10 of the Best Certified Pre-Owned Car Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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