Manheim says more and more of its customers are taking advantage of used-vehicle certification programs offered at its auctions.

To be eligible for certification, used vehicles must meet certain age and mileage criteria and other factors. Certified used vehicles undergo comprehensive mechanical and body inspections and reconditioning by technicians before being sold.

“Having a certified used-vehicle program enables you to create a dedicated dealer base and following where dealers can buy used vehicles with confidence,” said Howard Segal, national remarketing manager for Bank of America.

Last year, about 18 percent of the used vehicles that Bank of America remarketed through auctions were certified units, but Segal said he would like to increase that number to about 25 percent in 2003.

In addition to the growth of its certification programs, Manheim says in 2002 it conducted a record number of post-sale inspections on used vehicles, which were purchased by dealers. As a result, Manheim Auctions is rolling out a new pre-sale inspection program designed for older model, lower-priced vehicles.