Chrysler sells more certified pre-owned in March
The Chrysler Group's "Brand Spakin' Used" certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are flying off dealership
lots, if a recent press release sent out by Chrysler is any indication. The automaker reports that March was a record
for selling CPO vehicles, with dealers reporting sales 14-percent higher than March of '05 and 29-percent higher
than February of 2006 at 12,029 units. The quarter rounded out at 29,783 units total, also a record at 7-percent higher than first quarter last year.
We're curious
to know if any readers out there are proud owners of pre-owned vehicles. Has the dealership experience been up to par
with a new car purchase? Have you noticed more initial problems with the vehicle than with new cars you've purchased in
the past?
Chrysler Group reported that its Five Star dealers posted an all-time monthly sales record of 12,029 Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPOV) units in March, a 14 percent increase from March 2005 sales and a 29 percent jump from February 2006 results. Also, the first quarter in 2006 was the best quarter ever for the Chrysler Group with sales reaching a record 29,783 units and surpassing first quarter sales last year by 7 percent.
Each Chrysler Group brand posted significant gains in March versus sales a year ago. Chrysler brand sales improved 20 percent to 4,134 units, Jeep® brand sales increased 19 percent to 2,582 units and Dodge brand sales rose 8 percent to 5,313 units. First quarter sales were also up across the board; Chrysler brand sales rose 16 percent, Dodge brand sales advanced 4 percent and Jeep brand sales improved 2 percent for the year.
“Due to the outstanding efforts of our Five Star dealers, each of the Chrysler Group’s eight Business Centers have exceeded March 2005 sales," said Ray Fisher, Vice President — Sales, Service and Parts Operations, Chrysler Group. “And now that the complimentary CARFAX Vehicle History Report is backed by a Buyback Guarantee, customers can feel more confident than ever when buying a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge CPOV product.”
Chrysler Group offers one of the most comprehensive Certified Pre-owned Vehicle programs in the industry. For a vehicle to be certified under the Chrysler Group's used vehicle program, it must be a 2001 through 2006 model pre-owned vehicle with less than 65,000 miles and pass a stringent 125 point inspection. Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are backed by an 8-year/80,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 3-month or 3,000-mile Maximum Care TM warranty, 24-hour, 365-day full roadside assistance and a $35 per day rental car allowance, in addition to a CARFAX Vehicle History Report and Buyback Guarantee.
Marketed as "Brand Spankin' Used TM ," Chrysler Group's CPO vehicles are sold only through Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships which have earned the Five Star Certification. Five Star Certification is a comprehensive validation of the dealership's facilities, operational processes, salesperson and technician training accreditation as well as customer satisfaction survey ratings. Approximately 2,400 Chrysler Group dealerships in the U.S. are certified Five Star dealers.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jon 7:05PM (4/09/2006)
i think people want pre owned because sometimes rich people buy cars then trade them in a few weeks later for another one.
but no matter how long the first owners keeps it, its still preowned. so the next person doesn't have to pay the whole price and when they drive it off the lot, the value doesn't sink by 3 or 4 thousand.
the rich person who gave it back after a few weeks already payed that. so its a good deal for the same quality car.
Reply
the friendly grizzly 7:30PM (4/09/2006)
I am skeptical as hell of these "certified" used car programs and I don't care which manufacturer is flogging them. "Certified Pre-Owned" probably means "we CERTIFY that the lot boy washed it". I learnt to distrust factory-offered programs of ANY kind long ago. "Extended factory warranty", for example, means "Sir, we can't duplicate the problem" or "It's how you drive" for 100K, not 36.
Reply
Ken 7:40PM (4/09/2006)
Danm those pesky rich people and their cars!
:p
Consumer debt is out of control, and a lot of that is POOR people buying new, expensive cars.
Reply
Corey W. 7:45PM (4/09/2006)
"Chrysler Group Posts Highest Total Ever for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) Sales in March and the First Quarter of 2006"
Ok, is high sales of preowned vehicles a good thing??.... Wouldn't you want low preowned sales or maybe a low number for days to sell on preowned vehicles...
Reply
Stoneman 7:47PM (4/09/2006)
Buying a new car makes sense if you don't want other people's "problems". Think about it. You get a warranty, new mechanical bits... sure, there's depreciation, but as long as you buy a quality car, and service it regularly, you'll be OK. It makes sense. Buying used makes sense when you want something used and are prepared for fixing it up.
BTW check out my latest review of the Kia Amanti:
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/sar
Stoneman from
Stoneman Auto Review
Reply
Michael Karesh 9:20PM (4/09/2006)
They might be up, but these are pretty small numbers compared to their new car sales. Other manufacturers are doing much better with CPO.
Reply
Gardiner Westbound 9:29PM (4/09/2006)
Buying a year old certified used car doesn't make financial sense in most cases. The price is not significantly lower than a similar new car after rebates and incentives, even considering the freight charge for the new car.
Buying a certified three or four year old car starts to makes sense because of the extended warranty included in most purchases, if the dealer has completed the inspection and repair requirements. Some dealers are skipping this obligation.
Reply
Kevin L 12:30AM (4/10/2006)
I have been the very proud owner of 2 pre-owned chryslers, I currently drive a 1994 New Yorker, with 187,000 miles. My wife drives a 1997 JXI Sebring convertable with 120,000 miles. Both cars were very well cared for when we bought them and we have continued to do the same. both cars look great, and get 24 mpg and 26 mpg resectivly. Would I love a 300C, sure, but my new Yorker is still running strong and healthy. I have been a huge Chrysler fan for many years, yet I believe that any car, if it is well cared for, will last better than on not. Buying new is great, but not all of us can, or choose to do it. Good job Chrysler, keep it up!!!
Reply
spencer 12:37AM (4/10/2006)
I work at a Chrysler dealer and used cars are our "bread and butter". The dealership easily makes a couple grand off every used Chrysler "program" car they buy at an auction. Sure it's cheaper than new, but your car is still is deprecating the instant you drive it off the lot.
Reply
That One Person 1:03AM (4/10/2006)
Certified used cars are nice. The Ford dealership near me sells some nice cars. The good thing about it is if there was any kind of recall or whatever on a particular model, they fix that problem...so you get a trouble free car. The warranties are pretty nice, too. Plus, whats the point of buying a new car when you can get a perfectly nice one for a cheaper price(lets say same generation)? I guess you could argue that you dont get to choose the options and all but I dont see any reason for payin top price when you can get one cheaper...just my thought.
Reply
Nick 1:16AM (4/10/2006)
I have a 2004 Chrysler Sebring Limited Coupe that I bought as a certified pre-owned vehicle at 20,000 miles. I got it for two grand under blue book, came with the Carfax report, had the remainder of the warranty, as well as another 80,000 mile powertrain warranty. The dealer was pretty good about it, considering that buying a new car at a dealership sucks too, and the service department treats me like I bought a new car, and tries to fix everything available.
I don't know, I certainly don't regret it. I've purchased three new cars and four used cars in my buying experience. This is probably the best middle ground I could find.
Reply
ME 7:01AM (4/10/2006)
I think Autoblog is obsessed with Chrysler...honestly, enough is enough, who cares.
Reply
Nick 10:40AM (4/10/2006)
ME: I think Autoblog just likes telling good news, and face it, Chrysler's one of the few auto companies with a lot of it nowadays.
Reply
Robert 1:50PM (4/10/2006)
Face it "ME" you are just obsessed with imports, so who cares.
Reply
Alsjeep 6:33PM (4/17/2006)
I think I was one of these statistics. Just picked up a 2003 grand cherokee. The second Jeep for my local dealer and could not be happier with the Jeep and the service from the dealership. My 2005 Unlimited was bought new, so have experience with both. Love both vehicles and will get my son a jeep next year when he is ready.
Reply
dakota 2:18PM (4/18/2006)
How do people consider it's not worth it? I can pick up a year old pickup or car for thousands less than new, oh and forget rebates because you don't know how to actually deal. On top of that only at the time of purchase your offered a comprehensive extended warranty for those 8 years or 80K miles (From in service date and total mileage)thats covers basically everything except normal wear and tear items, plus the factory 3/36 on it. Hell I picked up both our Chryslers as CPO's with less than 20K on each. Ours are daily drivers that take a beating, from rain to snow, ect. I'll save a brand new expensive one for retirement.
Reply
Ivan 4:38PM (5/31/2006)
I just bought a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a 5 star dealer. Even though it had 80K on it it has been very well cared for, and is in great shape. The dealership has treated me very well, and is interested in how I feel about the Jeep and the purchase. I can honestly say that I have been treated as well or better than when I bought my last new car about 10 years ago.
Reply
Jeep 12:05PM (9/15/2006)
Jeeps a great cars
Reply