SHOPSMART AUTOS – CUSTOMER INFORMATION – AUGUST 29, 2021
Certified Pre-Owned Cars: What You Need to Know (PT.2)
How Does a Luxury CPO Program Work?
Like mainstream programs, luxury CPO programs differ between automakers. We’ll take a look at Mercedes-Benz to give you a basic idea of how a luxury CPO program works. For a car to qualify as a Mercedes CPO vehicle, it must be six years old or newer and have less than 75,000 miles. Eligible vehicles are then put through a rigorous, 164-point inspection. If the car still has coverage under its original new-car warranty (four years/50,000 miles), the warranty transfers to the CPO buyer. If the original coverage is expired, or once it does expire, the owner gets an extra year of certified limited warranty with unlimited mileage. There’s also an option to purchase one or two years of additional coverage, which also features unlimited mileage. Extras include 24-hour complimentary roadside assistance and up to $300 in compensation for travel expenses incurred as the result of a covered repair.
Some Certified Cars Aren’t Manufacturer-Sponsored
Keep in mind that not all certified used cars are manufacturer-sponsored. Some dealers have their own certified programs with similar benefits. However, they don’t come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. Additionally, since the dealer is free to set its own parameters for certification, vehicle qualifications and the inspection process may not be consistent with manufacturer standards.
Are There Reasons a CPO Program May Not Be the Best Option for You?
CPO vehicles are more expensive than “regular” pre-owned cars. You’re paying more up front for the inspection, warranty, and various extras in the hope that you won’t have to sink money into the vehicle later. However, there’s no way to forecast what may happen after the warranty expires, or how much repairs may cost. If you opt for a used car without certification, you could use the money you save to cover expenses later. CPO programs also aren’t available for older cars, so if you like to buy low-cost, high-mileage rides, CPO isn’t for you.
Which CPO Program Should I Choose?
Now that you have a general idea of what a CPO program is, how it works, and why you might want to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle, you’ll want to consider which company to buy from. That’s where our team of researchers and journalists can help. We analyzed the CPO programs offered by most major carmakers to find which ones are best for consumers. We gathered data on everything from the lengths and coverage limits of their warranties, to the amount of any deductible you’d need to pay on repairs. We also checked if the CPO programs throw in extras like complimentary maintenance or a free loaner vehicle if your car is in the shop.
Final Thoughts
No matter which path you choose, it’s advantageous to have the used car checked out by a trustworthy, third-party mechanic before you close the deal. This will help you make a more informed buying decision.
Tags: 2019 Subaru Forester Touring, 2020 BMW iX3, 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, 2020 dodge charger, 2020 EQC, 2020 Ford Super Duty, 2020 Honda Pilot, 2020 Kia Optima, 2020 Mercedes Benz, 2020 Nissan Versa, 2020 Subaru WRX STI, Audi SUV, BMW, Brandon K. Hardison, Chevrolet Car, Chevrolet Sonic, Dodge charger, electric vehicles, honda, Honda Pilot, Hyundai SUV, Mercedes Benz, Nissan Rogue, SUV, upcoming car, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line, Volvo Car
Trackback from your site.
