Approved Used Car Scheme: Is it Worth it?

If you’re considering buying a used car, you may have come across the term “approved used car scheme“. But what is it? And is it worth opting for an approved used car over a regular second-hand model? Here’s everything you need to know about the approved used car scheme.

What Is An Approved Used Car Scheme?

Let’s start with what an approved used-car scheme is before we go further. An approved used-car scheme is a term used in the United Kingdom (UK) to refer to a dealer-backed program that allows customers to buy used cars with peace of mind, as the car has been checked by the manufacturer and is covered by a warranty.

For a car to be part of an approved used-car scheme, it must meet certain criteria set by the manufacturer. Approved used cars are thoroughly examined and often come with warranties, guarantees, and exchange programs for added security. Manufacturers select their approved used vehicles and subject them to safety and security inspections for the vehicle’s history (to ensure it isn’t stolen, written-off, or has outstanding payments against it), as well as mileage, road safety, service record, and mechanical issues.

One of the main benefits of buying an approved used car is that you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the vehicle has been checked over by experts and meets all the necessary safety standards.

Does It Mean That An Approved Used Car is A Good Car?

The simple answer is it depends. But in general, an approved used car is likely to be a better investment than a regular second-hand model as it’s been through more stringent checks and is backed by the manufacturer.

Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to buying any used car, but if you’re looking for added peace of mind, and approved used car could be the way to go.

The Benefits of Buying an Approved Used Car

Several benefits come with buying an approved used car. Here are just a few of them:

• You’ll have peace of mind knowing the car has been checked over by experts and meets all safety standards.
• The vehicle will often come with a warranty or guarantee for added security.
• You may be able to take advantage of manufacturer-backed exchange programs.
• Approved used cars tend to hold their value better than regular second-hand models.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Approved Used Cars?

The main disadvantage of opting for an approved used car is that they tend to be more expensive than regular second-hand models. This is because manufacturers put their stamp of approval on them (literally), which adds to the overall cost.

Additionally, while most approved used cars come with a warranty, this is often limited in scope and doesn’t always cover everything. So, if you do encounter any problems down the line, it’s worth checking the small print of your warranty to see what’s included.

Another thing to keep in mind is that approved used cars are often in high demand, which means they can sell pretty quickly. So, if you see an approved used car that you like, it’s best to act fast.

How to Find an Approved Used Car Scheme

If you’re interested in buying an approved used car, the best place to start your search is with the manufacturer of the vehicle you’re interested in. Many manufacturers have their own approved used programs with different names (such as Hyundai’s “Assured” program or Kia’s “Approved” program).

Not all manufacturers offer approved used schemes, but for those that do, you can usually find information about them on the manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve found an approved used scheme that meets your needs, you can start searching for specific models through the program’s online database.

It’s critical to do your homework and compare several approved used car schemes before settling on the one that best fits your needs and requirements. Some factors to consider include:

• The conditions of the warranty or guarantee
• What’s included in the inspection process
• What kind of exchange program is offered
• The selection of vehicles available
• The cost of the car scheme

Keep in mind that approved used car schemes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it’s important to find one that offers the right mix of features and benefits for you. 

Is It Worth Buying An Approved Used Car?

Now that we know what an approved used car is and does, the next question is: is it worth opting for one over a regular second-hand car? Here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision:

PROS: 

• An approved used car has been checked over by experts and meets all the necessary safety standards.
• The vehicle will often come with a warranty or guarantee for added security.
• You may be able to take advantage of manufacturer-backed exchange programs.
• Approved used cars tend to hold their value better than regular second-hand models.

CONS: 

• Approved used cars are often more expensive than regular second-hand models.
• The warranties or guarantees that come with approved used cars are often limited in scope.
• If you’re interested in an approved used car, you’ll need to act fast as they tend to sell quickly.

So, if you’re looking for a used car and want the peace of mind that comes with knowing it’s been checked by experts and comes with some form of warranty, then an approved used car may be worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to stick to regular second-hand models. Whichever route you decide to go down, make sure to do your research to find the best option for you.

Don’t forget to run a car check before you buy any used car, approved or otherwise! By running a car check before you buy, you can avoid any nasty surprises down the line. You can use Reg Car Check to get an instant car check and uncover a car’s full history, including whether it’s been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance against it.

So, there you have it: everything you need to know about approved used cars. Hopefully, this article has cleared up any confusion and helped you decide whether an approved used car is right for you. Happy shopping and good luck!