There’s nothing more frustrating than thinking you’ve struck gold after buying a certified used car, only to find a series of hidden issues.
Consumers often believe they’re guaranteed to get a high-quality vehicle if it’s labeled ‘certified pre-owned’. Unfortunately, however, many of them can have serious safety defects.
The best defense against certified pre-owned car scams is knowing how to spot them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular forms of fraud and offer tips on how to avoid them. Once you learn these common duping tactics, you should be able to dodge shady dealers and avoid bad deals.
But first, let’s understand what a certified pre-owned vehicle is.
Understanding Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
A used car, truck, or SUV can be listed as certified pre-owned (CPO) if it meets certain quality standards set by the original manufacturer. Different automakers can have different criteria, but a few of the most common ones are as follows.
- CPO vehicles usually must be five to seven years old and have fewer than 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
- The vehicle must not have any frame damage or damage caused by flood, collision, or fire.
- The vehicle should not be a lemon law buyback
- The odometer of the vehicle must clearly show its actual mileage
- All mechanicals and systems need to be in proper working order.
A major aspect of CPO programs is a rigorous and detailed inspection. This generally includes a checklist of 100 to 200 items, where everything from the engine components to the upholstery is examined. Only vehicles that pass this inspection are certified.
Benefits of Owning a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
Considering a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle? Here are some great reasons why it might be the perfect fit for you.
- Peace of Mind with Extended Warranty: One of the top perks of CPO vehicles is the extended warranty coverage. It’s longer than what you’d get with a new car, covering major parts and sometimes even offering full bumper-to-bumper protection.
- Quality Assurance from Thorough Inspection: As mentioned, each CPO vehicle undergoes a detailed inspection by certified technicians. This means fewer surprises and fewer out-of-pocket repair costs for you.
- Save Money on a Nearly-New Car: CPO cars come with the latest features; but are much more affordable and don’t depreciate as quickly after you drive off the lot.
- Backed by the Manufacturer: When you buy a CPO car, you get support straight from the manufacturer, including perks like roadside assistance, loaner cars, and even free oil changes.
- Keep Its Value Longer: CPO cars hold their value better than average used cars. Thanks to the rigorous standards they meet, they’re a smarter buy if you’re thinking about future resale.
Certified Pre-Owned Car Scams You Should Be Aware Of
Shopping for a certified vehicle can feel like an ideal bet. But even in the seemingly safe world of CPOs, you need to keep your eyes open for scams.
Here are some certified pre-owned vehicle scams every buyer should watch out for.
1. Fake Certification Labels
Some dealers may slap a ‘certified’ label on a car without it being certified by the manufacturer. Hence, it’s important to verify the certification directly with the manufacturer’s website or by calling their hotline. If the certification cannot be confirmed, you may be looking at a certified car scam.
2. Unrevealed Accident History
Just because a vehicle is certified, does not mean it’s accident-free. Some dishonest dealers might not disclose the full history of the vehicle’s accidents and repairs. Always check the vehicle safety report yourself for any hidden past. CPO cars must have a clean, non-branded title to truly hold up to their certified status.
3. Selling Lemons
Sometimes, vehicles that were bought back under California lemon law are cleaned up and resold as CPOs without any declaration of their history. To avoid buying a repackaged lemon, be sure to look deeper into the vehicle’s repair history and insist on a comprehensive disclosure.
4. Warranty Issues
Some dealers in California could promise you a manufacturer-backed warranty, but end up offering a lesser, third-party warranty that covers much less than expected. Remember to get the warranty details in writing and confirm that it is indeed backed by the manufacturer, not just an add-on that the dealer profits from.
5. Double Charging on Features
In some certified car scams, dealers may double-charge you for features or add-ons that are supposed to be included in the price of a CPO vehicle. You can prevent this by comparing the vehicle’s price and included features against the manufacturer’s specifications for CPO vehicles.
6. Tampered Odometer
This old trick still makes its rounds in the CPO market. Lower mileage can make a vehicle qualify for CPO status when it shouldn’t. Cross-reference the mileage on the odometer with the vehicle history report/service records for any discrepancies.
How a Lemon Lawyer in California Can Help You with CPO Fraud?
If you suspect that your CPO vehicle might be a lemon, or if you feel you’ve been a victim of a certified car scam in California, a lemon law attorney can be your best ally. Here’s how they can help.
1. Expert Legal Advice
Lemon law attorneys specialize in consumer protection laws and understand the specifics of car scams in California, including those involving CPOs. They can offer tailored legal advice based on your situation.
2. Comprehensive Case Assessment
An attorney can determine if the issues with your CPO vehicle meet the criteria under California’s lemon law. They’ll check if the problems were disclosed, the nature of the vehicle’s warranty, and whether the dealer has made reasonable attempts to fix any issues.
3. Representation in Court
If your case escalates to arbitration or court, an attorney will use their understanding of certified pre-owned vehicle scams and relevant consumer protection statutes to defend your interests.
4. No-Cost Representation
Many lemon law attorneys in California work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you secure a settlement. This lets you pursue justice against fraudulent CPO practices without the fear of upfront legal fees.
The Bottom Line
While certified pre-owned cars are better to buy than a standard used car, they can still end up being lemons. Make sure to do your homework: verify the vehicle’s certification, check its history report, and don’t skip on having it inspected by an independent mechanic, despite its certified status. Stay vigilant to protect yourself against certified pre-owned car scams in California.
Don’t let a certified pre-owned vehicle scam leave you stranded with a lemon. At Cline APC, our dedicated lemon law attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of California’s lemon laws. We’ll evaluate your case for free and guide you every step of the way—no upfront costs, no hidden fees. Get in touch today!
