A certified pre-owned vehicle is a used vehicle that has been inspected by factory-trained mechanics. It is certified by the manufacturer, and comes with a manufacturer-backed warranty. That is, you don’t have to panic about being scammed or the car’s mechanical condition. And, no more worries about going bankrupt due to unexpected car maintenance and repairs because there is an assured backed warranty.
Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are derived from different sources. When a leased vehicle is returned, or a dealer trades or buys a car at auction, the car is redirected as a CPO prospect. The dealer will inspect the mechanical condition, the miles it’s driven, the time of vehicle purchase, and its history. If it’s in an acceptable condition, they will put it through a reconditioning program and then put it up for sale in the CPO program.
Key Features of a CPO Program
Almost all car models have a CPO program with different features. However, the notable ones are;
Authorized Dealers
Buying a CPO is like buying a new vehicle. This is because only authorized dealers sell CPO vehicles and their brand models. For example, Jeep dealers sell only jeeps, Ram dealers sell only Ram, Dodge dealers sell only dodge, Acura dealers sell only Acura and e.t.c.
So, you don’t have to worry as it is very different from second-hand car dealers where you have little or no information about their vehicles.
Current Vehicle Choices
Many CPO vehicles have fewer than 50,000 original miles of drive and are just several years old or less than that. In most cases, a CPO vehicle younger than three years old will be the same generation as those new vehicles currently on sale. This is because most vehicle makers keep their vehicles in production for at least six years.
Factory Backed Warranties
Another interesting thing about CPO vehicles is that they usually have double warranties. The limited powertrain warranty covers the transmission, engine, and other important, expensive mechanical parts. The other one, the limited bumper-to-bumper warranty, covers issues like the infotainment and air-conditioning system. The powertrain warranty is for thousand miles and multiple years, while the bumper-to-bumper warranty is for a shorter period.
Although, every model CPO program differs in various details. Some CPO warranties begin with the vehicle’s original purchase date, while others begin when the factory warranty ends.
Offers Top Quality Vehicles
All CPO vehicles undergo thorough inspection with factory-trained technicians going through all the maintenance parts. Imagine riding in a used vehicle with more comfort and less worry.
Some Other Special Features
As earlier stated, all CPO programs differ. Some offer special deals on satellite radio subscriptions. And other offers come with a complimentary maintenance schedule. Depending on your CPO model, you could get offers like: free roadside assistance when you have a flat tire, maintenance problem, or run out of gas.
Advantages of Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
Certified pre-owned vehicles have many advantages. Some of them are;
CPO Vehicles Cost Less when Compared to Some Other New Model Vehicles
A CPO vehicle will cost less than another new vehicle model of the same levels and features. Due to the vehicle depreciation rate after some years, its cost will reduce. Some three-year-old vehicles quickly lose 30 percent of their value.
CPO Vehicles Enjoy Limited Warranties
Buying a CPO vehicle puts you at a shallow risk of making the wrong purchase. This is because besides undergoing a thorough inspection, they still enjoy limited warranties on their major mechanical parts and convenience system.
Road Insurance
Just like any other vehicle, a CPO vehicle can still let you down. That’s why many CPO programs offer trip interruption reimbursement. For example, Jeep, Ram, and Dodge offer up to $1000 trip insurance if your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from home. This $1000 covers the meals and lodging expenses.
New, Low Mileage Vehicles
To be certified, many CPO vehicles must be within certain age limits and mileage. Some may be less than six years with about 70,000 miles, while others are lesser. These days, vehicles are leased after two- to- three years. Hence it’s easy to find new, low-mileage models in the market.
Disadvantages of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
There are very few disadvantages attached to a certified preowned car. They include;
CPO Program Vary Widely
Going through a CPO program can be very tiresome. This is because there is no such thing as a standard CPO program. There are only significant components which you must go through well before arriving at a decision. For example, some vehicles come with manufacturer backed and dealership warranties.
CPO Vehicles Cost More when Compared to New Vehicles of the Same Model
In some cases, the CPO vehicle of a model can be less expensive when compared to another new model vehicle. However, a CPO vehicle can cost a few thousand or hundred dollars more than a new vehicle of the same model. This is because there is an agreement to guarantee any breakdown or maintenance repair of a CPO vehicle. Apart from that, the CPO vehicle goes through a thorough reconditioning process.
Less Choices
Finally, there may not be many automobiles available. This is due to the fact that only a small number of used cars are accepted into the CPO program after passing many examinations, meeting low-mileage standards, and being reconditioned. Finding the ideal automobile might be difficult. Additionally, you might need to be flexible in your choice.
Conclusion
Buying a certified pre-owned vehicle is worth it. However, before purchase, you must weigh the benefits the dealership offers. We sell certified pre-owned Jeeps, Rams, and Dodge at Mike Patton Auto Group. Our CPO vehicles include a manufacturer-backed warranty and undergo a series of inspections and reconstruction processes. Visit our website today for more information.
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