Honda will announce its program this month, with cars ready at many dealerships by June. The counts are of dubious value. By Toyota's reckoning, for example, making sure the parking brake both sets and releases counts as two checkpoints. The common premise is that everything will be in perfect working order, if somewhat worn. Beyond that general refurbishment, programs vary widely.
Many programs add cut-rate financing and roadside assistance.
For people who would otherwise choose a new car, they may be the best way yet to save a lot of money with very little worry. But buying a used car is about as risky as . . . Take your pick. Recent models don't show much age for a good five or six years, if then. Instead of talking down used cars to pump up new-car sales, the industry is responding much more cleverly.