1988cherokee

Not sure if a thread was started about finding stuff in your used truck:
while I was adding power folding mirrors and spot lights to my truck, I found a cell gps tracking device strapped to where the spot light module goes. It was hooked up to several wires on the column, I called my salesman that sold me the certified used truck and told they don’t take apart vehicles to look for after market products. I removed it, but I’m guessing the original owner had it added and glad he didn’t shut down the truck when I was driving it. Wondering if there’s anything else hidden in the truck?

What did you find?

C17chief

I'd be surprised if the previous owner did it. It's more likely the original dealership did it. It's to track down the vehicle for repo purposes if required. Seems like it's a somewhat common practice.

Wanna Ride

I chuckle every time I hear the phrase “certified” vehicle. What it really means is, “used”. But some marketing genius (at least what they like to refer to themselves as), came up with that phrase because they can make it sound more legitimate, or exclusive.

Anyways, I bought a used SportTrac about eight or ten years ago, and found a handheld, two-way (Motorola, maybe?) radio behind the back seat. I initially called the dealership and told them I found something that belonged to the guy that traded it in, and would like to return it to them. Then the salesman slipped up and told me they bought the SportTrac at auction. Well, that story didn’t align with what I was told when I was looking to buy it. So I kept the radio and looked it up online, and discovered it was worth about $300, new. I posted it on ebay and it sold for about $250.

FordGate

Ha ha exactly correct. They don't do spit to them. Reset the oil change meter (most likely without even changing the oil), wash it and put it on the lot.

EcoBoostCory1988

I've never bought a certified vehicle but most I've seen are advertised with a warranty at least.

JoeInPI

Correct. My certified had the additional (up to) 5 years/50k miles full, and (up to) 10 years 100k miles powertrain warranty. Also came with lockout and towing services for the warranty time. I also got new wiper blades lol

But yeah- "Local trade" means "we bought it from a dealer or auction in Canada" now... Can't find a used truck up here in Northern Michigan that wasn't originally sold in Canada. Mine is, and I'm cool with that.

rmc63

Worked in Lexus parts for one year, you know what made a used Lexus "certified"? An oil change and a new cabin filter !

JoeInPI

Yeah, I don't put much faith in the "24,396 point inspection" but as long as it's warrantied that's all good lol

Wrenchbender

When are Buyers going to Stop buying anything that says Certified, That word should be called Certifiable out of there right Mind. Stop buying into that Term.

wolf8218

You people are retarded. Take your feet out of your mouths.

1) You get a huge warranty extension
2) Your bank lowers your interest rate
3) Service courtesies are extended to a point you'd never get on a used vehicle
4) Further extended service plan warranties are hugely discounted if your vehicle is CPO