BMW Certified Cars for Sale: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome, Jake! If you’re in the market for a car, you may have heard the term “certified pre-owned” before. But what does it actually mean? And how does it differ from buying a new or used car? In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at BMW certified cars for sale – what they are, the benefits and drawbacks, and what you should keep in mind when considering buying one.

Introduction

What Are BMW Certified Cars?

Put simply, BMW certified cars are used cars that have been inspected and refurbished to meet certain standards set by BMW. These cars are typically newer models with low mileage and a clean history, and they undergo a rigorous inspection process before being sold as certified.

In order to qualify as a BMW certified car, a vehicle must meet the following criteria:

• Be less than a certain number of years old (usually 5 or less)
• Have less than a certain number of miles on the odometer (usually 60,000 or less)
• Have a clean title and no major accidents or damage
• Pass a rigorous inspection process that covers everything from the engine and transmission to the brakes and suspension

Once a car has met these criteria, it is given a comprehensive warranty and offered for sale as a certified pre-owned BMW.

What Are the Benefits of Buying a BMW Certified Car?

There are several advantages to buying a certified pre-owned BMW over a regular used car:

• Lower cost: Certified pre-owned cars are typically priced lower than new cars, but they come with many of the same benefits, such as a warranty and roadside assistance.
• Reliability: Since certified cars have undergone a rigorous inspection process, you can be confident that you’re buying a car that has been well-maintained and is in good condition.
• Warranty: BMW offers a comprehensive warranty on all certified pre-owned cars, giving you added peace of mind.
• Roadside assistance: In addition to the warranty, BMW also offers roadside assistance for certified cars, so you can feel secure knowing that help is just a phone call away if you need it.

What Are the Drawbacks of Buying a BMW Certified Car?

While there are many benefits to buying a certified pre-owned BMW, there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Higher cost than regular used cars: While certified pre-owned cars are typically priced lower than new cars, they are usually more expensive than regular used cars.
• Limited selection: Since certified pre-owned cars must meet strict criteria, there may be a more limited selection available than with regular used cars.
• Still not new: While certified pre-owned cars are in good condition, they are still used cars and may have some wear and tear or minor cosmetic blemishes.

What Should You Consider When Buying a BMW Certified Car?

If you’re considering buying a certified pre-owned BMW, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Research: Before you start shopping, do your research to find out what models and features you want, and what prices you can expect to pay.
• Inspect the car: Even though the car has been certified, it’s still a good idea to inspect it yourself before making a purchase.
• Take a test drive: Make sure to take the car for a test drive to get a feel for how it handles and to make sure there are no major issues.
• Check the warranty: Make sure you understand the terms of the warranty and what is covered.

How Do BMW Certified Cars Compare to New and Used Cars?

So how do certified pre-owned BMWs stack up against new and used cars? Here’s a quick comparison:

• New cars: New cars come with the latest features and technology, but they are also the most expensive option.
• Certified pre-owned cars: Certified pre-owned cars offer many of the same benefits as new cars, but at a lower cost.
• Regular used cars: Regular used cars are the most affordable option, but they may not come with a warranty or be as reliable as certified or new cars.

What Are the Different Types of BMW Certified Cars?

BMW offers a few different types of certified pre-owned cars:

• BMW Certified Pre-Owned Elite: This program is for cars that are less than 4 years old and have less than 50,000 miles on the odometer.
• BMW Certified Pre-Owned: This program is for cars that are less than 5 years old and have less than 60,000 miles on the odometer.
• BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Extension: This program extends the warranty on a certified car for an additional 1 or 2 years beyond the original warranty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of BMW Certified Cars for Sale

Advantages

Lower Cost

One of the biggest advantages of buying a BMW certified car is that it is typically priced lower than a new car. This means that you can get many of the same benefits as buying new, such as a warranty and roadside assistance, but at a lower cost.

Reliability

Since certified pre-owned cars have undergone a rigorous inspection process, you can be confident that you are buying a car that is in good condition and has been well-maintained. This can give you added peace of mind that you are making a wise investment.

Warranty and Roadside Assistance

All BMW certified pre-owned cars come with a comprehensive warranty, which can cover many repairs and maintenance costs. Additionally, BMW also offers roadside assistance for certified cars, which can be helpful in case of an emergency or breakdown.

Good Resale Value

Since certified pre-owned BMWs are in high demand, they tend to have a good resale value. This means that if you decide to sell your car in the future, it may retain its value better than a regular used car.

Quality Guarantee

When you buy a BMW certified car, you can be sure that you are getting a quality product. BMW sets strict standards for its certified cars, so you know that you are buying a car that has been thoroughly inspected and refurbished.

Financing Options

Many dealerships offer financing options for certified pre-owned BMWs, which can make it easier for you to afford the car you want. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have the cash on hand to buy a new car outright.

Disadvantages

Higher Cost Than Regular Used Cars

While certified pre-owned BMWs are typically priced lower than new cars, they are usually more expensive than regular used cars. This can be a drawback if you are on a tight budget and are looking for the most affordable option.

Limited Selection

Since certified pre-owned cars must meet strict criteria, there may be a more limited selection available than with regular used cars. This can make it more difficult to find the exact make, model, and features that you are looking for.

Still Not New

While certified pre-owned BMWs are in good condition, they are still used cars and may have some wear and tear or minor cosmetic blemishes. If you are looking for a car that is in pristine condition, a new car may be a better choice.

BMW Certified Cars for Sale: A Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a BMW certified car?

A BMW certified car is a used car that has been thoroughly inspected and refurbished to meet certain standards set by BMW. These cars come with a comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance, making them a popular choice for buyers who want the benefits of a new car at a lower cost.

2. What are the benefits of buying a BMW certified car?

There are several advantages to buying a certified pre-owned BMW, including lower cost, reliability, warranty and roadside assistance, good resale value, quality guarantee, and financing options.

3. What are the drawbacks of buying a BMW certified car?

While there are many benefits to buying a certified pre-owned BMW, there are also some potential drawbacks, including higher cost than regular used cars, limited selection, and the fact that it is still a used car with some wear and tear.

4. How do BMW certified cars compare to new and used cars?

Certified pre-owned BMWs offer many of the same benefits as new cars, such as a warranty and roadside assistance, but at a lower cost. Regular used cars are the most affordable option, but they may not come with a warranty or be as reliable as certified or new cars.

5. What should I consider when buying a BMW certified car?

When buying a BMW certified car, it’s important to do your research, inspect the car yourself, take a test drive, and understand the terms of the warranty.

6. What are the different types of BMW certified cars?

BMW offers a few different types of certified pre-owned cars, including BMW Certified Pre-Owned Elite, BMW Certified Pre-Owned, and BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Extension.

7. Does buying a BMW certified car affect my credit score?

No, buying a BMW certified car does not have a direct impact on your credit score. However, if you finance the car through a dealership, the loan may appear on your credit report and affect your credit score depending on how you manage the payments.

8. Can I negotiate the price of a BMW certified car?

Yes, it is possible to negotiate the price of a BMW certified car, just like with any other car purchase. However, keep in mind that the dealership has already invested time and money into refurbishing and certifying the car, so there may be less room for negotiation than with a regular used car.

9. How long does the BMW warranty last on a certified car?

The length of the warranty on a BMW certified car depends on the program. The BMW Certified Pre-Owned Elite and BMW Certified Pre-Owned programs both offer up to 6 years/100,000 miles of coverage, while the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Extension extends the original warranty by 1 or 2 years.

10. Can I return a BMW certified car if I am not satisfied?

It depends on the dealership’s return policy. Some dealerships may offer a return period or exchange policy for certified pre-owned cars, while others may not. Make sure to ask about the dealership’s policy before making a purchase.

11. Can I finance a BMW certified car?

Yes, many dealerships offer financing options for certified pre-owned BMWs, just like with new cars. This can make it easier to afford the car you want, especially if you don’t have the cash on hand to buy it outright.

12. Can I buy a BMW certified car online?

Yes, many dealerships now offer online shopping and delivery options for certified pre-owned cars. However, it’s still important to research the car and dealership carefully before making a purchase.

13. Can I customize a BMW certified car?

It depends on the dealership and the car’s features. Some dealerships may offer customization options for certified pre-owned cars, while others may not. Make sure to ask about customization options before making a purchase.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a car, buying a BMW certified car can be a great option. These cars offer many of the benefits of buying new, such as a warranty and roadside assistance, but at a lower cost. However, it’s important to do your research and inspect the car carefully before making a purchase. If you’re considering a certified pre-owned BMW, make sure to keep the advantages and disadvantages in mind, and take the time to find the car that’s right for you.

Remember, buying a car is a significant investment, so it’s important to make an informed decision. By understanding what BMW certified cars are, how they compare to new and used cars, and what to consider when buying one, you can feel confident that you are making the best choice for your needs and budget.

Disclaimer: Buying a car, whether new or used, comes with risks. It’s important to research the car and dealership carefully, inspect the car thoroughly before making a purchase, and understand the terms of any warranties or financing agreements. This article is intended as a guide only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making any major financial decisions.