Purchasing a used car can be a smart financial decision, offering significant savings compared to buying new. However, the used car market can be daunting due to concerns about vehicle history and potential mechanical issues. This is where Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs come into play, offering a layer of security and peace of mind. But with numerous automakers offering CPO programs, the question arises: which car company has the best certified pre-owned program?
Before diving into the top contenders, let’s understand what exactly a CPO program entails. To qualify as certified, a used vehicle must meet specific criteria set by the manufacturer. These typically include age and mileage limits, and importantly, a rigorous multi-point inspection. The specifics of these requirements, as well as the benefits offered, vary significantly between car companies. CPO programs are designed to give buyers confidence by providing extended warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and other perks that are not typically included with standard used car purchases.
Let’s explore some of the top non-luxury CPO programs that stand out in the market, offering substantial benefits to used car buyers.
Top Non-Luxury CPO Programs
1) Hyundai: Comprehensive Warranty and Roadside Assistance
Warranty: Hyundai’s CPO program boasts impressive warranty coverage. It includes the remainder of the original five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original vehicle sale date.
Eligibility: To become Hyundai CPO, vehicles must be less than five years old, have fewer than 60,000 miles, possess a clean AutoCheck vehicle history report, and pass a detailed 150-point inspection.
Additional Perks:
- Roadside assistance: An exceptional 10 years/unlimited miles, providing long-term security.
- Warranty repair deductible: A modest $50 deductible per repair visit.
- SiriusXM subscription: A three-month trial to SiriusXM satellite radio for entertainment.
- Trip interruption reimbursement: Coverage for unexpected breakdowns during trips.
Hyundai’s CPO program excels due to its extensive warranty coverage, particularly the powertrain warranty that significantly exceeds the typical non-luxury CPO offerings. The long roadside assistance term further enhances its value, making it a top choice for buyers seeking long-term reliability and support.
2) Kia: Long Powertrain Warranty and Platinum Coverage
Warranty: Mirroring its corporate partner Hyundai, Kia offers a standout 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original sale date. Additionally, Kia provides one year or 12,000 miles of “Platinum” coverage, starting from the CPO purchase date, which covers a wide array of vehicle components.
Eligibility: Kia CPO vehicles must be under five years old, have less than 60,000 miles, have a clean AutoCheck history, and pass a rigorous 164-point inspection.
Additional Perks:
- Roadside assistance: 10 years/unlimited miles, matching Hyundai’s generous offering.
- Warranty repair deductible: $50 deductible, similar to Hyundai.
- Transferable warranty: A valuable feature, the warranty can be transferred to a private-party buyer, increasing resale value.
- Trip interruption reimbursement: Provides financial protection during breakdowns away from home.
Kia’s CPO program is highly competitive, primarily due to its industry-leading powertrain warranty. While the “Platinum” coverage is for a shorter duration than Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper, it provides solid protection for crucial vehicle systems beyond just the powertrain. The transferable warranty adds an extra layer of appeal.
3) Honda and Mazda (Tie): Balanced Coverage and Transferability
Warranty: Honda and Mazda’s CPO programs are virtually identical, offering a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original purchase date. They also include one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage starting from the CPO purchase date, on top of any remaining original warranty.
Eligibility: Honda and Mazda CPO vehicles must be less than six years old, have under 80,000 miles, and pass stringent inspections – 182 points for Honda and 160 points for Mazda.
Additional Perks:
- Roadside assistance: Matches the warranty length, providing peace of mind for the duration of the coverage.
- No deductible: Warranty repairs come with no out-of-pocket deductible costs.
- Transferable warranty: Like Kia, both Honda and Mazda offer transferable warranties, enhancing resale value.
Honda and Mazda’s CPO programs stand out for their balance of powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage, coupled with no deductibles and transferable warranties. The seven-year powertrain warranty exceeds many luxury brands, and the inclusion of bumper-to-bumper coverage is a significant advantage over programs that only offer powertrain extensions.
4) GM Brands (Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC): Service Plan and Exchange Policy
Warranty: GM’s CPO program for Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC offers a six-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original purchase date and a one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty from the CPO purchase date.
Eligibility: GM CPO vehicles must be less than five years old, have fewer than 75,000 miles, and pass a comprehensive 172-point inspection.
Additional Perks:
- Roadside assistance: Matches the warranty duration for consistent support.
- No deductible: Warranty repairs are performed without any deductible.
- Transferable warranty: The warranty is transferable to subsequent private owners.
- Complimentary service plan: A two-year/24,000-mile service plan covering two scheduled maintenance visits.
- SiriusXM and OnStar trial: Three-month subscriptions to SiriusXM satellite radio and GM’s OnStar service.
- Alternate transportation: Provision of a loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement if the CPO vehicle requires warranty repairs.
- Exchange policy: A unique benefit allowing for vehicle exchange within three days or 150 miles if unsatisfied.
While GM’s powertrain warranty is slightly shorter than some competitors, its CPO program compensates with valuable extras like a complimentary service plan and an exchange policy. The inclusion of scheduled maintenance and the option to exchange the vehicle provides added convenience and risk mitigation for buyers.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best CPO Program
Determining the “best” CPO program ultimately depends on individual priorities. If a long powertrain warranty is paramount, Hyundai and Kia stand out with their 10-year/100,000-mile coverage. For a balanced approach with strong powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage, Honda and Mazda are excellent choices. If additional perks like included maintenance and an exchange policy are appealing, GM brands offer compelling advantages.
When considering which car company has the best certified pre-owned program, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the warranty terms, inspection process, and extra benefits offered by each manufacturer. By understanding the nuances of each program, you can make an informed decision and drive away with a used car that provides both value and peace of mind.
