Things To Take Into Account – VinFreeCheck https://www.vinfreecheck.com Absolutely Real Free VIN Check, Vehicle History Reports Fri, 23 Jul 2021 05:02:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.12 https://www.vinfreecheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/favicon_144_144-68abec145a9dd866806d666a94f0e005.png Things To Take Into Account – VinFreeCheck https://www.vinfreecheck.com 32 32 How to Recognize Used Car Fraud and Avoid It https://www.vinfreecheck.com/general/how-to-recognize-used-car-fraud-and-avoid-it Fri, 16 Jul 2021 12:58:14 +0000 https://www.vinfreecheck.com/?p=5188 Having a car is an important necessity. Whether you want to get groceries, pick your kids from school or just head to office, a car is something you can rely on. So buying a vehicle for yourself can be one of the most important purchases in your life. When it comes to making automobile purchases, buying a used car can be one great option. Not only it allows you to get a car of your choice, but you can land a great deal with a ... Read more

The post How to Recognize Used Car Fraud and Avoid It first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Having a car is an important necessity. Whether you want to get groceries, pick your kids from school or just head to office, a car is something you can rely on. So buying a vehicle for yourself can be one of the most important purchases in your life. When it comes to making automobile purchases, buying a used car can be one great option. Not only it allows you to get a car of your choice, but you can land a great deal with a price that’s in your budget. So what’s better? Spending thousands of dollars on a brand new car or getting a used car that’s in a great condition, we prefer the latter.

Be Alert to Avoid Used Car Frauds

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, it is important to be aware of used car frauds. The car dealer you decide to purchase from may scam you with a vehicle that’s not in the best of condition. So it is important to make an informed decision when paying for a used car. You need to do your due diligence before you finally decide to get that car home.

Many a time vehicles aren’t in the right condition to be sold, but car dealers hide the shortcomings of the car just so they can make a good amount of money from it. However, this can be a big trouble for you in the future. For instance, if the car dealer hides a big damage that occurred to the car and has affected its overall condition, you certainly will face inconvenience with that car in the future.

There are different types of used car frauds that you should be aware of in order to make a good purchase. Some of the common frauds and how they can be avoided are listed below.

Used Car Frauds and Tips to Avoid It

Odometer Fraud

Odometer Fraud
Odometer Fraud

One thing that will definitely attract you when it comes to buying a pre-owned car is its mileage. Buyers go for a car that has a low mileage reading when compared to one that has a high reading. Sellers know this well and thus they can easily doctor the odometer readings to show you a mileage that’s very low. A car that has run for just a few miles will undoubtedly have a price that’s high.

If you’re wondering how the readings can be altered, the old model cars were reversed in order to show a low reading. Today the digital odometers can easily be reversed with the help of technology. Wondering how you can avoid such fraud? You can simply check the vehicles VIN check report, the services that were made to the vehicle and any titles transfer to cross check the mileage on the odometer. Another way is to just use your senses to understand the wear and tear on the steering wheel, brake pedal and car seats.

Air Conditioner Fraud

Air conditioner Fraud
Air conditioner Fraud

When visiting a used car dealer, you will come across cars that may have a tag along the lines of ‘Just Needs Freon’ or ‘A/C Needs Recharge’ this is an indicator that the Air Conditioner of the car isn’t working. If the car is low on refrigerant, it may mean that there are leaks in the system. So no matter how many times you add a new refrigerant, it’ll only be great for a while and then eventually the cooling will stop.

Although there are a lot of air conditioner kits that help you add refrigerant into the system, it’ll only be of use if the leak is repaired. It is important to assess such cars keenly and get any excess work done before you make the big purchase, else you will be in for a loss.

Stolen Cars Fraud

Stolen Car Fraud
Stolen Car Fraud

There are quite several cases where cars stolen in a state were sold in another. Car dealers may often show you vehicles whose price is too good to be true. But it’ll only be because it’s stolen and they want to make quick money out of it. Therefore, it is crucial to get the car VIN check report before buying it.

Whenever a car is stolen, it is definitely going to be mentioned in the report. If the owner finds it later you obviously have to give them the car back and it can be a great loss of money for you. Thus getting the VIN report can definitely save you from facing consequences in the near future. You can also ask for seller’s identity and match it with the information on vehicle registration form to confirm it’s their car.

The Title Fraud

Fake Car Title
Fake Car Title

In case a car has been in a major accident or calamity like floods or fire and gets damaged to a higher degree, then it is given a ‘salvage’ title. This title means that the car was destroyed to a very large extent and isn’t in a drivable condition. However, dealers often take such cars to another state and issue a new title. The damage is often unclear as the dealers may repair it externally. Thus a new title gets issued and buyers often give into this fraud because of the change of titles. Purchasing such car means you have to deal with loss in the future as you may have to repair the parts quite often.

Takeaway

One way to stay away from such cars is to get a VIN check report. This report gives you a greater insight on the condition of the car, how many accidents it has been in and what its current condition is. Thus, it can save you a good amount of money when purchasing used cars.

Getting a used car for yourself can definitely be one great thing. However, it is crucial to understand various frauds you may have to deal with when you decide to buy one. It is important to be informed about the above mentioned frauds and do a complete due diligence before you get your hands on the car. It will avoid you any trouble in the future and you can also get a car that’s perfect for you.

The post How to Recognize Used Car Fraud and Avoid It first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Everything You Need To Know About Car Depreciation https://www.vinfreecheck.com/guide/need-know-car-depreciation Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:36:00 +0000 http://vfc-wp.local/need-know-car-depreciation/ Are you aware that the value of your car begins to depreciate the moment you get it out of the showroom? Yes, you do but have you wondered why that happens? Why does the cars value begin to fall just as soon as it’s out of that car outlet? Well, we will be discussing that today; everything about car depreciation, how it happens and why it happens. You often do not consider the car depreciation before you purchase your dream car. Although your main focus ... Read more

The post Everything You Need To Know About Car Depreciation first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Are you aware that the value of your car begins to depreciate the moment you get it out of the showroom? Yes, you do but have you wondered why that happens? Why does the cars value begin to fall just as soon as it’s out of that car outlet? Well, we will be discussing that today; everything about car depreciation, how it happens and why it happens.

You often do not consider the car depreciation before you purchase your dream car. Although your main focus is the insurance costs of the car, its mileage, maintenance and all that, paying attention to the depreciation is also important. The depreciation rate of any car totally depends on its make and model, and it can also be one important factor that’s going to be considered when you want to resell the car.

What Exactly Is Car Depreciation?

Car depreciation is basically the difference between the cars value when you first purchased it and when you want to sell it after. The price drop however largely depends on the models and manufacturers of the car; it can still go down about 20 to 40% within the first year of purchase. By the next three years, you can easily expect a price drop of about 50%. So whenever you decide to shop for a brand new car, it is important to go for one that does not lose its value quickly because only then will it be a beneficial deal for you.

DepreciationChart
DepreciationChart

Due to the quick deprecation of cars, a lot of people choose to buy a pre-owned car as it comes with a lot of benefits when compared with buying a new one.

Factors Affecting the Depreciation

There are various factors that affect the depreciation of a car. So here are some factors due to which quite many cars may depreciate quicker than others:

  • Mileage

One of the biggest factors when it comes to reducing the price of your car is the mileage. The more miles on the odometer, the lesser price you will get for your car. This is because cars that have run for more mileage are more likely to wear and tear quickly. The seats may be unkempt; brakes might not be in the proper condition and so on. The average mileage for an average car is 10,000 miles a year.

  • Condition Of The Car

The condition of your car is one big indicator of how well you maintained the car. And there is no doubt that a car that has been maintained to the highest standards will obviously have a rate that is better than others. If the car is damaged internally or externally, it will definitely reduce its value when being sold.

  • Production Of Newer Models

When there are newer cars in the market that are better than your model, then it is more likely that your car will depreciate at a much faster rate. Besides, if a car is widely available, for instance a model of Mercedes Benz is quite common in the market, it also adds to the depreciation rate of the car.

  • Number Of Owners

If your car already has a lot of owners previous to you, the cars deprecation rate will automatically increase. So the fewer owners there are, the better it is for you when you want to resell the car.

  • Car Warranty

There are cars that have a three year warranty and then there are cars that have a longer warranty, like seven years which definitely is a plus point when it comes to reselling the car.

  • Fuel-Efficiency

If your car is more fuel-efficient, then its value is likely to depreciate at a much lower rate than when your car is less fuel-efficient.

How You Can Minimize the Depreciation

Minimize depreciation
Minimize depreciation

Although every car has to go through depreciating once it’s out of the outlet, there are certain ways through which you can definitely minimize the deprecation of your car. Some of the ways are mentioned below:

  • Low Mileage Is Important

Keep the mileage of your car as low possible. A car that has not run thousands of miles will surely have a good resale price.

  • Do Your Research

Research plays an important role when it comes to the value of depreciation. Before you purchase a new car, make sure you get all the necessary depreciation details along with it so you may have affair idea on the prices that you can expect five years down.

  • No Modifications

If you want to reduce the depreciation rate of your car, and then make sure your car is not modified. It is not necessary that something that you like will also be considered favourable by potential buyers, thus modification are certainly going to lower the value of your car.

  • Maintain Your Car

If you want to sell your car in the future, it is vital to maintain its conditions. Besides, it is also important to keep record of all the services and maintenance that you get done. Having these records makes it easier for the buyers to make an informed decision keeping in mind that the car is well-maintained.

  • Nearly New Or Used Car

Since you know that a car begins depreciating as soon as it’s purchased, so why not buy a used car or a nearly new one. It saves you a good amount of money and then you can later on sell it for a good price as well.

Estimating your car depreciation

Cars will depreciate whether or not you maintain them well or use them less; however, using the above mentioned tips you can reduce the depreciation costs and get good returns when you finally want to sell your car in the future. You can use the calculator below to estimate how fast your car depreciates.

Car Depreciation Calculator

Lastly, if you do not plan on selling the car anytime soon, then worrying about depreciation is not something you should do. Nonetheless, if you do want to sell it, make sure you maintain the car or maybe purchase a nearly new one so that it not only fits your budget but also be beneficial for you when you decide to sell it off. 

The post Everything You Need To Know About Car Depreciation first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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What You Should Know About Certified Pre-Owned Cars [2021] https://www.vinfreecheck.com/guide/what-you-should-know-about-certified-pre-owned-cars Mon, 10 Aug 2020 07:36:00 +0000 http://vfc-wp.local/what-you-should-know-about-certified-pre-owned-cars/ The sustained increase in new car prices in the United States, along with the current state of the economy, makes paying for a new car harder than ever. In this guide, we will explore an increasingly popular alternative, which combines the peace of mind of a manufacturer-backed extended warranty with a competitive price. Buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car. What does a certified pre-owned mean? A certified pre-owned vehicle is a car that meets the following conditions: Has been thoughtfully inspected by highly trained technicians ... Read more

The post What You Should Know About Certified Pre-Owned Cars [2021] first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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The sustained increase in new car prices in the United States, along with the current state of the economy, makes paying for a new car harder than ever.

In this guide, we will explore an increasingly popular alternative, which combines the peace of mind of a manufacturer-backed extended warranty with a competitive price. Buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car.

What does a certified pre-owned mean?

A certified pre-owned vehicle is a car that meets the following conditions:

  1. Has been thoughtfully inspected by highly trained technicians
  2. Has been refurbished to a “like-new” condition using original parts
  3. Depending on the brand, CPO cars are usually six years old or newer and have less than 80,000 miles
  4. The overall “good condition” of the vehicle is backed both by the brand and the dealer. 

Additionally, most CPO programs offered by manufacturers have many exclusive benefits similar to those included when you buy a new car:

  • Most certified pre-owned cars include an extended warranty ranging from one to five years. Some brands also have the option to purchase “elite” plans that extend the warranty even further, as well as special maintenance plans that help reduce upkeep costs. 
  • Most brands offer special financing plans for their certified pre-owned cars including low rates, deferred payments, special promotions, more.
  • In many cases, certified pre-owned vehicles come with additional benefits and incentives such as no-cost maintenance programs, free roadside assistance, and more

What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned cars?

Contrary to certified pre-owned vehicles, most (if not all) used cars have in common the following:

  • You are purchasing the car “as-is, with no warranty” Meaning that in most cases the seller will not assume responsibility for any repairs after the sale.
  • Used cars are not inspected in the same way as certified pre-owned vehicles. CPO vehicles have to pass strict quality control to earn their “certified” status. On the other hand, used cars are inspected mainly to verify what they are worth.
  • Used cars are rarely repaired before they are sold. Moreover, in the few cases where they are repaired, it is with the sole purpose of increasing their value, therefore, aftermarket parts are preferred over original parts
  • When you buy a used car, you only have the seller’s word about the condition of the car. There is no formal inspection, so there is no written report on the condition of the car. That is why we strongly recommend that you hire an expert to perform a thorough inspection to determine the real condition of the vehicle. 

Since the reputation of the brand is at stake when certifying a car, it is unlikely that you get a “lemon”. However, even if you do get one, you have a generous factory-backed warranty.  Some brands even offer “return programs” to further strengthen consumer confidence when purchasing a certified car.

Is it worth buying a certified pre-owned car?

Absolutely. The peace of mind of having an extended warranty makes paying for a certified pre-owned car worthwhile. Furthermore, when you buy a CPO car you also enjoy other benefits such as:

  • In order to spend less on costly repairs and reconditioning, dealerships usually select “like-new” cars for the CPO program
  • Most certified pre-owned cars have low mileage
  • While it is not impossible, hardly you will find a certified pre-owned car that has been part of a major collision
  • As mentioned earlier, certified pre-owned cars are offered with attractive discounts, promotions, and special rates that close the price gap between them and regular used cars
  • Brands frequently offer special maintenance programs that could save you good money in the long run

Why CPO vehicles cost more than “regular” used cars?

Simply put, certified pre-owned vehicles cost more than regular used cars because they offer unsurpassed value. Certified pre-owned cars’ higher upfront cost is compensated by their lower maintenance costs, the peace of mind regarding their mechanical condition, and their great resale value.

Can you negotiate a certified pre-owned price?

Absolutely. Nothing prevents you from negotiating a better deal, even if the dealership is offering a fair price. However, as it happens in most situations, the likelihood of getting a better deal is hugely influenced by your credit score and other factors such as how much you are willing to pay upfront.

How Certified Pre-Owned programs work

Certified pre-owned programs vary from one brand to another, nevertheless, one thing they all have in common is manufacturer and dealership interest in making sure the vehicles are top-quality. CPO programs are highly profitable for parties involved, which explains why these vehicles are often treated the same way as new cars.

Regardless of the brand, cars that intend to earn the Certified Pre-Owned Badge go through the following process:

  1. Visual inspection. Savvy dealer appraisers select “the best” late-model cars returning from leasing programs as well as those acquired from exclusive dealership auctions, and other means. In most cases, vehicles older than 6 years cannot be part of the CPO program no matter how good they look or how well maintained they are
  2. Vehicle History Report (VHR) check. Aside from the mandatory VIN check, dealerships perform a comprehensive examination of vehicle’s documentation and maintenance records, to ensure that the car was properly maintained, as well as it has a clean title. Salvage cars, cars found with odometer rollback titles, and poorly maintained car are automatically discarded for the CPO program
  3. Vehicle reconditioning. A thoughtful technical inspection is done. Any minor issue is corrected using original parts. Once repairs are done, both the interior and the exterior is fully detailed 

Once the process is completed, the car is officially backed up by the manufacturer with a bumper-to-bumper warranty that varies depending on the brand.

How much more does a CPO car cost in comparison to a regular used car?

That is a valid question since the whole point of buying a second-hand vehicle is saving money. If you search Google, you will find that most information sites offer a rather vague estimation. The “premium” you pay for a CPO car is said to be between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the brand, model, year, options, etc.

So we did our independent research, based on the average prices published by NADAguides. What we found is that the price difference (even for luxury cars) is lower than what most people might think. That is why we decided to create a “Used/CPO Ratio” which consists of dividing the “clean title” used car price and price of the certified pre-owned car. 

Used/CPO Ratio = (Clean title used car price ÷ Certified Pre-Owned car price) x 100

Moreover, to ensure that all brands received the same treatment, we chose to use the brand’s best-selling model for 2017 in each comparison. 

The purpose of this innovative used/CPO percentage is to make it easier for you to compare brands’ CPO programs. The lower this number, the smaller the gap will be between the price of a regular used vehicle and a CPO vehicle, which would clearly indicate that it is worth buying the certified pre-owned car.

What is the best certified pre-owned car to buy?

Glad you ask. We have put together a comprehensive review of the top CPO programs from different brands so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Acura Certified Pre-Owned

Official websiteAcura Certified Pre-Owned
Vehicle age/mileage6 model years or newerBe within a maximum of 80,000 miles
Free Vehicle History Report includedYes, free CARFAX®  
Professional multipoint inspectionYes, 182-point inspection
Factory-backed Extended Warranty24-month/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
Find details on what is covered here
Scheduled maintenance programFirst scheduled maintenance is free
Vehicle exchange programYou can exchange the vehicle for another within the first 3 days (where applicable)
Roadside assistanceYes, included for the term of the warranty. Includes Emergency Lock-out service, Emergency Fuel Delivery, Emergency Battery jump-start, Emergency Flat Tire Change (with good spare), 24-hour emergency towing services
DeductiblesNo
Special financing availableYes
Is the vehicle warranty transferableYes
Other benefits3-month SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, 3-month Acura Link services trial, Concierge service, Computerized Trip-Routing/Map Services, Trip Interruption Benefits, Hotel privileges directory

Acura’s Certified Pre-Owned Program is known for offering free of charge many extra benefits usually found in paid-plans. Among these benefits are comprehensive roadside assistance, concierge service, Hotel privileges directory, and trip-interruption services.

The generous 24-month/100,000-mile warranty and good used/CPO value ratio, unquestionably makes this program quite attractive as an alternative to buying a brand new Acura.

Used/CPO Ratio – Based on 2017 Acura RDX AWD base trim 6.20%

What We Like

  • The 24-month extended warranty is a big plus over the conventional 12-month warranty offered in other CPO programs
  • A lot of extra benefits at no additional cost
  • Good Used/CPO ratio, on average, you only pay 6.20% more when compared with a clean retail Acura
  • No deductibles and easy transferability of warranty

What We Dislike

  • Only the first maintenance is free, in case you are interested in saving on upkeep costs, you will have to pay for a scheduled maintenance plan 
  • The 6-year or 80,000-mile limit of the Acura CPO program is pretty relaxed for a luxury brand

Audi Certified Pre-Owned

Official websiteAudi Certified Pre-Owned
Vehicle age/mileage5 model years or newerBe within a maximum of 60,000 miles
Free Vehicle History Report includedYes, free CARFAX®  
Professional multipoint inspectionYes, includes a jaw dropping 300+ point inspection with 15 pre-checks, 115 exterior checkpoints, 85 interior checkpoints, 39 engine compartment checkpoints, 36 undercarriage checkpoints, and 18 road-test checkpoints
Factory-backed Extended Warranty12-month/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper limited warranty after expiration of new vehicle limited warranty or from date of sale if the new vehicle limited warranty has expired
Find details on what is covered here
Scheduled maintenance programOnly repairs covered by warranty are free of charge
Vehicle exchange programExchange/return programs are optional, so it  depends on the dealer to offer you that benefit
Roadside assistanceYes, included for the term of the warranty. Includes trip interruption benefits
DeductiblesNo
Special financing availableYes
Is the vehicle warranty transferableYes
Other benefits3-month SiriusXM satellite radio trial, optional scheduled maintenance program

Hands down, Audi’s certified pre-owned program is one of the best in the industry. The comprehensive 300+ point inspection, along with the detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report, gives you peace of mind about the condition of the car. Add the incredible quality of Audi vehicles, and you definitely will have little to worry concerning maintenance or repair costs for a long time. What more could you wish for?

Used/CPO Ratio – Based on 2017 Audi Q5 V6 Premium AWD base trim 5.80%

What We Like

  • Audi’s extended Warranty offering 12-month with UNLIMITED miles is a HUGE advantage
  • 300+ checkpoint inspection
  • Amazing Used/CPO ratio, on average, you will only pay 5.80% more when compared with a clean retail car
  • No deductibles and easy transferability of warranty

What We Dislike

  • No free maintenance plans. However, the astounding 300+ checkpoint inspection partially compensates it. Still, you can always buy a prepaid scheduled maintenance plan to minimize your upkeep costs if you want.
  • No factory-backed exchange/return program, however, some dealerships may offer this option

BMW Certified Pre-Owned

Official websiteBMW Certified Pre-Owned
Vehicle age/mileageBMW program only takes into account the mileage of the vehicle, that should be within a maximum of 60,000 miles (normal CPO program) or within a maximum of 15,000 miles (CPO Elite program)
Free Vehicle History Report includedYes, free CARFAX®  
Professional multipoint inspectionYes, 196-point inspection
Factory-backed Extended Warranty12-month/unlimited miles bumper-to-bumper limited warranty after expiration of 4-year new vehicle limited warranty or from date of sale if the new vehicle limited warranty has expired
Find details on what is covered here
Scheduled maintenance programNo, you will have to select additional coverage using BMW Ultimate Protection Program
Vehicle exchange programNo, this is a dealer option
Roadside assistanceYes, included for the term of the warranty. Includes battery jump starts, delivery of fuel or operating fluid, tire changes, lock-out services 
Deductibles$50 for each repair visit
Special financing availableYes
Is the vehicle warranty transferableYes
Other benefitsDealers have the option to offer (or not) extra benefits with the purchase of a CPO vehicle. In any case, BMW is constantly offering rebates on selected models

When buying a second-hand luxury car, such as a BMW, it is always a good idea to favor vehicles part of the certified pre-owned program. The reason is simple. Repairing a BMW is not cheap. If you do the math, paying 6-7% more you can potentially save thousands in costly repairs. Luckily, the BMW CPO program was designed with that in mind. The “regular” certified pre-owned BMW comes with an ample 12-month/unlimited miles extended warranty, which is more than adequate for the average driver. However, in case you plan to keep the car for more than two years, then you have the Ultimate Protection Plan which extends the warranty even further, up to 7 years. Another alternative is opting for BMW’s Elite CPO program, which only sells vehicles with less than 15,000 miles. Unsurprisingly, you will have to pay more. But depending on the vehicle and seasonal promotions, it might well be worth considering it.

Used/CPO Ratio – Based on 2017 BMW X3 Turbo AWD base trim 6.00%

What We Like

  • BMW’s 12-month/unlimited miles extended warranty that rivals Audi offerings directly
  • The optional BMW Ultimate Protection Program gives you even more protection
  • Good Used/CPO ratio which closes the gap between regular used car and factory-backed BMW vehicles

What We Dislike

  • $50.00 handling charge that must be paid per each repair visit
  • No free maintenance plans. However, you can compensate this either purchasing a scheduled maintenance plan or a Ultimate Protection Plan 
  • No factory-backed exchange/return program, however, some dealerships may be willing to offer you this as an option

Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned

Official websiteCadillac Certified Pre-Owned
Vehicle age/mileage4 model years or newerBe within a maximum of 50,000 miles
Free Vehicle History Report includedYes, free CARFAX®  
Professional multipoint inspectionYes, 172-point inspection
Factory-backed Extended Warranty6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty24-month/24,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
Find details on what is covered here
Scheduled maintenance programThrough Cadillac’s Premium Care Maintenance
Vehicle exchange programIs a dealer option
Roadside assistanceYes, included for the term of the warranty. Includes courtesy transportation and/or reimbursement of your transportation expenses
DeductiblesNo
Special financing availableYes
Is the vehicle warranty transferableYes
Other benefits3-month SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, 3-month OnStar services trial

If you love Cadillacs, then the good news is that the brand’s certified pre-owned program makes it pretty easy to purchase one in a “like-new” condition. No doubt, Cadillac certified pre-owned cars are among the best offered by General Motors.  They have a six-year extended warranty in the powertrain and a two-year warranty for other components. It is certainly reassuring having such an extensive warranty. But it gets even better. Only vehicles under four years old with less than 50k miles are selected as part of the CPO program. This way, Cadillac is ensuring you are getting only vehicles that are truly in “like-new” condition. No deductibles, 3-month OnStar trial, and other benefits complement what is, in our opinion, an excellent opportunity to purchase a nice looking luxury car at a fair price.

Used/CPO RatioBased on 2017 Cadillac XTS Luxury AWD V6  base trim 6.12%

What We Like

  • Backed up by GM’s awesome warranty
  • Cadillac vehicles part of CPO program have low mileage and are only 4 years old (at most)
  • Decent Used/CPO ratio, on average, you only pay 6.12% more for purchasing a certified pre-owned Cadillac

What We Dislike

  • No free maintenance plans. In case you are interested in saving on upkeep costs, you will have to pay for the Premium Care Maintenance plan 
  • No factory-backed exchange/return program, only dealer backed exchange programs, that in some cases are part of an optional package 

Chevrolet Certified Pre-Owned

Official websiteChevrolet Certified Pre-Owned
Vehicle age/mileage6 model years or newerBe within a maximum of 75,000 miles
Free Vehicle History Report includedYes, free CARFAX®  
Professional multipoint inspectionYes, 172-point inspection
Factory-backed Extended Warranty6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
Find details on what is covered here
Scheduled maintenance programConsists of two visits, that must occur within 2 years/24,000 miles of vehicle delivery (whichever comes first)
Vehicle exchange programYou can exchange the vehicle for another within the first 3 days/150 miles (whichever comes first)
Roadside assistanceYes, included for the term of the warranty. Includes courtesy transportation and/or reimbursement of your transportation expenses
DeductiblesNo
Special financing availableYes
Is the vehicle warranty transferableYes
Other benefits3-month SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, 3-month OnStar services trial

Chevrolet’s CPO program is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive on the market. You not only enjoy the incredible 6-year  powertrain extended warranty, but also free maintenance visits, a flexible return program, and more. This is definitely a program designed to eliminate the excuses that keep you from buying a Chevy at a competitive price.

Used/CPO Ratio – Based on 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS 4WD 5.10%

What We Like

  • General Motors’ dual extended warranty
  • Excellent scheduled maintenance program
  • One of the best Used/CPO ratio in the market, on average, you only pay 5.1% more to get an amazing certified pre-owned Chevy

What We Dislike

  • Base extended warranty (12-month/12,000-mile) is rather low for work-focused vehicles like pickup trucks
  • Powertrain warranty starts from original sale date, not CPO purchase date

The post What You Should Know About Certified Pre-Owned Cars [2021] first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Car Test Driving Guide https://www.vinfreecheck.com/guide/car-test-driving-guide Thu, 22 Mar 2018 07:36:17 +0000 http://vfc-wp.local/car-test-driving-guide/ There are no shortcuts to finding a great used car. You should do everything right, starting with doing extensive research to test driving the car more than once. Yeah, it may sound a little more time consuming, but in the long run you will get a great used car. Test driving a car, in particular, will not only give you an opportunity to evaluate the used car’s ride and drive quality but also give you a chance to evaluate its mechanical wellness. Basically, there are ... Read more

The post Car Test Driving Guide first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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There are no shortcuts to finding a great used car. You should do everything right, starting with doing extensive research to test driving the car more than once. Yeah, it may sound a little more time consuming, but in the long run you will get a great used car. Test driving a car, in particular, will not only give you an opportunity to evaluate the used car’s ride and drive quality but also give you a chance to evaluate its mechanical wellness.

Basically, there are two approaches to car test driving. The first test drive is done by you, and it involves evaluating a car’s drive and ride quality and checking the Vehicle Identification Number. The second test drive is done by a trusted mechanic whom you may hire to give you a second opinion.

How to get started

Before you sit behind the wheel to conduct the first evaluation, below are some of the main things to look for:

1. Examine the tires individually to check for wear or puncture. Are the tires matched in brand and size? Are the tires is a good condition? If there is wear, is it even?
2. If the vehicle’s wheels have spokes, go to the front wheels and look through the opening to examine the disc brake rotors. Check to see if they are scored.
3. Check the car for any fluid leak. Check the fluid leak when the engine is running and again when it is off.
4. Go to the front corners and check along the sides for ripples. If there are ripples, then know the car might have undergone some repairs.
5. Check every single door on the vehicle to make sure they are operating smoothly. You can do this by closing and opening each door at the same time.
6. Check the door locks from inside and outside to make sure they are operating smoothly.
7. Ask the owner to turn on the headlights, brake lights or side signals to verify that they are working.
8. While the vehicle’s engine is left running, open the hood and listed for ticks, knocks or hisses.
9. Check door hinges and edges for rust.
10. Lift up the carpet in the trunk to check for rust.
11. Sit behind the steering wheel and check everything from the controls to systems to make sure they are operating properly. Check the air conditioner, the radio system, and other key places.

The post Car Test Driving Guide first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Buying a Car Online – What You Need to Know https://www.vinfreecheck.com/guide/buying-a-car-online Thu, 22 Mar 2018 07:36:17 +0000 http://vfc-wp.local/buying-a-car-online/ Buying a car online can be convenient, but also poses some risks if you don’t have some tips at hand. Make sure you know what it takes before you even think of entering your credit card information. Find out more information about the car you plan to purchase and the dealership. This article sheds more light on how to buy a great car from the internet. It also helps car shoppers avoid online car buying scams. Tips for a successful online car purchase There are ... Read more

The post Buying a Car Online – What You Need to Know first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Buying a car online can be convenient, but also poses some risks if you don’t have some tips at hand. Make sure you know what it takes before you even think of entering your credit card information. Find out more information about the car you plan to purchase and the dealership.

This article sheds more light on how to buy a great car from the internet. It also helps car shoppers avoid online car buying scams.

Tips for a successful online car purchase

There are several websites that sell genuine cars online, but there are several others that are out to scam buyers. If you find a car that you plan to purchase, request the seller to allow you to access the vehicle in person prior to making a deposit.

Below are the key tips to help you buy a great car from the right seller and to help you avoid online car buying scams:

  • Do your research well to find the car you want to invest your money on. Read several used car adverts online or in your local newspapers. There are also several online guides that can help you in finding the values of used cars so that you can find a great deal.
  • Make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. Trusted companies don’t need to sell themselves. There are several customer reviews posted online that can help you differentiate between a reliable company and a rogue one. Check the ISIS logo to make sure the online dealer you deal with meets the set standards.
  • Reputable companies have a physical address. Always meet with the dealer within their business premises. In case things go wrong after purchasing a car, you will be able to trace them.
  • Get an independent mechanic to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and obtain the vehicle’s history report to check its background.
  • If the website process online payment, make sure the payment is secure. Always use a credit card since they offer protection against shopping frauds in case the dealer closes his business before you receive your car.
  • Make sure you have a printout of the car photos, description and adverts. The printout will act as evidence in case the seller turns his back on you.

Your rights when buying a car online

When buying a used car from an online dealer, you have the same rights that you get when buying a used car from an offline dealer. Under the 2013 Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations, online car buyers also have additional protections which include a ‘cooling-off’ period. Within this period, you can change your mind and cancel the order without incurring any fine.

When buying a used vehicle from a private seller online, you enjoy the same rights that you get when you buy from an offline private seller. But the rights that you enjoy when you purchase a used car from an online private seller are fewer than when you purchase from a dealer.

The post Buying a Car Online – What You Need to Know first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Check List for Buying Used Cars https://www.vinfreecheck.com/guide/check-list-for-buying-used-cars Thu, 22 Mar 2018 07:36:17 +0000 http://vfc-wp.local/check-list-for-buying-used-cars/ When buying used cars, you need to take certain things into account in order to make sure that you get the best deal. So, it is better to make a check list that you can look at when buying a used car. We have taken a step forward and made a check list for you that you can rely on. Decide which used car model, make and year you want to purchase. Do an extensive research to know used car prices. If you’re searching for ... Read more

The post Check List for Buying Used Cars first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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When buying used cars, you need to take certain things into account in order to make sure that you get the best deal. So, it is better to make a check list that you can look at when buying a used car. We have taken a step forward and made a check list for you that you can rely on.

  1. Decide which used car model, make and year you want to purchase.
  2. Do an extensive research to know used car prices. If you’re searching for the price information of any used car, then you will want to try the most trusted source which is the Kelley Blue Book.
  3. Find out how much it will cost you to finance the vehicle.
  4. Also find out how much it will cost you to insure a used vehicle.
  5. Research the history of the car that you plan to purchase using printed and online sources.
  6. Make sure you have interviewed your prospective seller on phone before you agree to meet them in person.
  7. Schedule a daytime appointment to meet the seller.
  8. Before you test drive the vehicle, be sure to check the engine, undercarriage and body for damage or rust.
  9. Check the interior for size, comfort and cleanliness.
  10. Inspect the tires to see whether they are worn out.
  11. Check the color of the oil and also ensure it is enough.
  12. Check the radiator and coolant for corrosion or leaks.
  13. Take the car for test driving on the highways. While test driving it, gauge the handling and acceleration.
  14. Also test the brakes, steering and alignment.
  15. Practice parking for sight lines and maneuverability.
  16. After the test drive, again inspect the engine for smoke, odors or leaks.
  17. Ask the seller to provide you with service records, title certificate and other relevant receipts.
  18. You may fail to notice some hidden damages on the car that you plan to purchase. Hire a mechanic or a vehicle specialist to inspect the vehicle before you make a final decision.

The post Check List for Buying Used Cars first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Guide To Finding A Great Used Car https://www.vinfreecheck.com/guide/guide-finding-great-used-car Thu, 22 Mar 2018 07:36:17 +0000 http://vfc-wp.local/guide-finding-great-used-car/ Do your homework The journey to finding a great used car starts by making a list of car models that you plan to purchase. Once you have a list of models at hand, conduct a thorough research to find out their retail price, repair costs, and common defects. Armed with enough research, you will enter the market knowing the best car for your needs. Enough research on the model that you plan to purchase also equips you with some bargaining power. Find out the going ... Read more

The post Guide To Finding A Great Used Car first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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Do your homework

The journey to finding a great used car starts by making a list of car models that you plan to purchase. Once you have a list of models at hand, conduct a thorough research to find out their retail price, repair costs, and common defects. Armed with enough research, you will enter the market knowing the best car for your needs. Enough research on the model that you plan to purchase also equips you with some bargaining power.

Find out the going price

Finding the best deal in terms of price isn’t a straightforward thing. You will need to look at the car’s mileage and added features. These two features can tell you how much the used car is worth. The most trusted tool that many people use to determine the price of used cars is the Kelley Blue Book.

Ask questions

When you contact a private seller or dealer, get as much information about the used car as you can. You can do this by asking many questions. Below is a list of typical questions you can ask the seller when soliciting for more information about the used car:

  • Why is the seller or dealer selling the car?
  • How many people have owned the car?
  • What is the mileage of the car?
  • Ask the seller to describe the condition of the car?
  • Has the car ever been involved in an accident or collisions?
  • Has the car ever been involved in electrical damage?

Do a physical assessment

Once you are content with the answers to the above questions, meet the seller and conduct a physical assessment. Inspect every part to see whether there are any signs of flood damage, rust or repair that could potentially give you headache in future. If possible, hire a private mechanic to give you a second thought about the car.

Take a test drive

Sit behind the steering wheel and check everything from the controls to systems to make sure they are operating properly. Check the air conditioner, the radio system, and other key places. Drive the car to determine its road-worthiness.

Get a history report

The seller may not disclose some car damages or past accidents. To avoid falling into a victim of a lemon, request the used car’s vehicle history report. Write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and look up the number on any reliable site.

Negotiate the price

Car salesmen will always start with a higher price that is not realistic. Negotiate with them and always remember to stick with your budget. If the final price is not okay with you, you can always walk away and look for a new deal.

Avoid dealership financing

Financing a car through a dealership is not recommended. Their rates are very high. First check the rates of car loans from your bank. In most cases, banks have lower auto car loans rates than most dealerships.

Find the best deals

Always take your time to find the best deal. You can find a great deal by visiting used car websites or your local used car public auctions.

Use your instincts

Use common sense before you dish out the money to buy a used car. Ask yourself if the dealer is giving a reasonable price. Some private sellers and dealers have been known to employ dubious techniques, such as tampering with odometer readings, spraying the car with air fresheners to cover strange odors or applying pressurizing sales tactics.

The post Guide To Finding A Great Used Car first appeared on VinFreeCheck and is written by Jason Mason

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