Shopping for a used car can be a smart way to save money, but it often comes with concerns about reliability and potential issues. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs offered by automakers aim to alleviate these worries, providing a layer of assurance and benefits that standard used cars typically lack. But with numerous CPO programs available, how do you identify the best options? This guide breaks down some of the top certified used car programs, focusing on non-luxury brands to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs
A Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is more than just a used car. To earn the CPO designation, vehicles must meet stringent criteria set by the manufacturer. These generally include age and mileage limits, and crucially, they must pass a comprehensive multi-point inspection. The specifics of these requirements, as well as the benefits included in the CPO program, are determined by each car brand and can vary significantly. These benefits often include extended warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and other perks designed to give buyers peace of mind.
Best Non-Luxury Certified Used Car Programs – Top Picks
When it comes to non-luxury brands, several automakers offer CPO programs that stand out for their exceptional benefits and coverage. Here are some of the best, offering a blend of robust warranties and valuable extras.
1) Hyundai: Industry-Leading Warranty
Hyundai’s CPO program is frequently praised for its outstanding warranty coverage. A Hyundai CPO vehicle retains the remainder of its original five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original sale date. To qualify as CPO, a Hyundai vehicle must be less than five years old, have fewer than 60,000 miles, possess a clean AutoCheck vehicle history report, and successfully pass a rigorous 150-point inspection.
Extras:
- Roadside assistance: Enjoy peace of mind with 10-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance.
- Warranty Repair Deductible: A low $50 deductible applies to warranty repairs.
- SiriusXM Subscription: Get a three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement: Coverage includes trip interruption reimbursement for unexpected issues while traveling.
Edmunds says: “A typical non-luxury CPO car has only seven years of powertrain coverage from the original date of purchase. Hyundai betters that by three years. The bumper-to-bumper coverage is also better by a year on average, and the roadside assistance term is exceptional. Apart from Hyundai’s corporate partner, Kia, no company has a better CPO warranty than Hyundai.”
Alt Text: Hyundai technician performing a multi-point inspection on a certified pre-owned vehicle, ensuring quality standards.
2) Kia: Extensive Powertrain Coverage and Transferability
Sharing a corporate partnership with Hyundai, Kia’s CPO program mirrors some of the key strengths, particularly in powertrain warranty coverage. Kia CPO vehicles come with the remainder of the original, class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, Kia provides one year or 12,000 miles of “Platinum” coverage, starting from your CPO purchase date, which covers a vast range of vehicle assemblies. Eligibility for Kia’s CPO program includes vehicles under five years old with less than 60,000 miles, a clean AutoCheck vehicle history, and successful completion of a detailed 164-point inspection.
Extras:
- Roadside Assistance: Matching Hyundai, Kia offers an extensive 10-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance program.
- Warranty Repair Deductible: A $50 deductible is required for warranty repairs.
- Transferable Warranty: A significant benefit is the transferable warranty to a private-party buyer, enhancing resale value.
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement: Coverage for trip interruption events.
Edmunds says: “Kia offers the same powertrain warranty coverage as Hyundai, meaning that most of the car’s really expensive oily bits will be covered for a really long time. It differs from Hyundai in two ways: There’s only one year of coverage for everything else on the car, but that’s actually typical for non-luxury CPO programs. The other difference is the Kia has a 164-point inspection, compared to Hyundai’s 150-point.”
Alt Text: Brochure highlighting the extensive warranty benefits of the Kia certified pre-owned program, focusing on powertrain coverage.
3) Honda & Mazda (Tie): Reliable and Comprehensive CPO Benefits
Honda and Mazda’s CPO programs are closely aligned, offering similar benefits that emphasize reliability and comprehensive coverage. Both brands provide a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, calculated from the vehicle’s original purchase date. In addition to this, they offer one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage on top of any remaining original three-year/36,000-mile warranty. To become CPO, Honda vehicles must be under six years old with less than 80,000 miles and pass a 182-point inspection, while Mazda vehicles have similar age and mileage criteria and undergo a 160-point inspection.
Extras:
- Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance is provided for the duration of the warranty period.
- No Deductible: Enjoy warranty repairs without any deductible costs.
- Transferable Warranty: The CPO warranty is transferable to a private-party buyer.
Edmunds says: “The benefits of the Honda and Mazda CPO programs are essentially identical. The seven years of powertrain coverage is longer than what is offered by most luxury brands. With a year of bumper-to-bumper coverage, Honda and Mazda do better than some other brands in this price range, which add nothing on top of whatever is left of the original warranty. Honda and Mazda also have CPO roadside assistance that lasts the length of the warranty, putting them ahead of Toyota, which offers only one year in its otherwise comparable CPO program. And, finally, there are no deductibles.”
Alt Text: Exterior of a Honda dealership showcasing certified used car signage, attracting customers interested in reliable pre-owned vehicles.
4) GM Brands (Buick, Chevrolet, GMC): Added Perks and Exchange Policy
General Motors offers a unified CPO program across its Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, presenting a solid package of warranty and extra benefits. GM CPO vehicles come with a six-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original purchase date and a one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty starting from the used-car purchase date. To qualify, vehicles must be less than five years old, have under 75,000 miles, and pass GM’s comprehensive 172-point inspection.
Extras:
- Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance is provided for the length of the warranty.
- No Deductible: Warranty repairs come with no deductible.
- Transferable Warranty: The warranty can be transferred to a private buyer.
- Complimentary Service Plan: Enjoy a two-year/24,000-mile complimentary service plan, covering two scheduled maintenance visits.
- SiriusXM & OnStar Trial: Includes three-month subscriptions to SiriusXM and GM’s OnStar service.
- Alternate Transportation: GM provides alternate transportation, such as a loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement, if your CPO vehicle requires covered repairs.
- Exchange Policy: A unique perk is a three-day/150-mile exchange policy, allowing you to exchange your vehicle if you are not satisfied.
Edmunds says: “Admittedly, GM’s warranty coverage is shorter than that of many competitors, which offer seven years of coverage compared to GM’s six years. But there’s a CPO perk we think is notable: Should you regret your purchase, you can exchange your car within three days and 150 miles for something of equal value.”
Alt Text: Wide selection of Chevrolet certified pre-owned vehicles on a dealership lot, highlighting variety and availability for customers.
Choosing a certified used car from one of these top programs can significantly reduce the risks associated with buying used. The enhanced warranties, thorough inspections, and additional benefits offered by Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Mazda, and GM brands provide substantial value and peace of mind, making them excellent options for your next vehicle purchase.
