PROGRAM CARS

PROGRAM CARS

The term "program vehicle" usually refers to a new car that has been used for test drives throughout the year that the car was released. It is essentially a slightly used car with (usually) low miles on it. Often the car dealership will still include a full warranty on these cars

Many major automobile manufacturers, including the big three domestic producers Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors, release thousands of nearly new vehicles for sale at dealer auctions every year. These vehicles are known in the industry as program cars.  It has been discovered that many potential buyers don't have a good grasp on what a program car really is.

You can obtain a car that is only a few months old for savings of between 30-45% off the cost of a new one. The remaining full manufacturers warranty is still in effect on these cars.

Many consumers seem to be under the mistaken impression that corporate lease vehicles, particularly those from rental companies, are somehow mechanically inferior. Just the opposite is true. When an individual purchases a new car, he or she may or may not follow the manufacturer's recommendations for service procedures. Buying a one year old car from a private seller is a shot in the dark as far as maintenance is concerned. However, the maintenance programs at major rental companies far exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations.. DAG never purchased a program car that needed any type of service work done. They have all been in outstanding mechanical condition.

Major rental firms, like Hertz, Enterprise and Budget, turn their cars over after they are between 6 and 12 months old. Part of the lease agreement states that the automobile manufacturer will accept the lease vehicle back once the time period, or mileage limit, is reached. The automobile manufacturers then take these corporate lease returns, or program cars, to a licensed dealer-only auction and sell the autos.