If you are out to purchase the sports car of your dreams, it may be in your best interest to purchase a CPO, or Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. In order to understand what this term means, it is important to know a bit about the used car business. When a dealership offers a trade in for a used car, they will keep it if it is in good condition and has value, and dispose of it if it is not worth much. In the past, used cars have not been appointed much respect. They were often seen as piles of junk that were pawned off on unwitting dupes. However, things changed when the concept of a certified pre-owned vehicle surfaced.

Ever since this name change, used cars have been worth more and have been easier to sell. The first vehicle to use the name, certified pre-owned was Mercedes Benz in the late 1980s. The idea of having vehicle dealerships do spot checks on used cars in order to ensure their value had been floated before in the past, but it never seemed to be a good use of time. After Mercedes Benz paved the way however, this became standard practice. Dealers began to perform these repairs and inspections and the factory would then back them up with a warranty.

It is important that you understand the difference between certified pre-owned vehicles that are factory backed, and those that are dealer backed. The main difference between these two is that a factory backed warranty will provide service and repairs at no additional cost to you. Dealer backed warranties usually require the buyer to invest in extended warranties from the dealer in order to retain coverage. Another great thing about factory backed warranties is that they are good for dealership that sells the same brand across the country. Dealer backed warranties almost always have to be brought back to the dealership that instated them, or to a mechanic that they authorize.

Now that you know a bit about certified pre-owned vehicles, its time to decide if a certified pre-owned sports car is the right choice for you. First of all is the price. The average price of a brand new sports car nowadays is $30 thousand dollars. So being able to get a used car cheaper is definitely a good idea. When you first buy a brand new car, it depreciates in value as soon as you drive off of the lot. Now you are stuck paying for a car that is worth less than you owe on it immediately. Buying your sports car used will make it so that you begin to get equity in your vehicle much more quickly.

Certified pre-owned vehicles are a great way to save money, while still buying the ride of your dreams. With the economy being unsure, perhaps the best way to get the sports car you always wanted is to buy it used. Many used cars still work perfectly for years to come, but there is always the risk that you will buy a lemon.