3 ms·

This is all true; I kinda wonder what prevents dealers from doing this with used and "certified pre-owned" vehicles...

• grandalf 11y ago
  To respond to the grandparent first, suppose the laptop had been used for a day and then returned. We really don't know for certain what criteria Apple uses when it decides whether to have a returned item go on the shelf or into the refurb process. The important thing is that we trust apple that when we buy one labeled "new" we are getting an unfettered piece of hardware with a fresh software load and no measurable wear and tear beyond what is typical for a new device. The certified pre-owned programs are a way that the automotive OEM tries to add respectability to the used car business, which is often a bit shady. When a vehicle has been certified it's been looked over by a mechanic but most importantly it comes with a warranty that rivals a new car warranty. The OEM is taking on financial risk by insuring the vehicle against defect, in order to increase the market price of its used vehicles, which improves leasing residuals and makes it possible for the firm to lease new vehicles less expensively. You've hit upon the key issue, which is that it takes the OEM being willing to (in some way) embrace the used item and take responsibility for it the way it does with a new vehicle. Because of the focus on sales numbers financing that is actually a marketing program, once the vehicle has been sold once the OEM has no incentive to own/sell it again, since it is already "sold" as far as wall street is concerned. So in order for this to change, OEMs would have to make financing and warranty products available that addressed the consumer concerns with a vehicle that someone else drove for a day, week, month, etc.... such as, for example, insurance against the realization a few weeks after purchase that the previous owner had spilled milk on the rear seat and it's now going sour (essentially giving the vehicle a permanent bad smell unless the seat is replaced).. etc.