If I could get a dollar for every time someone asks, “What is the difference between a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru and a regular used Subaru?” I would be a wealthy man indeed. This might be one of the most frequently asked questions in the automotive industry. Part of it has to do with the fact that many advertisers use the words “pre-owned” and “used” fairly interchangeably. However, a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru is not just another used car. This is because of the amazing Subaru Certified Pre-Owned program with all its substantial benefits.
Subaru has established itself as one of the leading brands for drivers who want a reliable car that is built to last. 96% of Subaru models sold over the last decade are still on the road today. This means that Subaru has designed cars and SUVs that won’t break down after the first three years. Too many cars suffer from designed obsolescence, where they begin to have problems as they crest the 60,000-mile barrier on the odometer. This is not the case with Subaru, which, if given routine maintenance, will stay on the road for a good long time. As a result, when you buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Subaru vehicle, you are getting a car or SUV that will provide you with years of great driving.
Only an Authorized Subaru Dealership Can Sell a Real CPO Subaru
Anyone can sell you a used car. This includes any dealership such as an unaffiliated used car dealer, some guy you just met on social media, and even the family down the block. But how well do you know the used car you’re buying? Has it been inspected by a trained mechanic? Have all open recalls been addressed? If it has been serviced, can you be certain that the person doing the repairs used the right parts for the specific vehicle, or did they use an off-market brand? These are all valid questions when you buy a used car, and there really is no way to get a satisfactory answer.
When you buy a CPO Subaru, you are purchasing it from an authorized Subaru dealership (usually). This means that the people who have inspected it are trained to work on all Subaru models. Moreover, you can rest assured that only original Subaru parts were used to maintain your CPO Subaru. This is the peace of mind that you won’t get if you buy a used Subaru from just any old person selling used cars. That goes without saying that there are a few dealerships out there with their own CPO program unaffiliated with the manufacturer – which could be a good or bad thing depending on the program. Always make sure to ask the dealership you work with if the program is their own or if it is backed by the manufacturer.
Only the Best Vehicles Qualify for the Subaru CPO Program
Each CPO Subaru car and SUV must have been sold within the last five model years and have no more than 80,000 miles on the odometer. This ensures that you are getting a more recent Subaru model, so it is likely to be more reliable, dependable, and offer you the latest features you want, like an advanced STARLINK infotainment system or the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology safety features.
152-Point Inspection
Once a used Subaru meets the initial criteria for the CPO program, it will undergo a comprehensive 152-point inspection that was determined by the manufacturer. This includes checks on the vehicle’s tires, interior and exterior condition, engine and transmission, brakes, suspension, safety systems, and infotainment system. Also, the dealer will make sure that there are no warranty exclusions and title issues that will automatically disqualify the specific vehicle from the Subaru CPO program.
The dealer will also perform any scheduled maintenance on the vehicle, including open recalls, so you are getting a CPO Subaru vehicle that is ready to go. Finally, to show the transparency of the entire process, you will get a copy of the full inspection report on the CPO Subaru you are planning to buy. This is not something you will get with a regular used car you may find.
A Choice of Two Great Warranties
Every CPO Subaru model comes with a factory-backed 7-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This covers almost 1,000 component parts of your CPO Subaru, including the engine, transmission, front suspension, steering system, drivetrain, brakes, electrical system, air conditioning, and cooling and fuel systems. If you want, you have the option to upgrade from the “Classic” to the “Gold Plus” plan that extends coverage to an almost complete “bumper-to-bumper” policy. This is almost identical to the coverage provided for a new Subaru model. Best of all, there is no deductible on any component covered by either warranty plan! This coverage is also transferable if you decide to sell your CPO Subaru while it is still under warranty. With a regular used car, you will be lucky if there is any warranty coverage remaining when you buy it.
Roadside Assistance and Other Benefits While Under Warranty
While your CPO Subaru is still under warranty, Subaru will provide you with 24/7 roadside assistance if you experience any difficulty with your vehicle. This includes the cost of towing your CPO Subaru to the nearest Subaru dealership and reimbursement for a rental car while your CPO Subaru is being repaired. In addition, if you opt for the “Gold” plan, Subaru will also reimburse you for lodging and meals if your car’s breakdown interrupts an out-of-town vacation. This coverage includes computerized trip routing, travel assistance, and retailer locator service.
Complimentary CARFAX Vehicle History Report
As part of the 152-point inspection, Subaru will check the CARFAX vehicle history report on the specific car or SUV. This will be done to make sure that there are no issues with the vehicle’s title and to check for other problems, like if the car was deemed a total loss or if it had ever been reported stolen. This CARFAX vehicle history will be given to you as part of the buying process, so you can make sure that the CPO Subaru you are planning to buy has no open issues. Once again, Subaru makes sure that the entire process is transparent.
Special APR financing rates
If you are like most drivers, you may want to finance the purchase of your CPO Subaru. One of the costliest parts of financing is the APR. This stands for Annual Percentage Rate and includes a number of component parts, such as interest rate, mortgage insurance, closing costs, discount points, and loan origination fees. So, the higher the APR, the more your monthly payment will be. Subaru understands why this, which is why it provides special APR rates on most vehicles in its CPO program. This number changes from time to time since one of its component parts is the interest rate, which fluctuates over time. Still, this is another excellent incentive to buy a CPO Subaru.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
If the CPO Subaru you are buying is equipped with a satellite radio, you will receive a free 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM, giving you the best in music, sports, comedy, news, and talk radio. The exclusive content on SiriusXM is second-to-none and gives you the ability to listen to your favorite shows no matter where you go in the continental United States and Canada.
STARLINK Safety Plus Package Trial Subscription
STARLINK is not just the name given to Subaru’s exceptional infotainment system. It is also Subaru’s connected service that includes an optional Safety Plus Package with Automatic Collision Notification. If you are involved in an accident, the STARLINK system will activate, and a Subaru operator will help you with the situation, including contacting first responders to assist you at the scene of the collision. This is just one way that Subaru shows how it puts safety first. You will receive a free one-year trial of STARLINK with your CPO Subaru vehicle.
$500 Owner Loyalty Coupon
When you purchase a vehicle under the Subaru CPO program, you will receive a $500 owner loyalty coupon that can be used towards the purchase of your next Subaru vehicle. This is another way that Subaru shows its appreciation for its customers.
Make Your Next Used Car a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru
As you can see, a CPO Subaru is not just another used car. A CPO Subaru car or SUV gives you the peace of mind that comes with the backing of the Subaru Certified Pre-Owned program and the transparency of a 152-point inspection and a CARFAX vehicle history report. Once you go with a CPO Subaru, we doubt you will ever go anyway else with your next car. If the Subaru reputation for reliable longevity means anything, then that $500 owner loyalty coupon is sure going to come in handy someday in the long distant future.
