Negotiating Certified Pre-Owned Car Prices
Yes. In fact, negotiating for a lower price on a certified pre-owned car is often easier than a new car. Newer cars have manufacturer-set prices and dealer promotions that can leave less room for negotiation. In contrast, certified pre-owned vehicles may have a more flexible price range shoppers looking to buy a car can take advantage of – while still being certified for guaranteed long-lasting quality.
Certified Pre-Owned vs. Pre-Owned
While a certified pre-owned car will cost significantly less than a new car, it will typically be more expensive than a pre-owned car that isn’t certified. Certified pre-owned means that the car has undergone rigorous inspection to meet the manufacturer’s standards. This inspection typically includes a comprehensive exterior and interior check, confirming it has adequate mileage and performance abilities and that any necessary repairs have been made. Pre-owned cars, especially those sold privately by owners, don’t have the same guarantees.
Most manufacturers place age and mileage restrictions on their certification programs. For example, in order for a used car to be qualified as a certified pre-owned vehicle, it may need to be no more than five or six years old and have fewer than 60,000 or 80,000 miles. The specific criteria varies based on the manufacturer.
Used cars that don’t meet the certified pre-owned eligibility requirements usually aren’t eligible for extended warranties, while certified pre-owned cars are typically sold with an extended manufacturer warranty. At Easterns Automotive, we offer a seven-day return policy and 30-day / 1,000-mile warranty to give our shoppers, both used car buyers and certified pre-owned car buyers, peace of mind that even if they run into an issue, we’ll address it promptly.
Negotiating Tactics
Know the Car
Research the market value of the car you’re interested in to understand what the market value is and how it’s generally priced. Tools like Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds can help shoppers estimate the value of different makes, models and years in the certified pre-owned market.
Know the Price – the Actual Price
Have a clear budget before you start shopping. Evaluate the upfront price as well as the ongoing costs, including maintenance fees, fuel costs, insurance and the specifics of your financing plan if applicable, including interest rates and loan terms.
Know Your Budget
Having a clear understanding of your budget before approaching a dealership can give you leverage during negotiations. Getting pre-qualified[1] for a loan before you visit the dealership can not only give you a fixed price point to work with. This may be beneficial during negotiations since they know you have financing with a strict limit and may be willing to negotiate on price to accommodate and make a sale.
… Or Avoid Negotiating Altogether
At Easterns Automotive, we don’t stress over credit scores. Instead, Your Job is Your Credit™. All we need is proof of employment and our auto financing team will utilize our auto lending network to help you get manageable financing for a high-quality car.
We believe in providing our customers with fair, straightforward prices. Our certified pre-owned vehicles are priced competitively, without hidden fees or exaggerated interest rates. Our financing team offers a range of financing options to suit different budgets and credit situations. We work with multiple lenders to find the best rates and terms for our customers so you can get the car that checks all your boxes without the emotional and financial strain.
#1 Certified Pre-Owned Dealership for Reliable Used Cars in Washington D.C. and Baltimore
At Easterns Automotive, our team is here to answer any questions you may have about the car shopping and financing process. Get expert guidance through every step of the car buying process. Browse our inventory online or in person at one of our dealerships today.
