Certified Pre Owned Subaru

Within the last five years, the number of certified pre owned vehicles sold have grown dramatically. Buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) car is a great way to eliminate doubts about the condition of the vehicle, as this is the number one reason consumers may shy away from used cars in this first place. Sold from a dealership of the same brand, CPO vehicles go through extensive inspections and are reconditioned with factory parts. They also come with the best warranties. A typical warranty may be a one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, although this varies among the automakers. The CPO market has expanded over the past few years, and continues to grow, so this type of used car should be readily available.

The Pros and Cons of CPO

For this coverage, of course, you have to pay a price as CPO cars are typically the most expensive used car option. Consumers will have to pay at least $1,000 or more for this peace of mind. If you want a luxury CPO vehicle, expect to pay a premium of almost $3,000 for a 2006 model. But what makes a CPO so great? Before a certified pre owned vehicle (CPO) ever hits the lot, it must undergo a multi point inspection, and if anything is wrong, it must be fixed.  Buying a CPO is a sure way to feel more confident about owning a used car.  If anything goes wrong within the period of the warranty, you will not be strapped with enormous repair bills.  This may give some in search of a used car a peace of mind.  New vehicles depreciate at a rate of about 20% a year and this is a major factor in making a CPO a worthwhile investment, because, despite the additional cost involved in the inspection, refurbishment and warranty, it is still a good deal.

Which Cars Qualifies for CPO

 Certified used cars include only vehicles that are under 5 years and have a mileage of under 100,000.  Only vehicles that have had no major bodywork from prior accidents are used.  Some programs offer cash incentives, low interest loans, and an exchange policy.  Finance and lease deals are being extended to a used vehicle. This was virtually unheard of in the past, and is what really separates certified pre-owned vehicles from other used cars.  This new option for used cars is one of the reasons that has persuaded new car buyers to enter the used car realm.

The Multi-Point Inspection

Every CPO will undergo an inspection with 75 to 140 points, all programs work differently and some will even include more than this.  You should assume that the vehicle has been refurbished in these areas if it passed the inspection to get a certification.  Looking at these points you can identify any major work that has been done, that otherwise would have been very expensive to fix.  Some of the key inspection points are: suspension (alignment, tire wear, tie rods, ball joints), interior check (airbag functions, interior light function, audio system, etc.), Road Test (transmission issues, clutch, steering, brakes/ABS, and gauge performance), the VIN Inspection, which includes emissions regulations, any possible recalls, and VIN code issues, brakes (hydraulics, brake lines, rotors), fuel systems, which covers the fuel lines, the pump, and oil pressure, exterior check (frame/ past accident damage), and the powertrain, looking for any fluid leakage, oil issues, timing belt and cylinder efficiency

CPO Warranty and Price

Because it is a CPO vehicle, this does not mean the price is non negotiable. The price for a certified vehicle with a warranty is likely to be higher than a used car of the same model, but researching online will give you a starting point for negotiating.  It is very important to read all paper work and fine lines. If there is something that is unclear or you do not understand, make sure you ask questions. There are many details to know about the warranty. What exactly does the warranty covers and will you need to pay a deductible for qualifying repairs.  If the make of the vehicle is known for quality and low maintenance, a shorter warranty may be fine. Find out where you must bring the car for warranty work - the original dealer, any same-brand dealership or some type of independent repair shop. Ask what you're required to do in emergencies if no dealer is nearby. Note whether the certification is transferable if you sell the car and, if so, whether there's a transfer fee. Most programs offer an extended warranty beyond the CPO warranty, but each program differs in cost and features.  Find out the details before you decide to add this on.

Is CPO Price Worth It?

Although not everyone will find the added price worthwhile, CPOs offer an excellent new alternative to buying new, especially with the economy the way it is today. But, again, buying a certified pre owned vehicle may not be for everone. Many organizations have come on board to sell CPOs, including the more traditional automotive manufacturers, but also dealers and third-party suppliers.  Certified used cars are part of the used car future, they give consumers an affordable option for warranties and financing, but most importantly, a peace of mind that is unique throughout the used car buying process. Wondering more about Subaru's CPO program? Visit the official Subaru CPO page for more research.