(NAPSA)—If yow’re thinking of purchasing a used car, there’s good news. Used cars don’t have to be as risky a purchase as they used to be. Thanks to certification programs, it’s harder to distinguish new from used and more Americans are turning to certified cars for better value. Certification offers a way to weed out unscrupulous used-car dealers who might sell damaged cars. Vehicles damaged by floodwaters or involved in major accidents are prime candidates to end up as part of such scams. The number of certified preowned (CPO) vehicles sold this year is expected to increase significantly from 1.7 million purchased in 2008. Besides costing less than new-car counterparts, certified vehicles also come with many of the same benefits, eliminating muchof the guesswork associated with buying used. Some say it is one of the few segments of the auto market where both sales and value to the buyer have increased. Be wary, however, because not all certifica- tion programs are created equal. To help sort out the best from the worthless, used-car experts offer the following tips: Certified by whom? Make sure you know whosets the standards for the certification program and who makes certain they’re being enforced. Look for a manufacturer-backed program— the best people to certify a car are the ones who built it and specialize in that make. Most manufacturers will offer a limited warranty in addition to honoring the car’s original warranty. Notall certification programs are equal. If you purchase a certified used car, find out who set the certification standards and how they’re enforced. Do your homework. Research the models that make sense for your driving needs. Check safety and reliability reports published online and prices from your whole area. Howwasthecarcertified? At a minimum,a car should have a detailed mechanical inspection and vehicle history reports. Carfax Vehicle History Reports are a mandatory part of the certification process for more than 80 percent of today’s manufacturer-certified programs. Whatdoesit get you? The certified used car you’re buying probably comes with an extended warranty. Make sure you know exactly what this covers and for how long. You can always add additional coverage. Ask for more. If you want roadside assistance, options added to the car, free oil changes or anythingelse, don’t be afraid to ask. For more information or to order a report, go to www.carfax.com.
