LEARN ABOUT CERTIFIED CARS

Compare certified car programs, learn about pre-owned vehicles and see why millions of people choose certified to get more car for less. Select three makes to compare the details of more than 30 certified pre-owned car programs.

What Does CPO Mean?

To be eligible for CPO status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. All CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Most inspections are largely similar, but the number of points can vary based on the manufacturer's definitions (e.g., tires can count as one point, or as four points).

The option of buying certified has been gaining popularity for years, in particular for luxury brands or vehicle segments that shoppers would not have been able to afford otherwise. Although the luxury brands are most popular, a lower price is a benefit for any CPO vehicle, since the value of a vehicle depreciates more during its first year than any other. Certified buyers have steadily grown in number in recent years, and nearly every automotive manufacturer now has a CPO program in place.

Consumer Benefits

The major consumer draw of CPO programs is the guarantee of a like-new car at a close to used-car price. Most factory-certification programs include 100-point inspection/reconditioning, warranty coverage, and some amount of roadside assistance. A few even have a return/exchange policy.