Certified preowned vehicles offer you the best of both worlds. You drive off the parking lot with a newly refurbished vehicle but pay the price of a used car for the same deal. But given the sheer number of deals listed across popular auto brands, there are certain pitfalls that you must avoid to make the best purchase.Here are five key points to consider when you shop for certified preowned cars. Not all used cars are certified preowned There is a difference between certified pre-owned cars and regular used cars. CPO vehicles are normally sold by dealerships who refurbish older vehicles and resell them to buyers who are looking for a cheap deal. However, if you are planning to buy a vehicle that has been preowned, that does not qualify as a CPO deal. Owners reselling their old vehicles cannot certify the vehicles. However, dealerships can put their stamp of quality after thorough inspections and repairs to make the vehicle roadworthy and certify its present condition. Choose wisely Since almost all models and trim variants of popular automobile brands are available for sale at dealerships, you must choose wisely. It doesn’t hurt to have a few backup options, as there will be a significant price difference to consider along with utility. Being flexible can save you a couple of thousand dollars. Once you have narrowed down a particular make and model, it is always advisable to request an auto check to verify the condition of the vehicle. Note that you must also double-check the vehicle documents and verify vehicle history. This information can be sourced from popular websites like Carfax or Autocheck. You can even do a complete VIN check to find out the exact details of vehicle recalls. Consider CPO programs before buying Consider checking CPO programs offered by major auto brands. You can even buy premium vehicles if your budget is flexible. CPO programs employ rigorous point-to-point inspection schedules to certify the vehicle. You also get perks like free roadside assistance (may be limited), travel reimbursement benefits, and a bumper-to-bumper warranty covering major components. These programs are beneficial for first-time buyers, as everything is taken care of by the dealership to ensure a hassle-free purchase. Note that CPO programs are great for newer models and luxury vehicles. They also cost more in comparison to buying a used car. So, keep this in mind before comparing such programs. Always check warranty Warranty is a vague term, and it pays to check what is exactly covered under it. You must exercise vigilance, especially in the case of certified preowned cars. Some of these vehicles may still have a valid original warranty paid for by the previous owner, but it may not be suitable for you if you want additional coverage or benefits. All manufacturers offer a limited warranty, and this information is readily available on their official website. So, read the terms and conditions carefully before signing the dotted line. Remember, you are buying a used vehicle to save money. So, do not undervalue coverage that can result in unexpected costs in the future. Plan your purchase Know that negotiation is possible if you are buying certified preowned cars. All deals are open to negotiation till you sign over the dotted line. Secondly, consider special financing options offered by the dealership. Not all banks and credit unions offer finance for used cars.