DETROIT and MONTVALE, N.J. -

Through its development over the years, one of the calling cards of the certified pre-owned industry has been the added “peace-of-mind” that it can offer customers.

And a big part of that comes from the inspection processes that these used vehicles go through before they are ultimately deemed certified.

In fact, at Mercedes-Benz, Scott Penza considers “peace-of-mind for the customer” the No. 1 benefit from the vehicle inspection process.

“The eventual owner of a CPO Mercedes-Benz can rest assured knowing the vehicle they have purchased has been thoroughly examined by factory-trained technicians with deep knowledge of each model's details,” said Penza, who is the manager of pre-owned operations at Mercedes-Benz USA.

“Outfitted with the proper tools, resources and factory support, technicians are able to scrutinize each vehicle, precisely recondition where needed and guarantee adherence to strict CPO program guidelines,” he added. “The customer can buy with confidence.”

Likewise, the leader of the CPO program at General Motors has found that the certified inspection process helps foster peace-of-mind and distinguishes these vehicles from other used units.

“Our CPO program’s 172-point vehicle inspection and reconditioning process is one of the most comprehensive in the industry and really makes the difference between a regular used vehicle and a Chevy, Buick or GMC CPO vehicle,” said Larry Pryg, national manager of GM Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Operations.

“It’s a critical step in the selection and reconditioning process because it helps GM and our dealers ensure that only the best vehicles get the CPO title,” he continued. “Because of its thoroughness, our inspection also gives customers peace-of-mind that they are investing in a long-term reliable vehicle and adds value to their purchase.”

Impact of Hurricane Sandy

The vehicle inspection process has become of even greater importance lately throughout the entire used-car market — not just CPO — in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Penza and Pryg both touched on how this superstorm underscored the importance of vehicle inspections.

Starting with the GM executive, Pryg said, “The events surrounding Hurricane Sandy are obviously terrible and heartbreaking. That said, we always take our inspections seriously, and they are always important; that’s why they are part of our program’s backbone. In addition, our complimentary vehicle history reports ensure that our dealers get the best possible products to certify, and our customers get the best possible products to buy.”

Meanwhile, Penza stressed how there can be “many varying degrees” of damage to vehicles during severe weather.

“For some vehicles, the extent and type of damage will not be readily evident, or, in the case of coastal areas, may only be revealed over time as the effects of corrosive salt water take their toll,” he said. “The inspection process then becomes highly important, and the experience of a factory-trained technician will lead to a much more thorough examination and identification of hidden issues.”

Editor's Note: Be sure to see the Dec. 15-31 print issue of Auto Remarketing, which includes our annual Inspection Connection advertorial feature. This special section includes the industry''s leading inspection companies, who shared with us what they can offer dealers and other players in the used-car business. These leading companies also touched on the value they bring to the business as providers of this important process and more.