Audi then finalizes certification, providing the warranty and roadside assistance package. The most important criteria is that the car has never been in an accident or otherwise significantly damaged. Audi is pretty particular about which cars are certified, Mike said, and doesn't want any kind of questionable history. Certified pre-owned cars have three origins, Mike related. Auctions provide cars from factory sales, which are either demo cars or lease returns, as well as consignment cars, typically traded in to dealers as part of a new-car purchase.
Private parties provide the rest, either wholesalers or customers who are ready for another car.
When initially inspecting a car, Mike is more systematic than most buyers. His first look is at the paintwork, especially fenders and quarter panels. If a repair has been made, it was probably color-sanded, which is given away by a slightly smoother texture in metallics. His next step is to raise the hood. He looks for bolts with tool marks on them, from being loosened and retightened, and checks to see that the caulking is even from side to side.