CPO (certified pre-owned) deals can often be a great way of buying a nearly new used car while still retaining much of the benefits usually only associated with brand-new models. Manufacturer backed warranties and attractive financing deals as well as multi-point vehicle checks add additional peace of mind to the deals and many shoppers prefer to go this route and avoid the harsh depreciation that usually occurs in the first few years of a new cars life.
But not every CPO deal is identical, finance specifics, checkpoint thoroughness and warranties all vary. So, to save you the hassle of wading through it all, we have picked some of the very best CPO packages as well as some great current financing deals out there.
AudiAll Audi CPO vehicles go through a very comprehensive 300+ point dealer inspection and cannot be over 5-years old with mileage no higher than 60,000-miles. A 24-month/100,000-mile warranty is added on top of the standard warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance is part of the package too. Finance deals are comparable to their new car offerings.
BMWWith the national average for a 5-year loan being just over 4.5%, BMW’s CPO deals on its 2014 and 2015 4 and 5-Series models include a very tantalizing 0.9% financing option over a two-year period. This offer is also available on the i3 electric car and expires at the end of April 2018. All BMW CPO vehicles are 5-years old or newer, have done less than 60,000-miles and are offered with free roadside and BMW assist services. They also get an additional 1-year unlimited warranty extension on top of the original 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.
FordFord is offering a 2.9% APR 60-month finance deal on all CPO vehicles as well as offering a $750 rebate it terms ‘conquest cash’ for certain qualifying customers. This is similar to lease loyalty rewards offered by other manufacturers. All CPO qualifying vehicles get a 172-point inspection, 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty coverage and the balance of a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
InfinitiInfiniti CPO qualifying vehicles need to be less than 6-years old and have covered less than 70,000-miles. They also have to pass a 167-point inspection (don’t get too hooked on how many points each manufacturer covers, some include really trivial items). The warranty lasts up to 6 years (from new) with unlimited mileage and is quite comprehensive, covering major engine, transmission and drivetrain components.
KiaKia offers an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 12-months/12,000-miles of Platinum coverage on all of its CPO deals. Once the initial year of Platinum cover comes to an end, there are five coverage options that offer varying degrees of protection that buyers can choose. All CPO certified vehicles are 5-years-old or newer and have covered less than 60,000-miles.
LexusLexus is currently offering a 2.9% financing deal on IS, ES, ES Hybrid, RX and RX Hybrid models until May 31. All CPO vehicles are less than 6-years old, have under 70,000-miles and come with complimentary factory-specified oil and filter changes for 20,000-mile. The warranty lasts for 6-years (from initial manufacture) and has no mileage limit.
SubaruSubaru offers a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (from date of manufacture) as well as the usual roadside assistance package. There are two CPO upgrade plans available that cover additional components and add perks such as a free loan car and accommodation if you suffer a breakdown. Currently all CPO vehicles built between 2013 and 2018 have special finance rate offers as low as 0.99% for 36-months until the April 30.
ToyotaThe Toyota CPO program started way back in 1996 and it now covers just about every model in the range. Prerequisites are that cars are 6-years-old or newer, have done no more than 85,000-miles and that they pass a 160-point check. A 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (from date of manufacture) and a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty is standard on all vehicles while additional coverage can be added. Most models are also offered with attractive new car financing rates too.
VolkswagenVolkswagen recently introduced a 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new car warranty and as this is fully transferable it should also apply to 2018 model year CPO vehicles. There is also a 2-year powertrain warranty on offer, however you should speak to your dealer to see which warranties apply to the car you are interested in. It currently has a 1.99% APR finance deal on most CPO vehicles until April 30.
VolvoVolvo used cars need to have done less than 80,000-miles and must pass a 130-point inspection to become CPO certified. They are all offered with a 7-year/100,000-mile (From date of manufacture) protection warranty covering items usually reserved for the upgraded warranty offering from other manufacturers. There are also no deductibles charged.
Some PointersDon’t worry too much about how many points the checklist for each manufacturer includes, the ones claiming 200+ items usually include some trivial things to boost the numbers. Almost all CPO deals include 24-hour roadside assistance, transferable warranties and rental car coverage but the exact nature of the coverage can differ so always read the fine print.
A Few More PointersSome CPO deals offer additional plans that add incrementally more comprehensive coverage over the basic warranty and there may also be deductibles so be sure that you are comparing apples with apples. CPO deals can be a great money saver but it may also be worth checking if there are any big promotional deals on new cars at the same dealer as the price difference may not always be as much as you think.
