Best CPO Warranties

The sections below provide further information on each of the car manufacturers that offer the best CPO warranties.

#1 Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has one of the best new car warranty programs, and this coverage extends to CPO vehicles. The Mitsubishi CPO warranty covers powertrain components for 10 years/100,000 miles and all other parts for 5 years/60,000 miles from the in-service date.

If you buy an older Mitsubishi, there may be little warranty coverage remaining. Even so, the Mitsubishi CPO warranty is likely to be the longest protection you can find. It also does not include a deductible, which some CPO warranties do.

#2 Hyundai

Like Mitsubishi, Hyundai has one of the longest new vehicle warranties. This warranty protection is also extended to CPO Hyundai cars. The Hyundai CPO warranty is similar to the Mitsubishi CPO warranty in that it covers powertrain components for 10 years/100,000 miles and all other parts for 5 years/60,000 miles from the in-service date. The Hyundai CPO warranty, however, comes with a $50 deductible.

#3 Kia

The Kia CPO warranty covers powertrain components for 10 years/100,000 miles from the in-service date. Other components are protected for one year or 12,000 miles from the car purchase date.

Depending on the age of the CPO vehicle, this could be a better deal than the Hyundai warranty, which only covers powertrain components starting at the in-service date. The Kia warranty also includes a $50 deductible.

#4 Lexus

Many CPO warranties increase the remainder of the new vehicle limited warranty by one year, but the Lexus CPO warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for two years after the purchase date (or six years from the in-service date, whichever occurs later). The Lexus CPO program also includes two complimentary maintenance visits, which is a rare perk. It’s the best CPO warranty among luxury brands.

#5 Land Rover

Land Rover certified pre-owned vehicles are covered for 1 year/unlimited miles or 2 years/100,000 miles. As one of the more popular luxury brands in the industry, drivers also get access to solid protection and other perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, which helps with things like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and trip interruption coverage.

Buying a used vehicle with a CPO warranty will protect your vehicle in the event of a mechanical breakdown. The sections below will explain more about certified pre-owned warranties.

What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean?

A certified pre-owned vehicle is a used car sold by the manufacturer that meets certain quality control standards. Most CPO warranties offer the same or similar coverage. The best CPO warranty plans separate powertrain and bumper-to-bumper CPO warranties, while others bundle both together. Because most CPO bumper-to-bumper warranties cover the same parts, one way to distinguish between the worst and best CPO warranty programs is by length. 

Each manufacturer has a different process for certifying vehicles, but common among most CPO cars are the following:

• The vehicle is less than six years old and has fewer than 80,000 miles. The exact numbers vary, but most manufacturers have requirements close to this.
• The vehicle has passed a quality-control inspection where any faulty or damaged parts were repaired or replaced.
• The vehicle is backed by a CPO warranty that includes the remainder of the new car factory warranty, an extension of the new car factory warranty, or both.
• The vehicle has a clean vehicle history report, which is provided to the customer.

While drivers may end up paying more for a certified pre-owned vehicle than a used car, CPO cars come with a stronger guarantee that there will be no mechanical issues.

Should You Buy A CPO Vehicle?

Buying a CPO vehicle is usually a safe bet. CPO vehicles are thoroughly inspected by manufacturers and always include some amount of warranty coverage. When shopping for a CPO car, consider how long you plan to own the vehicle. If you hope to keep your car for many years, buying new may be the better option.

Of course, this depends on the price you are able to find. In many cases, CPO cars are sold at a considerable markdown from newer vehicles, and some CPO cars are less than one year old. Carefully consider price, age, and CPO warranty coverage before making a decision.

Like with any used car, the best approach to take is to treat each CPO vehicle on a case-by-case basis. A CPO vehicle is more likely to be in better shape than a traditional used car, but this is not a guarantee.

What Makes CPO Warranties Worth It?

A CPO warranty can offer extended coverage beyond the original warranty, additional perks, and peace of mind for drivers who purchase a used vehicle. While each manufacturer may provide a slightly different version of a CPO warranty, they all have many of the same attributes, including the following:

• Inspection: Each CPO vehicle goes through a multi-point inspection to verify its condition and that it’s safe to drive.
• Little to no deductible: The best manufacturer CPO warranties don’t require a deductible for covered visits.
• Additional benefits: While roadside assistance is a common perk in the industry, some manufacturers offer other benefits like trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursement.
• Vehicle history: Most pre-owned vehicles come with a vehicle history report, which can help you understand issues from your vehicle’s past once you purchase it.