If you’ve spent any time shopping for a used vehicle, you have likely seen certified pre-owned (CPO) cars alongside other dealer inventory. Although CPO program benefits and requirements vary widely among automakers, all include a pre-sale inspection, and most offer some degree of warranty protection. Certified pre-owned vehicles generally cost more than standard used vehicles, but the cost-benefit analysis is not always clear.

This quick guide can help reduce confusion at the dealership by outlining what to consider when determining whether a CPO vehicle is the right fit for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Let’s get rolling.

What Makes a Good CPO Program?

The best CPO programs offer strong warranty coverage, generous add-on benefits, and a thorough inspection process. An easy service experience falls under warranty coverage, but it is an important part of the overall CPO process. Automakers with top CPO programs do not charge deductibles, and they make it easy to get service for covered issues. Finally, it’s also a good idea to review each company’s CPO documentation to make sure you understand what is covered and which costs may apply.

Warranty Coverage

One of the most significant benefits of buying a certified pre-owned vehicle over a standard used vehicle is the warranty coverage. The language around those warranties can be confusing because some automakers describe them in terms of mileage and time limits, while others activate the CPO warranty when the original factory coverage expires. In the first case, a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty means ten years or 100,000 miles from the car’s original in-service date, which is when it was first sold. The latter means that the CPO warranty coverage begins when the factory warranty ends, and that timing can vary widely depending on the vehicle’s age and mileage.

Some automakers’ factory warranty coverage is strong enough to effectively double as CPO protection. For example, Kia and Hyundai’s powertrain warranties run 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date. Kia’s CPO program adds one year or 12,000 miles of exclusionary (basically bumper-to-bumper) coverage, while Hyundai adds five years or 60,000 miles of comprehensive coverage, though that also starts on the vehicle’s original sales date.

Additional Costs 

Certified pre-owned vehicles are more expensive than comparable non-certified vehicles, but some programs can have extra costs after the purchase. Kia and Hyundai charge a $50 deductible for covered repairs, while Ford and others charge $100. Other CPO benefits may have limits, beyond which you’ll be responsible for payment. For example, many programs offer rental car reimbursements with daily limits, such as Hyundai’s $35 per day for 10 days. If you require a more expensive rental or need to keep it for longer than 10 days, you may be responsible for those charges.

Inspection Process

Most CPO vehicles undergo an extensive pre-sale inspection, and it’s important to make sure you understand the steps involved in that process. Honda’s program involves a 182-point inspection, while Chevrolet’s has 172. Electric and hybrid vehicles may have different inspection requirements, but it’s a good idea to review the documentation before purchasing, if possible.

Additional Features

Warranty coverage is just the beginning for some CPO vehicles. The best programs offer roadside assistance, loaner vehicles during service visits, and complimentary services for a year or more after the sale. Some cover rental cars and trip interruption, and many come with free trials of SiriusXM radio.

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