehicles as quality cars and sell them with warranties to offset buyer hesitations. The company claims that millions of these certified pre-owned vehicles have been sold in the United States.

Features

A Toyota certified pre-owned vehicle has several features that distinguish it from other used vehicles. All of these cars undergo a 160-point inspection by the dealership, ensuring the vehicle is free from any major defects. The vehicle has a 3-month, 3,000-mile comprehensive warranty, which covers the repair of parts that fail due to defects in workmanship or material. In addition, the vehicle comes with a 7-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 7 years of roadside assistance. These vehicles also include Carfax history reports that detail the history of the car, including any accidents in which the vehicle may have been involved.

Benefits

Buying one of these vehicles can give the buyer peace of mind that his purchase will be taken care of for years to come. The car-buying process can be an intimidating one, but the warranties and inspection the certified car comes with is one less thing for the buyer to worry about. This program applies to all Toyota models. Toyota certified pre-owned vehicles are also promoted with special financing rates periodically. Lower interest rates can lead to lower monthly payments for the used vehicle.

Considerations

These vehicles can be a quality alternative to other used cars, but the buyer should remember that the certification is not a guarantee that the car is without its problems. Buyers should still realize that the car is used and can be more prone to needing repairs because of high mileage, an abusive previous owner or normal wear and tear. While the warranty can go a long way in covering repair costs, it is not all-inclusive. A Toyota certified pre-owned vehicle is also likely to cost more than a used car because it has been inspected and comes with an extensive warranty to guarantee the condition of the car. The buyer ultimately pays for this warranty because these cars have higher sticker prices.

Significance

These cars are significant because they offer an affordable and comparable alternative to a new car. Buyers on a budget are able to buy with confidence because these vehicles are thoroughly inspected and carry warranties. The implementation of Toyota certified pre-owned vehicles has retained the value of the company's used cars and buyers are able to purchase quality cars on a budget.