The 4 things you should do before buying a certified preowned car, Edmunds says

Shopping for a used vehicle can be nerve-wracking even for seasoned veterans. Regardless of how well you know the mechanical workings of the modern automobile, buying a used car is always a gamble. If you’re one who likes to minimize risk, buying a certified preowned model can reduce some of the uncertainty.

Certified preowned vehicles are usually only a few years old and come with additional benefits that you don’t get with a regular used vehicle purchase. A certified preowned vehicle usually costs a little more than a typical noncertified used vehicle — between 4% and 5% on average, according to Edmunds sales data — but the added peace of mind could be worth it. Here are four aspects to consider before you buy a certified preowned vehicle.

Understand the extra benefits Certified preowned cars are inspected by factory-trained technicians who spot and address mechanical issues, receive a light refresh, and come with a manufacturer’s warranty. These enhancements provide more reassurance that you’re getting a vehicle that won’t have problems as soon as you drive off the dealer’s lot. Other advantages can include lower financing rates through the automaker, loaner cars during service intervals, and even roadside assistance.

Finally, there’s proximity to the manufacturer. If problems arise, there’s a clear escalation path from dealer to automaker, increasing the odds of a quick resolution. Compare different manufacturer programs Certified preowned models are exclusively sold through an automaker’s franchised dealerships.

When inspecting a car on a dealer’s lot, look for the certified program’s catchy name — L/Certified for Lexus, for example, or Ford’s Blue Advantage — on the sticker. You won’t find these manufacturer-backed models on a competitor’s lot or at an independent or non-franchise dealer. But you may come across dealer-certified models.

These are simply models that the dealer has put some work into, added a third-party extended warranty, and deemed “certified.” The manufacturer has no stake in these models. They can still be decent cars with warranty reassurance, but they haven’t passed the same inspections and offer no recourse with the automaker. Fortunately, the terms are easy to find on most automaker websites.