Most car purchases are used, not new. When people shop for used cars, we feel relieved when we see a sign that says “certified.” So what does that mean? Well, certified used cars sometimes are good deals, but most of the time means absolutely nothing. Car dealers have learned that people are willing to pay more for certified used cars, so they started adding thousands of dollars to the car cost. But there is no legal definition of the word “certified” when it comes to used cars. And even if the car is certified, you should still get it inspected by an independent mechanic. The only legitimate certified cars are those that are certified by the manufacturer. This means that in return for your money, you have a meaningful extension on the warranty that comes with the vehicle. The idea came about from luxury automakers who wanted more cache for their used cars. Lexus, for example, certifies the car is not above a certain age and the mileage is not past a certain limit. Jaguar is known for having the best program. So, does the manufacturer actually certify the vehicle? No, it's an agreement between the manufacturer and the dealership that the car has been overhauled and inspected. So, it's hard to know if the work has really been done. Yet another reason why you should always have a car checked by an outside mechanic before your purchase it.