The Benefits of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

People generally categorize cars into two groups - new and used. Technically, this is a logical way to separate them, but there is another category of its own: certified pre-owned. These specially designated used cars offer higher end coverage and quality without the new car price tag.

Certified pre-owned cars require lots of leg work on the part of dealership and must pass rigorous standards to make the cut. Each manufacturer has a different set of pre-requisites and warranty offerings. Warranties vary, but are always factory-backed, which means the warranty policies are dictated by the manufacturer. Any repairs may be made at any Performance Auto dealership in Kansas City, Kan., Independence, Mo., and Lincoln or Omaha, Neb.

So if you if it's quality and assurance you're looking for, but aren't willing to dish out the cash for a brand new vehicle, certified pre-owned may be your best bet.

Though CPO programs differ by manufacturer, there are fundamental elements of a certified pre-owned vehicle that come standard across the board, like the following:

• CARFAX Vehicle History Report
• Buyer receives a detailed inspection list
• The same (or sometimes extended) warranty as if buying the car new
• Repair of any current body and engine issues, making sure car is in top condition before sold
• All certified pre-owned vehicle must have no aftermarket modifications

Other advantages of certified pre-owned vehicles include the following:

• Avoiding unforeseen maintenance costs that would not be covered with the purchase of an un-certified used vehicle.
• A wider selection of used cars (as opposed to buying a car from a private seller)
• More expensive cars are offered at more reasonable prices than if you bought one new

Below are certified pre-owned program details listed by manufacturer:

Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram
Search Certified Inventory by Brand: Search Certified Chrysler Vehicles, Search Certified Jeep Vehicles, Search Certified Dodge Vehicles, Search Certified Ram Trucks

• 125-Point Inspection
• 3-Month/3,000-Mile Maximum Care Warranty*
• 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty for 2010 model year and newer vehicles*
• 6-Year/80,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty for 2009 model year and earlier vehicles*
• Lifetime Certified Upgrade Plans
• Roadside Coverage
• Complimentary 3-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Chrysler only)

*with a maximum of 74,999 miles at the time of purchase, starts from the date the vehicle was first sold as new

Toyota - Search Certified Toyota Vehicles

• 160-Point Quality Assurance Inspection
• 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty
• 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty
• 1-year of Roadside Assistance
• Certified customers are eligible for standard new car financing rates

Honda - Search Certified Honda Vehicles

• A 150-point mechanical and appearance inspection
• Eligible models must be less than six years old and have a maximum of 80,000 miles
• Limited Warranty extends the powertrain coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles
• Limited Warranty extends the non-powertrain coverage by 1 year/12,000 miles to 4 years/48,000 miles
• Honda Care Certified Additional Coverage, including perks like Roadside Assistance and Trip-Interruption Benefits

Lexus - Search Certified Lexus Vehicles

• 161-point inspection by a Lexus-trained technician
• Eligible models must be less  than six years old and have a maximum of 70,000 miles
• Only certified Lexus parts for any necessary mechanical repairs
• Lexus three-year, 100,000 total vehicle mile limited warranty
• 24-hour Roadside Assistance, trip interruption coverage and dealership amenities

Mercedes-Benz - Search Certified Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

• 162-point inspection
• Any remaining portion of the Mercedes-Benz four-year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty applies
• After that, MBCPO Limited Warranty provides comprehensive vehicle for another 12 months, or up to 100,000 total accumulated miles.
• Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Extended Limited Warranty is honored at any of the more than 300 authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers nationwide
• Seven-day/500 mile Exchange Privilege and Trip Interruption

Volkswagen - Search Certified VW Vehicles

• 112-point "pre-loved" inspection
• 2-year/24,000 mile limited warranty
• 24-hour roadside assistance Standard
• Eligible vehicles must be less than 5 years old with less than 75,000 miles
• SIRIUS® 3-month trial subscription
• incentivized rates as low as 1.9% APR for up to 48months

Ford - Search Certified Ford Vehicles

• 169-point inspection
• 3-month, 3,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty covering more than 500 components
• 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
• 24-hour roadside assistance
• Must be less than 6 model years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles
• Independent third-party vehicle history report is run to identify any vehicle that does not meet standards

Click on any of the logos below to view Certified Pre-Owned Inventory: