Answers

I don't think you'll find a current model year "used" price on Edmunds, so don't expect to find TMV for a used 2008 model right now, certified or not.

For brands that have a certified program, you can get used TMV pricing that's been adjusted for a certified used vehicle.

How We Calculate Used TMV® Prices says:

"A certified used vehicle sells at a premium, as compared to the normal dealer retail price, since the dealer has added value to the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer's official guidelines. This includes a detailed inspection, reconditioning to a specific standard and the addition of a certified warranty. The certified used vehicle price is applicable only if the dealer can document that the vehicle has passed the manufacturer's certification guidelines."

If you appraise or research a car under the used car tab at Edmunds, after you plug in the color, miles and condition of the make/model, you'll see the usual TMV Trade-In, Private Party and Dealer Retail Pricing. For used cars with a certified program, there will be a Certified Used Vehicle TMV price also listed under the Trade-In, Private Party, Dealer area.

On the Certified Cars tab, if there is a TMV Certified Price, it'll be listed after you drill down to your make/model. Clicking through to the AutoTrader listings is optional at that point.

Going back to the TMV article, dealers will expect a premium for certification. You may want to shoot for the Dealer Retail number (or lower) and tell the dealer that you've reviewed the manufacturer's certification program and you aren't all that impressed with a 150 point inspection since they may give themselves 4 points for checking the brakes - 1 point for each wheel. Or that your car insurance provides towing and you don't want roadside assistance anyway. Make it up as you go along in other words. :-)

You could also buy used and get an extended warranty and perhaps come out ahead that way. There's good info in the Certified Used Vehicle Programs article.

Hope this helps - use the Answer this Question button to reply if you have more questions.

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Hey Steve, thanks for replying. I was out of the country and
just saw your response.



You mentioned that for CPO price reference I should shoot for the dealer's
retail price. Well this is a dead-end as there is no dealer's retail price for
those cars. They wouldn't make it easier on you by selling two identical cars
(or nearly so), one just used and one a CPO so you could negotiate. That is the
problem. In searching for listing, it is all I see, the CPO pricing. Of course
I could negotiate that price down based on independent extended
warranty costs, but still the real reference is what I am missing. Unless I
totally misunderstood what you were referring to.

Thanks!

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