One of the best ways to save money while still purchasing a reliable vehicle is to buy a certified used car. When you buy a certified used car, however, there are a handful of things you need to do before and during the sale to make sure you get the most for your money.

• Understand that not all certified used car programs are identical. Review the certification programs of different auto manufacturers to see which one most appeals to you. This will also help you know what’s covered later on.
• From there, you can choose the make of vehicle you’d like to buy. Visit dealerships or dealership web sites to see what’s available in your area.
• When you get to the dealership, find out more about the specific vehicle. Ask if you can see the inspection report that was done on the vehicle.
• Test-drive the vehicle thoroughly, checking for all of the things that you normally would. Just because a vehicle has been certified doesn’t mean that something couldn’t have been missed.
• Understand that your price for a certified used vehicle will be higher than the regular dealer retail price.
• When you finally sign the purchase agreement, make certain you have proof that the car is under warranty.