AAA.com
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE | CONTACT US | ABOUT US | LOCATIONS | CAREERS | MEDIA | ONLINE ACCOUNT  
AAA Search
 Search
eUpdate - Subscribe Today!
AAA Certified Vehicle Program
AAA Certified Vehicle - logo
View our Inventory of
Used Cars

Every used car that is under factory warranty is also AAA Certified. These vehicles have passed a rigorous 158-point inspection. AAA Certified also guarantees your vehicle's engine, drivetrain and transmission for 45 days after purchase.

We make car buying an easy and pleasurable experience. Simply let us know what you’re looking for and we will find it., so you don’t have to spend valuable time driving to car lots and making deals. We do it all for you. And our vast network gives us the ability to find just what you’re looking for. You don’t have to settle for a vehicle or features you don’t need or want.

AAA Carolinas has earned the trust of motorists for more than 100 years, so you know our pre-owned cars are the best around.

AAA CERTIFIED VEHICLE 158 CHECKPOINT
Select a category to view a full description.
AUDIO & ALARM SYSTEMS
  • Audio/cassette/CD system: Working, CD cartridge present (if  equipped)
  • Antenna: Present and properly functioning
  • Radio speakers: Stable at high volume
  • Remote entry system: Working(if equipped)
  • Theft-deterrent system: Working (if equipped)
BATTERY SYSTEM
  • Battery: Proper cold cranking amps and reserve capacity
  • Battery: Correct size, installed securely
  • Battery posts: No corrosion present
  • Battery cables: good condition
BRAKING SYSTEM
  • Brakes, calipers, lines and hoses inspected
  • Checked for excessive vibration during braking operation
  • ABS operates on "panic stop"
  • Parking brake: Sets and holds vehicle in place
  • Brake pads/shoes: No less than 50% wear remaining
  • Rotors/drums: No excessive grooving or heat checking
  • Parking brake: Releases completely
  • Free play and travel on brake is normal
EMISSIONS & STATE INSPECTION
  • Perform emissions test and/or state inspection, if required
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
  • Change engine oil and filter
  • Check for evidence of sludge
  • Inspect for fuel, oil, coolant or other fluid leaks
  • Engine cold high idle correct
  • No abnormal engine noise at cold start
  • Throttle does not stick shut on cold start
  • Drivability OK during warm-up
  • Hot drivability OK
  • Engine reaches normal operating temperature
  • Engine fan functions properly
  • No excessive drone or vibration from engine
  • No damage or cracks in drive belts and hoses
  • No damage to engine mounts
  • Check under-hood labels and decals
  • Clean engine compartment  
  • Clean under-hood heat insulator pad
  • Engine free of excessive dressing
  • Air filter check
  • Oil, brake, clutch, transmission, transfer case, washer and power steering fluid levels OK
  • Under-hood fluids clear and uncontaminated
ENGINE COOLANT & HVAC
  • Engine coolant at proper hot and cold levels
  • Coolant specific gravity to -31° Fahrenheit
  • A/C cooling operation normal
  • A/C refrigerant sight glass clear
  • Heater operation normal
EXTERIOR CONDITION & APPEARANCE
  • Exterior clean and free exterior light lenses
  • Outside rearview mirror operates and lens is good
  • Glass free of cracks, stars and large chips
  • Glass is free of improper repairs
  • Bumpers are free of cuts, gouges and scratches
  • Body is reasonably free of dings
  • Paint is reasonably free of scratches and chips
  • Vehicle is free of improper paint repairs or mismatched color
  • Hood and trunk latches working
  • Free of water spots
  • No swirl marks in paint
  • Paint has even, high luster
  • Paint is free of buff able scratches
  • No wax residue
  • Clean wheel wells
  • Acceptable aftermarket items checked
  • Removal of unacceptable aftermarket items
FRAME, STRUCTURE & UNDERBODY
  • Frame/Unibody check
  • Body surface inspected
  • Inspect panel alignment and fit
  • Check lower body and underbody for damage
  • Check exhaust systems and hangers
HYBRID COMPONENTS
  • Hybrid Vehicle Immobilizer System
  • Multi-Information Display
  • Inverter Coolant Level
  • Engine and ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission)
  • ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
  • EMPS (Electric Motor Assisted Power Steering)
  • CCS (Cruise Control System)
  • SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbag
  • HV ECU (Hybrid Vehicle Electronic Control Unit)
  • HV (Hybrid Vehicle) Battery
  • Perform "Onboard Equalizing Charge" of HV Battery using Intelligent Tester
  • Fully charge 12-Volt Auxiliary Battery
  • Clean or replace Air Refiner Filter (A/C or evaporator filter)
  • Check Transaxle "Park" Mechanism
INSTRUMENT PANEL & ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
  • Master key present
  • Fuel gauge reads correctly
  • Battery voltage gauge reads correctly
  • Horn works
  • Airbag deployment/replaced airbag
  • Speedometer and odometer work properly
  • Cruise control operation normal
  • Clock keeps time
  • All wiper speeds work correctly
  • Windshield washer operates
  • Wiper blades are in good condition
  • Wipers return to correct position when turned off
  • All mirrors have full range of adjustment
  • Windows operate normally
  • Window locks operate normally
  • Power windows operate from master switch and all door switches
  • Memory seat control operates properly
INTERIOR CONDITION & APPEARANCE
  • Day/night mirror operates and lens is good
  • Window tinting clear and free of bubbles
  • Cigarette lighter is intact and operates
  • Ashtrays function and are in good condition
  • Ashtrays and lighter are clean; no evidence of use
  • Headliner, sun visors, dash pad, upholstery, console, cup holders, trim panels, floor mats and carpets are in place and in good condition
  • Cup holder extends completely and sturdily
  • Doors open and close correctly
  • Door locks, including child safety locks, work properly
  • Seats, including all position adjusters, work properly
  • Headrests function properly
  • Rear defogger grid lines intact
  • Interior leather, vinyl, plastic, carpet and fabric surfaces are free of holes, rips, tears, excessive wear or fading
  • No evidence of previous improper repairs
  • Inspect seatbelt condition
  • Seatbelts have full range of extension and smooth operation
  • Seatbelts lock up correctly
  • Inside remote release operates normally
  • Interior free of debris
  • Dash and vents are clean and properly dressed
  • All crevices are clean
  • Doorjambs are clean
  • Glove box and console compartments are clean
  • Seats, carpets, floor mats and headliner are free of stains
  • Free of odor, including heavy perfume
  • Glass is clean and streak-free
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
  • Warning lights function
  • High and low beams OK
  • Headlight aim is OK
  • Taillights work
  • Brake lights work
  • Side marker lights work
  • Backup lights work
  • License plate lights work
  • Instrument lights work
  • Heater lights work
  • Dash light dimmer works
  • Turn signals operate correctly and self-cancel
  • Four-way flashers work
  • Defogger indicator light turns on with switch ON
  • Dome/courtesy lights operate with door cycles
STEERING SYSTEM
  • Steering has normal feel in lock-to-lock turning
  • Steering wheel centered in straight line driving
  • Vehicle tracks and drives straight on level surface
  • Tilt steering wheel adjustment works properly
  • No excessive wind noise or buzz
  • No excessive tire vibration or steering wheel shimmy at any speed
  • Interior free of significant squeaks or rattles
  • Inspect steering rack, linkage, bushings, control arms and dust boots
TIRES & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
  • Inspect tires for defects, damage and inflation
  • Minimum of 5/32" tread depth remaining across tread width
  • Wheels are clean and free of brake dust
  • Tires are dressed, not greasy
  • Wheel cover caps secure with no damage
  • Inspect struts/shocks for leaks and wear
  • No damage to CV joints/boots
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE
  • Transmission/clutch operates smoothly
  • Automatic transmission in "ECT" power mode shifts properly
  • Transmission gear ranges engage promptly while shifting when warmed up
  • Transmission shift lock and key interlock system OK
  • Transmission does not shift into overdrive when button is in OFF position
  • Inspect transmission case and pan for leaks
  • No damage to drive and axle shafts
  • Differential fluid level correct
TRUNK COMPARTMENT & SPARE
  • Trunk is clean, free of debris, no stains
  • Trunk light and trunk trim appearance
  • Jack and tools are correct, present and secured
  • Fiber board tire cover is not broken/warped
  • Spare tire present
  • Spare tire and storage areas are clean
  • Spare tire is securely fastened
  • No signs of damage to spare tire
  • Minimum 5/32" tread remaining on spare
  • Spare tire has correct air pressure
VEHICLE HISTORY
  • Provide a CARFAX Vehicle History Report
ADDITIONAL ITEMS, WHERE APPLICABLE
  • "Fade-away" dome light works properly
  • Sunroof/convertible top operates normally through full range of positions
  • Convertible top lockout function operates
  • Radio security codes cleared
  • Navigation system works properly
  • Transfer case smoothly switches from 2WD to 4WD and back from 4WD to 2WD
  • Truck bed is in good condition
  • Truck bed liner is in good condition and secured
  • Tailgate functions properly
  • Rear bumper is in good condition and secured
Join AAA Now
Fuel Information
Internet TripTik
OFFICE LOCATIONSGO MAGAZINEMEDIA CENTERCAREERS PRIVACY PROMISE