Attributes Of Purchasing Certified Used Honda Cars

By Adriana Noton

A lot of places sell used Hondas, often thought to be the gold standard among pre-owned cars. Regardless, how do you know that the pre-owned car you're looking at is actually a good deal? You don't, which is why it is strongly recommended you consider Certified Used Honda Cars.

These 'certified' automobiles can be found only at qualified Honda dealers in good standing. Strict guidelines must be adhered to for a used car to be known as certified.

At the very minimum, to be even considered for certification, a Honda must be less than six years old. Or it must have less than 80,000 miles on it. Seven-year-old cars with 50,000 miles are ineligible. Just as five-year-old cars that have 90,000 miles are ineligible.

Continuing, technicians trained by Honda go over and test all major vehicle systems. These technicians are also empowered to refurbish any car component that does not meet Honda's strict standards. If that part cannot be properly refurbished, it is replaced with a genuine part.

Next, a Honda dealer must run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. At no cost to the buyer, this report is a documented history of the vehicle. It will reveal any incidents reported to the DMV. Such incidences include, but are not limited to, fire, salvage, flood damage, odometer malfunctions, and more.

Honda dealers keep these CARFAX reports and are available to any prospective customer. The report can also be accessed online in many cases.

The final test for becoming certified is the most extensive evaluation. It is the comprehensive 150-point inspection of mechanics and appearance. Before the evaluation is taken, several manuals and kinds of documentation must be provided.

These manuals and documentation include the owner's and new car warranty manuals. There is also a certified warranty booklet, a title history report, and a copy of the (completed) 150-point checklist. A radio security code and, if available, a navigation code are also included.

A detailed look at the Vehicle Identification Number must be undertaken. By looking at the VIN plates and VIN labels, you can determine if and when the car was repaired or recalled. Any expected routine maintenance, according to a factory-determined schedule, is performed. Filters, fluids, tires, and coolants are inspected and replaced. Brakes and all parts of the brake systems are tested and repaired or replaced.

There is a road test, of course. Does the vehicle start easily? Does it idle hot? Is there sufficient acceleration power? Does the vehicle drift or is it hard to steer? Those sounds you hear are normal, or are they a sign or some impending problem?

The car is then given a thorough going-over to find any unauthorized aftermarket modifications. Rims, exhaust systems, headlights, transmissions, and more are gone over with a fine-tooth comb. The overall appearance of both the interior and exterior are part of this evaluation.

If the vehicle passes the exhaustive inspection, it can be made available for the showroom or lot. Anything that fails inspection is replaced or reconditioned. If replacement or reconditioning are not possible, the car fails the evaluation and will not be sold. This is how customers can be confident that Certified Used Honda Cars are in good shape. - 30243

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