10 of the Best Certified Pre-Owned Car Programs
How do you avoid common pitfalls and find peace of mind buying a used car? One way to shop with confidence is to look for certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. These vehicles were inspected, reconditioned, and are in great condition. In addition, CPO programs each offer benefits like extended warranties, exchange programs, roadside assistance. Comparing all of these programs can be cumbersome, so let’s take a look at what some of the top CPO programs provide side-by-side.
Our straightforward summaries below highlight the most important aspects in any Certified Pre-Owned program.
Age Limit: The vehicle must be less than this number of model years old. An age limit of 5 years in 2017 would mean only 2012 models and later are eligible for the CPO program.
Mileage Limit: The vehicle must have less than this many miles on it.
Inspection: This shows many items were checked and reconditioned to achieve the certification. Each point might be as simple as inspecting the ashtrays to as complex as dynamic compression tests. Having a higher number of inspection points might sound impressive, but not every point is equal. You can check any CPO program’s inspection checklist by visiting the manufacturer’s official website linked in each summary.
Return or Exchange Available: Being able to return or exchange a vehicle after you drive it off the lot makes buying easier. However not all CPO programs offer this.
Warranties: Most CPO programs offer the remainder of the existing warranty and an additional CPO warranty. Each warranty, even on the same vehicle from the same manufacturer, will cover different components and circumstances. Check the fine print from the offer’s website for additional details.
Added Services: From courtesy transportation to trip interruption coverage to vehicle history reports, each CPO program offers many additional benefits.
Here are 10 of the best certified pre-owned car programs on the market today. Take a look and start your car buying journey right!
Acura
Age Limit: 5 years
Mileage Limit: 80,000 miles
Inspection: 182-point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: Yes, mileage
Warranties:
- 12-month / 12,000 mile Limited Warranty (non-powertrain coverage)
- Remainder of 7-year / 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty from the original date of new car warranty registration.
Added Services:
- Trip interruption benefits
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Rental reimbursement benefits
- Acura Concierge service
Acura CPO Program
Audi
Age Limit: 5 years
Mileage Limit: 60,000 miles
Inspection: 300+ point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: Varies by dealership
Warranties:
- Remainder of new vehicle warranty
- 2-year / 50,000 mile comprehensive warranty
Added Services:
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- CARFAX® Vehicle history report
Audi CPO Program
Buick
Age Limit: 6 years
Mileage Limit: 75,000 miles
Inspection: 172-point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: 3 Days / 150 Miles
Warranties:
- 1-year / 12,000-mile bumper to bumper limited warranty
- 6-year / 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
- 2-year / 24,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan
Added Services:
- CARFAX® Vehicle history report
- Special financing for well-qualified buyers
- Courtesy transportation
- Roadside assistance
Buick CPO Program
Chevrolet
Age Limit: 6 years
Mileage Limit: 75,000 miles
Inspection: 172-point miles
Return or Exchange Available: 3 days / 150 miles
Warranties:
- 1-year / 12,000-mile bumper to bumper limited warranty
- 6-year / 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
- 2-year / 24,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan
Added Services:
- CARFAX® Vehicle history report
- Special financing for well-qualified buyers
- Courtesy transportation
- Roadside assistance
Chevrolet CPO Program
GMC
Age Limit: 6 years
Mileage Limit: 75,000 miles
Inspection: 172-point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: 3 days / 150 miles
Warranties:
- 1-year / 12,000-mile bumper to bumper limited warranty
- 6-year / 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
- 2-year / 24,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan
Added Services:
- CARFAX® Vehicle history report
- Special financing for well-qualified buyers
- Courtesy transportation
- Roadside assistance
GMC CPO Program
INFINITI
Age Limit: 6 years
Mileage Limit: Unlimited
Inspection: 167-point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: None
Warranties:
- 6-year / unlimited mile warranty
Added Services:
- CARFAX® Vehicle history report
- Roadside assistance
- Courtesy transportation
INFINITI CPO Program
Mercedes-Benz
Age Limit: 6 years
Mileage Limit: 75,000 miles
Inspection: 164-point inspection by factory-certified technicians
Return or Exchange Available: 7 days / 500 miles
Warranties:
- Remainder of original 4-year / 50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 1-year / unlimited-mile limited warranty
Added Services:
- Roadside assistance
- Trip interruption coverage
- Vehicle history report
Mercedes-Benz CPO Program
Scion
Age Limit: 6 years
Mileage Limit: 85,000 miles
Inspection: 160-point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: No
Warranties:
- 12-month / 12,000-mile comprehensive warranty
- 7-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Added Services:
- 1-year of 24/7 roadside assistance
- Trip-interruption service
- CARFAX® Vehicle History Report ™
- May be eligible for new car financing rates.
Scion CPO Program
Subaru
Age Limit: 5 years
Mileage Limit: 80,000 miles
Inspection: 152-point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: No
Warranties:
- 7 year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty from original warranty start date
Added Services:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
Subaru CPO Program
Toyota
Age Limit: 6 years
Mileage Limit: 85,000 miles
Inspection: 160-174 point inspection
Return or Exchange Available: No
Warranties:
- 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty
- Remainder of original manufacturer 7 year/100,000 powertrain warranty
Added Services:
- Trip-interruption services
- 24/7 roadside assistance for 1 year
- Vehicle history report
Toyota CPO Program
