When buying a used car in the UAE, you'll often see the term 'Certified Pre-Owned', especially if you're buying from a reputable dealer. But what does this term actually mean? And why is it important?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what certified pre-owned means to you as a customer.
What are Certified pre-owned cars?
These are used cars that have undergone a thorough inspection by the dealership before being offered for sale. You won’t see certified pre-owned cars on offer through private sales – they are only available at dealerships.
Certified pre-owned cars are also sometimes referred to as CPOs. Some unscrupulous sellers may use this terminology to say that it represents the meaningless statement “Car Perfection Opportunity”. If you see this definition in a used car advert, our top tip is to walk away! Head to your local Al Futtaim Automall dealership, where you can be sure that a CPO is genuinely a Certified Pre-Owned car of the highest quality.
What makes a CPO special?
Pre-owned cars in the UAE can range from rusty old vehicles that shouldn't be on the road to almost-new models that are just a few months old. To qualify as a CPO, a used car must be in good condition inside and out. At Al Futtaim Automall, it also needs to pass our 99-point check. Qualified technicians with years of experience carry out this top-to-bottom vehicle examination. They know exactly what to look for, from the condition of the floor mats through to the performance of the engine and the state of the chassis and even that the glovebox light works.
If there isn’t a tick in every single one of the 99 boxes, a car cannot be called ‘certified’. As with all used cars, you need to expect a certain amount of acceptable ‘wear and tear’, but in reality (and especially with more recent used cars), you’ll hardly be able to spot those signs as the car will be in almost pristine condition.
Can older cars be certified?
Yes, but only if they meet the strict standards laid out in our 99-point checklist. However, in most cases, certified pre-owned cars in the UAE are newer models with hardly any difference from a brand new example. In most cases, the only thing that will tell you that it's a pre-owned car is the higher mileage.
Why buy a CPO in the UAE?
The most significant benefit of a certified pre-owned car is something that's priceless for any consumer – peace of mind. Knowing that a vehicle has been thoroughly checked from the wheel arches to the sunroof and is safe and reliable is why certified pre-owned cars in the UAE are so popular. You can be sure that every part of the car has been examined in detail by a qualified technician. And to give you even more buyer assurance, every Al Futtaim Automall CPO comes with a full year’s warranty.
What if I change my mind?
If you buy any used car from Al Futtaim Automall, you get the benefit of a seven-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy with your vehicle for any reason, you can exchange or return it within seven days and get your money back (minus some non-refundable charges).
Al Futtaim Automall's online service also means you can do everything online. From pre-booking a test drive to having your certified pre-owned car delivered to your door, you can do everything from the comfort of your armchair. Contact us today for more information on certified pre-owned cars in the UAE.