When you’re in the market for a used car, navigating the options can feel overwhelming. Beyond the typical used car, there’s a category that offers extra assurance: Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. But what exactly makes a car “certified,” and which programs truly stand out?
To earn the CPO distinction, a used vehicle must meet specific criteria set by the manufacturer. These generally include age and mileage limits, along with a rigorous multi-point inspection. The specifics of these requirements, as well as the warranty coverage and additional perks, vary significantly from one carmaker to another. This variability means some CPO programs offer far greater value and peace of mind than others.
So, which CPO programs are truly the best? We’ve evaluated the landscape and identified ten exceptional programs. To help you focus your search, we’ve categorized them into non-luxury and luxury programs. Here, we delve into the top non-luxury CPO programs that provide outstanding benefits for used car buyers.
Top Non-Luxury Certified Pre-Owned Programs
1) Hyundai
Warranty Coverage: Hyundai’s CPO program stands out with the remainder of the original five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Certification Requirements: To qualify as a Hyundai CPO vehicle, cars must be less than five years old, have fewer than 60,000 miles, possess a clean AutoCheck vehicle history report, and successfully pass a comprehensive 150-point inspection.
Program Perks:
- Roadside Assistance: Enjoy robust roadside assistance coverage for 10 years with unlimited miles.
- Warranty Repair Deductible: A modest $50 deductible applies to warranty repairs.
- Non-Transferable Warranty: The warranty is non-transferable to subsequent owners.
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio: A complimentary three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio is included.
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement: Benefit from trip interruption reimbursement in case of covered breakdowns.
Expert Insight (Edmunds): “The typical non-luxury CPO car offers seven years of powertrain coverage from the original purchase date. Hyundai surpasses this by three years. Their bumper-to-bumper coverage also exceeds the average by a year, and the roadside assistance term is exceptional. Aside from Kia, Hyundai’s corporate partner, no other company offers a superior CPO warranty.”
2) Kia
Warranty Coverage: Kia mirrors Hyundai’s powertrain warranty with the remainder of the original 10-year/100,000-mile coverage. Additionally, Kia provides one year or 12,000 miles of “Platinum” coverage, starting from the CPO purchase date. This Platinum coverage is described by Kia as encompassing “almost all assemblies” within the vehicle, offering broad protection.
Certification Requirements: Similar to Hyundai, Kia CPO vehicles must be under five years old, have less than 60,000 miles, have a clean AutoCheck vehicle history report, and endure a thorough 164-point inspection.
Program Perks:
- Roadside Assistance: Enjoy the same extensive 10-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance as Hyundai.
- Warranty Repair Deductible: A $50 deductible is required for warranty repairs.
- Transferable Warranty: A notable advantage over Hyundai is that Kia’s CPO warranty is transferable to a private-party buyer.
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement: Trip interruption reimbursement is included.
Expert Insight (Edmunds): “Kia matches Hyundai’s outstanding powertrain warranty, ensuring major engine and drivetrain components are covered for an extended period. While Kia’s comprehensive coverage is limited to one year, this is typical for non-luxury CPO programs. Kia’s 164-point inspection is slightly more rigorous than Hyundai’s 150-point process.”
3) Honda and Mazda (Tie)
Warranty Coverage: Honda and Mazda’s CPO programs are remarkably similar, offering a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the vehicle’s original purchase date. They also add one year or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage on top of any remaining portion of the original three-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Certification Requirements: Both Honda and Mazda require vehicles to be less than six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles to qualify for CPO status. Honda vehicles undergo a 182-point inspection, while Mazda vehicles are subject to a 160-point inspection.
Program Perks:
- Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance coverage matches the warranty length for both brands.
- No Warranty Repair Deductible: Neither Honda nor Mazda impose a deductible for warranty repairs.
- Transferable Warranty: Both warranties are transferable to private-party buyers.
Expert Insight (Edmunds): “The Honda and Mazda CPO programs are virtually identical in their benefits. The seven-year powertrain warranty exceeds what most luxury brands provide. The additional year of bumper-to-bumper coverage sets Honda and Mazda apart from some competitors in their price range that offer no extra coverage beyond the original warranty. Honda and Mazda’s roadside assistance, lasting the duration of the warranty, is superior to Toyota’s, which only offers one year despite an otherwise comparable CPO program. Furthermore, neither brand has deductibles.”
5) GM Brands: Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC
Warranty Coverage: General Motors (GM) brands, including Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC, provide a six-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original vehicle purchase date. They also include one year or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage starting from the used car purchase date.
Certification Requirements: GM CPO vehicles must be less than five years old, have fewer than 75,000 miles, and pass GM’s comprehensive 172-point inspection.
Program Perks:
- Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance is provided for the duration of the warranty.
- No Warranty Repair Deductible: There is no deductible for warranty repairs.
- Transferable Warranty: The warranty is transferable to private-party buyers.
- Complimentary Service Plan: Enjoy a two-year/24,000-mile complimentary service plan covering two scheduled service visits.
- SiriusXM and OnStar Subscriptions: Receive three-month subscriptions to both SiriusXM satellite radio and GM’s OnStar service.
- Alternate Transportation: If your CPO vehicle requires warranty repairs, GM offers alternate transportation, either through a loaner vehicle from the dealership or reimbursement for rental car costs.
Expert Insight (Edmunds): “While GM’s warranty coverage is shorter than some competitors, which offer seven years compared to GM’s six, a notable perk is their exchange policy. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can exchange your CPO car within three days and 150 miles for another vehicle of equal value.”
Choosing a certified used car can be a smart move, offering enhanced protection and peace of mind compared to a standard used vehicle purchase. Programs like those from Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Mazda, and GM brands provide compelling benefits, making them excellent options to consider when shopping for your next car. Carefully evaluating the warranty coverage, program perks, and certification requirements of each brand will help you make an informed decision and drive away with confidence.
