10 Advantages to Buying Certified Pre-Owned Cars and Trucks

by Scott | Jan 31, 2018

Buying a used car or truck can be stressful. What if I buy a clunker? It can also be dangerous. Who knows who you're dealing with on Craigslist and other classified websites? But buying a used car or truck doesn't have to be so scary. Most automakers offer Certified Pre-Owned cars and Certified Pre-Owned trucks on the very same dealer lots as their new cars. These Certified Pre-Owned or CPO programs make the buying process easy and offer a long list of advantages over buying a used car from an individual. And for many car shoppers, a Certified Pre-Owned car or truck also makes more sense than buying a new car, which will radically depreciate during the first few years of ownership.

To help you decide which process is best for you, we made this list of the 10 advantages to buying a certified pre-owned car or truck. Hopefully it makes your car buying process a little easier.

  • Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Cars and Truck
  • Most Brands Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Cars
  • Certified Pre-Owned Programs Offer the Best Cars and Trucks
  • Certified Pre-Owned Cars Vehicles Have Had No Major Accidents
  • Certified Pre-Owned Cars are Rigorously Inspected
  • Certified Pre-Owned Cars Have a Warranty
  • Certified Pre-Owned Cars include Roadside Assistance
  • CPO Special Deals and Financing
  • Most Certified Pre-Owned Programs Offer Free Scheduled Maintenance
  • CPO Safety and Peace of Mind

Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Cars and Truck

One of the greatest things about buying a certified pre-owned or CPO car or truck is the value. Because these vehicles have already depreciated, they're far more affordable than equivalent brand new car or truck. That means you money goes further and your budget will allow you to potentially step up to a luxury brand. Instead of buying that brand new Honda Accord, you may be able to afford a certified pre-owned BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The red one with the turbocharged engine and the navigation system.

Most Brands Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Cars

It wasn't that long ago that only luxury automakers offered certified pre-owned cars and trucks. But now most brands have certified pre-owned programs, so there are so many more options for today's car buyer. Today, popular brands like Kia and Hyundai offer certified pre-owned cars and the market has been extremely accepting of certified pre-owned Toyotas, Fords, Chevys and Hondas, which continue to gain popularity. This expansion of the concept has also made certified pre-owned pickup trucks and certified pre-owned SUVs very popular.

Certified Pre-Owned Programs Offer the Best Cars and Trucks

Manufacturers certified pre-owned programs screen their cars and trucks very carefully. They specialize in low mile examples from recent model years. For instance, Lexus' L/Certified program only accepts cars or SUVs six years old or newer and with only up to 70,000 miles. Certified pre-owed Toyotas are also rigorously screened, and the program has sold over 3 million cars and trucks since it began in 1996. General Motors offers certified pre-owned Chevys, Buicks and GMCs and those vehicles must be newer than 6 years or 75,000 miles.

Certified Pre-Owned Cars Vehicles Have Had No Major Accidents

Aside from their model year and mileage certified pre-owned cars and trucks must also be accident free with no severe impacts or record of major repair. This is extremely important. Vehicles that have experienced such trauma will be less reliable over time and depending on the quality of their repair, may be less safe than a car or truck that has never been in a considerable accident. Damaged frames and suspensions are easy to hide with a new shiny coat of paint.

Certified Pre-Owned Cars are Rigorously Inspected

According to its website, certified pre-owned Toyotas are given a 160 point inspection that covers the vehicles from top to bottom including its suspension, electronics, interior, steering, engine and brakes. The process is even more intense for certified pre-owned Toyota hybrids, which are subject to a 174 point inspection before certification. This is common across the industry. Lexus says its certified pre-owned vehicles are given a 161 point inspection and the inspection for CPO Cadillacs covers 172 points. Certified pre-owned Nissans are given a 167 point inspection. Plus, most certified pre-owned programs offer a free vehicle history report.

Certified Pre-Owned Cars Have a Warranty

Buying a used car without a warranty can be risky. Car repairs and maintenance are expensive. The fact that all certified pre-owned cars and truck come with a warranty is a big advantage over other used car options. However, the extent of the coverage does vary between brands. Certified pre-owned BMWs come with coverage for one year with no mileage restriction beyond the vehicles original warranty. The coverage on a certified pre-owned Lexus is similar, while certified pre-owned Nissans come with remainder of their 7 year or 100,000 mile new car warranty.

Certified Pre-Owned Cars include Roadside Assistance

Even the best cars can breakdown, which is why most certified pre-owned programs include free 24-hour roadside assistance. It's a wonderful safety net when you're out on the road, but every CPO program handles its duration a little differently. For instance, buy a certified pre-owned Nissan and free 24-hour roadside assistance is available for the remainder of the vehicle's 7 year or 100,000 mile new car warranty. Buyers of a certified pre-owned BMW is offered the service for 6 years/unlimited miles from the vehicles original in-service date.

CPO Special Deals and Financing

Because certified pre-owned cars and trucks are sold at the same dealerships as new vehicles, buyers can benefit from monthly deals and special financing like low annual percentage rates. Potentially these can save you thousands of dollars during the term of your car loan. Google certified pre-owned car dealerships by me and start shopping. Usually these favorable deals will be listed on any dealer's website.

Most Certified Pre-Owned Programs Offer Free Scheduled Maintenance

Most CPO Programs sweeten the purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned car or truck with additional perks including free scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations and inspections. This can save you hundreds of dollars during the ownership of the vehicle. Some will also include a loaner car while your oil is being changed. Buy a certified pre-owned Lexus and you get complimentary maintenance for the first four factory recommended services for the first two years or 20,000 miles. And certified pre-owned Chevys come with two free maintenance visits within 2 years or 24,000 of the date of purchase.

CPO Safety and Peace of Mind

Buying a used car is exciting and fun. But it can also be daunting and scary. Buying a certified pre-owned vehicle from a reputable car dealer in your area can be far less stressful and risky than purchasing a used car or truck from an online classified ad or some scary Larry on the street corner. CPO vehicles offer the peace of mind that comes with high quality cars that have received thorough inspections and the dealer will walk you through every step of the process. No scams.