Advice From Satisfied Certified Pre-Owned Buyers

Luxury car owners tell why CPO vehicles were the right choice for them

"When I was recently shopping for a new luxury SUV, I quickly realized my budget wasn't going to get me everything I wanted," says Brian, a marketing executive in Los Angeles with three children and one on the way. "But then I realized I could get the right vehicle at the right price through the brand's certified Pre-Owned program. My money went a lot further."

Brian ended up purchasing a certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz GLS. "It's exactly the car we wanted, and needed," he says with a smile. "The transaction was easy and the price was right. I saved so much money through the Mercedes CPO program I almost couldn't believe it. I'm extremely satisfied with the car and the experience."

Like millions of Americans every year, a Certified Pre-Owned luxury car was the right choice for Brian's family and it may also be the best way for you to purchase the luxury car or SUV you're shopping for. Certified Pre-Owned or CPO programs offer a long list of advantages over the purchase of a new car or a used car from an individual or an independent used car lot.

Although most car companies offer certified pre-owned programs, the concept was pioneered by luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, and they've grown in popularity over the last few decades. To find out why we interviewed satisfied CPO customers around the country who offered a wide range of answers.

Most like the way CPO programs offer an extensive selection of nearly new cars, trucks and SUVs on the very same dealer lots as the automaker's new cars and the vehicles are inspected by the dealer's mechanics, who fix any mechanical issues found. Others said they purchased a certified pre-owned car or SUV because it came with an extensive warranty and represented a great value.

"I'm no car expert," says Sophie, a successful salon owner in San Diego, California. "And my last car was a lemon. It was always in the shop. So this time I bought a certified pre-owned car because they're inspected thoroughly. Before I bought my certified pre-owned Mercedes last year I did quite a bit of research and learned that program gives each car and SUV a comprehensive 165-point inspection. The dealers mechanics look at everything, the entire vehicle, even its suspension, electronics, steering, engine and brakes, everything. If the car passes the inspection, it gets a full service including an oil and filter change."

Mark, a salesman in Los Angeles, liked the fact that most CPO programs only offer low mileage cars, trucks and SUVs from recent model years so they're always in excellent condition. "After doing some research online I realized that the certified pre-owned programs of major automakers screen their vehicles very carefully," he says. "For instance, I purchased my SUV through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program. It only accepts cars six years old or newer that have been driven less than 74,500 miles. The one I bought was practically new."

Like Mark several CPO customers also told us that they like the fact that the cars must have a clean vehicle history report to qualify for a Certified Pre-Owned program, which means they have to be accident free. Cars that have been in accidents or have had major repairs are rejected.

"This was very important to me for my own peace of mind," says Steve, a teacher in New Jersey. "I've always heard that a car that's been in a major accident is never the same again no matter how perfect the repair. And it may not be as safe as before. It's not something I want to think about while I'm driving my kids around." Most certified pre-owned programs offer a free vehicle history report. Buyers should always read it thoroughly.

"The warranty was also a big deal for me," he says. "When you buy a used car from an individual its warranty may have already expired. That seems risky. It would keep me up a night. But all certified pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs come with a warranty."

Steve's Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes is covered by any remaining portion of the Mercedes-Benz four-year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Then, the CPO Limited Warranty provides comprehensive coverage for another 12 months with unlimited miles for a total of up to 5 years of unlimited mileage coverage.

Safety was the deciding factor for Melissa, a mom in Austin, Texas who was buying a car for her teenage son. "It was going to be his first car," she says. "So I wanted something as safe as possible. That's why we bought a CPO Mercedes. Not only are Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes thoroughly inspected and accident free, but they also include free 24-hour roadside assistance. If something goes wrong I know he's not just going to be stuck on the side of the road. With a phone call help will be on its way to him 24/7."

Value is another huge benefit of certified pre-owned programs. Since CPO vehicles are sold at the same dealerships as new vehicles, buyers can benefit from monthly deals and special financing like low annual percentage rates. Over the term of your car loan, they can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Many dealers will also sweeten the deal with an offer of complimentary maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations and inspections, for a predetermined amount of dealer visits over a certain amount of time. These perks can save you hundreds of dollars during the ownership of the vehicle.

"I started off shopping for a new car," says Scott, a screenwriter in Santa Monica, California. "But then I realized how much more car I could buy for the same money with the certified pre-owned program. Because CPO vehicles have already depreciated, they're far more affordable than an equivalent brand new car or SUV. Even with my small budget I was able to step up to a luxury brand, and ended up buying a Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes. It's the fanciest car I've ever owned, I love it."

Some found that shopping for a CPO car was just easier. Less stressful. Favorable deals are usually listed on any dealer's website along with its inventory of vehicles. Each listing has important information about each car and there are a ton of photos, including shots of its interior. Usually you can even negotiate the deal over text and email. Some CPO Programs even offer an exchange policy. Each CPO Mercedes car or SUV comes with a seven-day/500-mile Exchange Privilege. If you're not satisfied with the vehicle in that time, you can exchange it for another CPO vehicle of equal or greater value if you agree to pay any price difference.

"I was having trouble deciding if I wanted a car or an SUV," says John, a satisfied CPO buyer in Las Vegas. "I didn't know what to do. I ultimately chose a Mercedes C-Class figuring if I didn't like it could bring it back and exchange it for an SUV. But I kept the car. I love it. It turned out that a car was right for me after all."