Buying a used car can be a smart financial move, but it often comes with concerns about reliability and potential hidden issues. This is where Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs come into play, offering peace of mind by providing manufacturer-backed warranties and rigorous inspections. But with numerous automakers offering CPO programs, the question remains: Who Has The Best Certified Used Car Program?
To help you navigate this crucial decision, we’ve analyzed the top CPO programs available, highlighting what makes each stand out. We’ve broken down the best non-luxury programs to give you a clear comparison and help you determine which brand offers the most comprehensive coverage and benefits for your used car purchase.
Top Non-Luxury Certified Pre-Owned Programs
When it comes to non-luxury brands, several automakers offer exceptional CPO programs that rival even some luxury offerings. Here are our top picks, focusing on warranty coverage, benefits, and overall value.
1) Hyundai: Leading the Pack in Warranty Coverage
Hyundai’s CPO program is a standout, largely due to its exceptional warranty coverage. It leverages the remainder of Hyundai’s impressive five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original purchase date. This means if you buy a certified used Hyundai, you inherit a significant portion of these warranties, providing long-term protection.
CPO Program Highlights:
- Warranty: Remainder of original 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper & 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain.
- Eligibility: Vehicles under 5 years old, with less than 60,000 miles, and a clean AutoCheck history.
- Inspection: Rigorous 150-point inspection.
Extra Perks:
- Roadside Assistance: An impressive 10 years/unlimited miles.
- Warranty Deductible: A low $50 deductible for repairs.
- SiriusXM: 3-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement: Coverage for unexpected travel disruptions.
Why Hyundai Ranks #1: Edmunds experts highlight that Hyundai’s powertrain warranty surpasses the typical 7-year coverage offered by many non-luxury CPO programs by a significant three years. The bumper-to-bumper coverage is also notably better than average. Combined with exceptional roadside assistance, Hyundai’s CPO program offers unparalleled peace of mind.
2) Kia: Matching Hyundai’s Powertrain Prowess
Kia, Hyundai’s corporate partner, closely mirrors Hyundai’s strength in powertrain warranty. Kia’s CPO program also boasts the remainder of the original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, it includes one year or 12,000 miles of “Platinum” coverage, which Kia describes as encompassing “almost all assemblies” of the vehicle, starting from your CPO purchase date.
CPO Program Highlights:
- Warranty: Remainder of original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain & 1-year/12,000-mile “Platinum” coverage.
- Eligibility: Vehicles under 5 years old, with less than 60,000 miles, and a clean AutoCheck history.
- Inspection: Thorough 164-point inspection.
Extra Perks:
- Roadside Assistance: 10 years/unlimited miles.
- Warranty Deductible: $50 deductible for repairs.
- Transferable Warranty: Can be transferred to a private buyer, increasing resale value.
- Trip Interruption Reimbursement.
Edmunds’ Take: Like Hyundai, Kia provides exceptional long-term powertrain coverage. While the comprehensive coverage beyond the powertrain is shorter than Hyundai’s, it aligns with typical non-luxury CPO offerings. Kia’s slightly more extensive 164-point inspection compared to Hyundai’s 150-point inspection is a minor point of differentiation.
3) Honda and Mazda (Tie): Balanced and Reliable CPO Options
Honda and Mazda’s CPO programs are remarkably similar and offer a strong balance of warranty and benefits. They both provide a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the car’s original purchase date. Furthermore, they add one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage on top of any remaining original three-year/36,000-mile warranty.
CPO Program Highlights (Honda & Mazda):
- Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain & 1-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper (additional).
- Eligibility: Vehicles under 6 years old, with less than 80,000 miles.
- Inspection: 182-point inspection for Honda, 160-point for Mazda.
Extra Perks (Honda & Mazda):
- Roadside Assistance: Matches the warranty length.
- No Deductible: No deductible for warranty repairs.
- Transferable Warranty: Can be transferred to a private buyer.
Why Honda & Mazda are Top Choices: Edmunds notes that the seven-year powertrain coverage from Honda and Mazda surpasses many luxury brands. Their added year of bumper-to-bumper coverage is also a valuable benefit compared to brands that offer no additional comprehensive warranty beyond the original. The roadside assistance that matches the warranty duration, and the absence of deductibles further enhance their appeal.
4) GM Brands (Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC): Value and Added Perks
General Motors’ CPO program, encompassing Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC, offers a solid package with a focus on added perks. The powertrain warranty is a six-year/100,000-mile plan from the original purchase date, and it includes one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage from the used-car purchase date.
CPO Program Highlights (GM Brands):
- Warranty: 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain & 1-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper (from CPO purchase).
- Eligibility: Vehicles under 5 years old, with less than 75,000 miles.
- Inspection: 172-point inspection.
Extra Perks (GM Brands):
- Roadside Assistance: Matches the warranty length.
- No Deductible: No deductible for warranty repairs.
- Transferable Warranty.
- Complimentary Service: Two-year/24,000-mile service plan covering two scheduled visits.
- SiriusXM & OnStar: 3-month subscriptions to SiriusXM and GM’s OnStar.
- Alternate Transportation: Loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement for covered repairs.
- Exchange Policy: 3-day/150-mile exchange policy if you’re not satisfied.
Edmunds’ Insight: While GM’s powertrain warranty is slightly shorter than some competitors, the inclusion of a complimentary service plan is a notable benefit. Furthermore, the 3-day exchange policy offers an unusual level of buyer confidence.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best CPO Program for You
Determining who has the best certified used car program depends on your priorities. If long-term powertrain coverage is paramount, Hyundai and Kia are clear leaders. For a balanced approach with strong warranties and added benefits, Honda and Mazda are excellent choices. GM brands offer compelling value with extra perks like complimentary service and an exchange policy.
When shopping for a certified used car, carefully consider the warranty details, inspection process, and additional benefits of each program. By understanding what each automaker offers, you can confidently choose the CPO program that best meets your needs and provides the peace of mind you deserve in a used vehicle purchase.
