Are certified pre-owned cars worth the extra money?
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Despite the increasing numbers of cars tagged as certified pre-owned, it's still possible to find quality, late-model used cars at reputable dealers without the pricey CPO label.

However, if your first priority in buying a used car is minimizing the risk of getting a lemon, certified pre-owned vehicles can make a lot of sense. Here are the steps to take to make sure that you get the maximum bang for your buck when buying a certified pre-owned car.

Do your certified pre-owned homework Certified pre-owned cars cost more than other used cars. Customers should take these six steps before spending the extra amount.

Before you buy certified pre-owned ... 1. Read the fine print. 2. Get manufacturer's backing. 3. Compare certified pre-owned programs. 4. Research prices and dealers. 5. Negotiate. 6. Check the car inside and out.

1. Read the fine print before you buy. When buying certified pre-owned autos, customers are paying significant amounts for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that if something breaks, they won't have to pay big bucks to fix it. But, says Weathers, "make sure that the peace of mind you're paying for is spelled out in a contract."

If the certified pre-owned car comes with an extended warranty, scrutinize it carefully. Usually, the question isn't whether the warranty is limited, but how limited it is. Depending on the manufacturer, many repairs may not be covered. Also, check out the certified pre-owned paperwork itself. Read the Carfax report and the inspection report. If the warranty is weak or the inspection spotty, consider going elsewhere.

2. If it's not backed by the manufacturer, watch out. Some independent dealerships and used-car lots offer their own form of certification, providing a service contract with a used car and then deeming it "certified." Exercise caution with these types of CPO programs and make sure you know who is backing them.

"The question buyers should ask is: 'If it does break down, who fixes it?'" says Reed. "The answer should be: The dealer and using original parts."

3. Compare CPO programs before you buy. Many of the details of what individual certified pre-owned programs include are available on the manufacturers' Web sites. If you haven't decided what brand of car to buy yet, this information can help you decide which certified pre-owned program is right for you. You can also find information about certified pre-owned programs on Web sites such as Edmunds.com and Cars.com.