Have you ever experienced healthy competition? Let’s say that you and your friend are workout partners and challenge one another to lift heavier and run faster. Regardless of who actually lifts the most or runs the fastest lap, you both win because you’re committed to a healthier lifestyle. The same is true for the automotive industry, where automakers compete to deliver the best and most innovative models. In turn, drivers are reaping the benefits with exceptional vehicles that range from stunning new models to the wide selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs sitting on the lot at your local used car dealership.
How exactly can a used car be innovative? More and more drivers are seeing firsthand the rising costs of new vehicles, which is why so many are turning to used or pre-owned models to save thousands of dollars and still enjoy all the bells and whistles that most newer models have to offer. For an even greater value, drivers are looking at certified pre-owned models that are backed by the manufacturer and offer even more perks than a standard used model. What kind of perks? Here are the best CPO programs to look for as you shop at your favorite used car dealer.
#1 Hyundai
Hyundai offers a wide range of affordable models whether you’re looking for efficient sedans like the Accent, Elantra, and Sonata or spacious SUVs like the Tucson and Santa Fe. This diversity and affordability are what attract customers to the Hyundai lineup, especially used models that are lower in price and offer many modern tech, safety, and convenience features. To sweeten the deal, Hyundai’s CPO program is one of the best in America and starts with the complimentary CarFax vehicle history report that gives you a clear picture of the vehicle’s owners, maintenance, repair, and accident history.
CPO-eligible models are less than five years old, have fewer than 60,000 miles, and have passed an extensive 173-point inspection that covers the vehicle’s appearance, mechanical components, and safety features. Hyundai CPO models also come with the remainder of the 5-year or 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and 10 years of roadside assistance. Electric or hybrid models are covered by a 10-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty.
Every CPO Hyundai comes with a trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio to make your drive more enjoyable. Through roadside assistance, you have 24-hour coverage that includes towing, battery jump-start, lock-out service, fuel delivery, and flat tire change. Should your Hyundai break down when you’re 150 miles or further from home, Hyundai will reimburse you up to $100 per day and $500 per occurrence through the Travel Interruption Reimbursement program. You may also qualify for rental car reimbursement for up to $35 per day for up to 10 days.
Highlights:
- Age/Mileage: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Inspection: 173-point
- Vehicle History Report: Included
- Warranty: Remainder of 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Roadside Assistance: 10-years/unlimited mileage
- Perks: SiriusXM, Rental Reimbursement, Travel Interruption Reimbursement
#2 Kia
Kia continues to expand its reputation in the automotive industry by delivering a wide range of capable vehicles. You’ll find models like the Soul are loaded with personality and versatility, while sedans like the K5 and Sedona offer plenty of performance, luxury, and efficiency for your daily commute. SUVs like the Telluride combine form and function with a spacious cabin that’s loaded with tech features and offers the necessary comforts for an adventure with family and friends.
These models are incredibly popular in CPO inventories because of Kia’s commitment to quality and dependability. Eligible models are less than five years old, have fewer than 60,000 miles, and must pass a 165-point inspection. Kia provides the vehicle history report so that you know exactly what you’re getting. To give you even more confidence in your purchase, Kia includes a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty along with a 1-year or 12,000-mile comprehensive platinum coverage that’s transferable and begins the moment you purchase the CPO model. Should your CPO Kia break down and need repairs, you’ll have access to 24-hour roadside assistance, a rental car allowance, and travel breakdown protection when you’re over 100 miles from home.
Highlights:
- Age/Mileage: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Inspection: 165-point
- Vehicle History Report: Included
- Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 1-year/12,000-mile Platinum coverage
- Roadside Assistance: Unlimited mileage
- Perks: SiriusXM, Rental and Travel Reimbursement
#3 Honda
Honda has an extensive reach in the transportation industry, from motorcycles and small engines to exceptional vehicles like the Civic, Accord, Ridgeline, Pilot, and Passport. As one of the most popular brands in America, Honda doesn’t need much of an introduction and is well-known for producing vehicles that can log hundreds of thousands of miles with ease. This is why you’ll find Honda models that run the spectrum of age and mileage on the used lot.
When it comes to CPO models, however, the oldest Honda you’ll find is five years old and has less than 80,000 miles. These models are part of Honda’s Certified CPO program, while models that are less than 12 months old and have fewer than 12,000 miles are included in the Certified+ program. Regardless of the program, the vehicles must pass a 182-point inspection that’s provided to the buyer along with the vehicle history report. Powertrain coverage is also the same with Certified and Certified+ models covered by a 7-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Non-powertrain coverage is the first key difference between the Certified and Certified+ models. Certified models that are still covered by the new vehicle limited warranty will enjoy a 4-year or 48,000-mile extension. If the warranty is expired, the model is covered by Honda’s Certified Vehicle Non-Powertrain Coverage for 12 months or 12,000 miles. Certified+ models are covered by a 5-year or 86,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.
Honda’s CPO programs also include roadside assistance and two complimentary oil changes within the first year. Trip interruption coverage is available for the duration of the non-powertrain coverage, as is Concierge Service. You’ll also receive a trial subscription to SiriusXM.
Highlights:
- Age/Mileage: 5 years/80,000 miles
- Inspection: 182-point
- Vehicle History Report: Included
- Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, either 12-month/12,000-mile or 24-month/50,000-mile non
- powertrain warranty (Certified) or a 5-year/86,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- Roadside Assistance: Duration of limited warranty
- Perks: Two free oil changes, Trip Interruption, Concierge Service, SiriusXM
#4 GM (Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC)
It’s fitting that GM wraps up the list of the best CPO programs in the industry since the program covers models across GM-owned brands––Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC. This means that you’ll enjoy the same perks whether you’re shopping for a luxurious SUV like the Buick Enclave, capable trucks like the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado, or spacious SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. The standard of excellence is the same for every vehicle, and that means even more options for you on the used lot.
To be eligible, GM vehicles must be less than six years old, have fewer than 75,000 miles, have a clean title, and pass a 172-point inspection. Every CPO vehicle comes with a 6-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 12-month or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. With your CPO purchase, you’ll have access to 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation for 6 years or 100,000 miles.
What truly sets GM’s CPO program apart from the others is its number of perks. For starters, GM gives you a 3-day or 150-mile exchange window if you find that you aren’t happy with your CPO model. You’re eligible for a two-year scheduled maintenance program and will enjoy trials to SiriusXM satellite radio and OnStar.
Highlights:
- Age/Mileage: 6 years/75,000 miles
- Inspection: 172-point
- Vehicle History Report: Included
- Warranty: 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
- Roadside Assistance: 6 years or 100,000 miles
- Perks: Courtesy Transportation, 3-day or 150-mile exchange policy, Scheduled Maintenance, OnStar, and SiriusXM trials
Where Will Your CPO Search Lead You?
Now that you know more about the top CPO programs in the automotive industry, are you ready to start shopping? Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and GM have strict CPO eligibility requirements, but these standards ensure every vehicle is operating at its best and is ready to confidently serve you for many miles down the road. These automakers go even further to give you the confidence you need in their CPO models by offering extended warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and numerous other perks that show the manufacturers are there for you no matter where the road leads. This is what makes shopping for a CPO model an excellent investment in your future on the road.
