Certified Pre-Owned - Shop Smart

Avoid Buying a Lemon

Years ago, buying a used vehicle was viewed as a very risky proposition.  Tools such as CarFax and offers of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles were not available to help a consumer identify and/or avoid problems with a used car. Many times the consumer would end up owning a “lemon” and there were no Lemon Laws available to protect them. However, even with the new tools and laws available today, consumers should still be wary when purchasing a used vehicle.

The Certification
Nowadays nearly all manufacturers offer certified pre-owned programs. Certification programs were pioneered by luxury nameplates, such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, as a marketing tool to sell off-lease vehicles in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, even a certified pre-owned vehicle can turn sour and end up being a lemon, qualifying the consumer for a Lemon Law claim.

Vehicles stamped as “certified pre-owned” are typically marketed as undergoing a rigorous inspection in order to give consumers a greater sense of confidence and the feeling that they are not purchasing a lemon. In addition, a shopper may find themselves paying a premium (sometimes thousands of dollars extra) for the certification.

While many of these certification programs offer peace of mind for the buyer, consumers should be aware that manufacturer’s certification programs range from outstanding to questionable. Additionally, some used vehicles sold as certified are not backed by the manufacturer, but by the dealership instead. Some of these programs offer nothing more than a “promise” that the vehicle has been inspected thoroughly by a mechanic and perhaps some free oil changes.

Know Your Options
It is important for buyers to not be lulled into assuming that the certified pre-owned vehicle is in great condition. It may have hidden or underlying problems, or even worse, it could be a lemon! Some “lemon” used vehicles can qualify for the Federal Lemon Law if purchased with a remainder of the manufacturer’s warranty or if it was “certified” by the manufacturer or dealer.

Shop smart when buying a vehicle, even certified pre-owned. Along with an added warranty and low-interest financing, consumers need to be wary and make smart, educated decisions.

If the unfortunate situation should arise that you are stuck driving a Lemon, don’t go it alone. With thousands of successful Lemon cases handled to date, Kahn & Associates experienced lemon law attorneys can accurately assess your case and give you the satisfaction you deserve.

You may be entitled to your money back or to a new vehicle, and we are here to assist you.  Call us at 1-888-536-6671 or go online for a Free Case Review.