A Closer Look at Chevy’s Detailed Certified Pre-Owned Inspection Process

When it comes to choosing your next vehicle, you will have a laundry list of decisions to make in order to find the one that is right for you. From make and model to price and body style, deciding the features that matter most is an important step, but so is whether you want a new car, a used car, or a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) one. There are plenty of CPO Chevys for sale, and with Chevy’s extensive inspection process, you know you will be getting a high-quality vehicle that will keep you on the road for the long haul. But you shouldn’t have to take our word for it, especially when you can get a glimpse behind the scenes.

Transparency is not only our motto, but it is also the motto of Chevy, which is evident in the steps they take to ensure you get a CPO vehicle you can trust. From the initial vehicle check to the final sign-off, each Certified Pre-Owned Chevy is put through an in-depth inspection process that ensures only the best of the used market make it to the consumer. There is plenty that goes into making sure that a Chevy deserves the CPO title, and understanding each step in the process will make choosing one of these vehicles a no-brainer.

The Qualifiers

Before a used Chevy can even dream of becoming one of the elite, it must first meet specific standards that are designed to eliminate any lemons. The old clunker down the way might have dreamt of big things, but unless it meets Chevy’s strict requirements, it is off to the great junkyard in the sky. To start, the only make that can even be considered are those under the GM umbrella – Chevy (obviously), GMC, and Buick. If the General made the vehicle, then it passed the first hurdle.

Next up is the age of the vehicle. Even though used vehicles come in all shapes and model ages, only those within the last six model years are considered. This helps to ensure that the vehicle’s features can hang with the latest features on the market. The last thing anyone wants is to climb into the front seat of their new vehicle, complete with a leather interior and no air conditioning…

The next qualifier relates directly to its time running down the rubber, otherwise known as mileage. Any Chevy, Buick, or GMC vehicle must not exceed 75,000 miles on the odometer. That means if the vehicle is sporting 75,025 miles, it’s no dice. Some vehicles are used as rentals and commuters and end up racking up miles faster than the vehicle can handle. Thanks to the mileage cap, many of these vehicles can be eliminated if the mileage added up too quickly.

The final qualifier is that the vehicle has a clean title. If you aren’t quite sure what that means, don’t worry because you’re not alone. A clean title means the vehicle has never been reported as totaled by an insurance company. Not all totaled cars look like they went through a car compactor, but there can still be enough damage that they get labeled as “totaled.” Much like an iceberg, the majority of the damage might be underneath the surface.

The Inspection

All Chevy-certified vehicles go through a meticulous 172-point vehicle inspection that results in a vehicle of like-new caliber. The inspection starts with a background check. Using CARFAX or another equivalent agency, the inspection technician is able to see the reported life of the vehicle and provide it as an added layer of reassurance to the next buyer. Now comes the real work of certifying a vehicle.

A detailed multi-point inspection sheet guides well-trained technicians as they examine the vehicle from top to bottom. Looking for damage and cleanliness, technicians determine if something is repairable or needs replacement. By employing strict repair guidelines, Chevy is able to keep the price for CPO vehicles low but the quality high. Of course, if something does need to be replaced, then the motto is out with the old and in with the new.

Details Matter

Technicians examine the vehicle’s exterior, noting how much tread is left on the tires and if they are matching. Tires must have a minimum tread; otherwise, they’ll need to be replaced. Tires must also be matching both in size and brand to ensure a safe and effective vehicle. Other exterior elements that are inspected include mirrors, windows, and sunroofs, which are checked for damage and cleanliness. Even the vehicle’s lights are checked to ensure they are in proper working condition.

The body of the vehicle is also looked over, paying attention to the door panels, bumpers, and so on. Making sure the vehicle looks as nice as it runs is an important part of the process. The same attention to detail is given to the interior of the vehicle as well. From heating elements to lumbar support, trained technicians examine every seat control to ensure they all work. The center console is checked not only for damage but also for cleanliness, an extra measure that we certainly appreciate. Even the assist handles above your head are checked. That’s probably not on your checklist when examining your next vehicle but it is on Chevy’s.

The Big Picture

Chevy’s inspection list includes checking the items that are hidden away beneath the hood and under the vehicle as well. Technicians check how each system under the hood runs and even ensure they are labeled correctly. This is the kind of thoughtful attention that sets Chevy apart. The brake system, power steering system, and ignition system are just a few areas they focus on beneath the hood. Under the vehicle, technicians check the suspension, the drivetrain, and more.

The inspection even includes a real-world screening by putting the vehicle through a test drive to see how it runs on the road. Techs pay attention to how the vehicle starts, how it idles, and even how it sounds. Every step is taken to ensure that a vehicle is only certified if it truly meets the standards set forth by Chevy, and it shows.

Certifiably Worth It

Anytime you buy a pre-owned vehicle, it is important to look it over before signing the dotted line. But just because you look it over doesn’t mean you are getting the whole picture. Used vehicles have gone through life already. Maybe some have only been on the road for a few months and others a few years, but to truly understand what a vehicle has been through, you would need the time and resources to check it from top to bottom. With Certified Pre-Owned, you get the luxury of having someone else spend the time and resources to ensure your vehicle is worth buying.

If that’s not reason enough, Chevy Certified vehicles come with an onslaught of extras. Each and every CPO vehicle is backed by not one but two factory-backed warranties. For life’s little speed accidents, Chevy includes 24/7 Roadside Assistance and even a couple of free maintenance visits to make sure your vehicle keeps in tip-top shape. It is clear Chevy Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are certifiably worth it.