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A guide to certified pre-owned vehicles

Is a CPO car right for you?

CARFAX Canada
Aug 16, 2021  •  August 16, 2021  •  2 minute read  •  Join the conversation
used car lot dealer purchase
A young family shopping for a used car at a dealership Photo by Getty

When you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, there’s no doubt you have plenty of cars to choose from when it comes to the make and model. You also have options in terms of the car’s condition. You can choose from new or used and if you decide to go with used, you have yet another decision to make: is a certified pre-owned car right for you?

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What is a certified pre-owned car?

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle programs are offered by car manufacturers across Canada and provide you with the ability to own a used vehicle, with many of the benefits of buying brand new. A CPO vehicle is one that has undergone a detailed inspection and safety process. The program also includes extended warranties and can come with additional benefits like special financing and a roadside assistance program. In order to sell a car as certified pre-owned, the vehicle must undergo a thorough inspection and fit certain vehicle age and mileage requirements as set out by the manufacturer.

In addition to these manufacturer-run CPO programs, you can also find certified cars at independent dealerships, as well. These dealerships will have their own set of requirements that they use to classify cars as such, and can also include additional benefits.

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Why choose a certified pre-owned car?

When a dealer offers you a CPO vehicle — either through a manufacturer’s program or their own independent program — it means they’ve put extra time and resources into the vehicle to ensure that it meets the CPO program requirements. This means you’ll likely pay more for a CPO vehicle when compared to a non-CPO vehicle, but that’s because you’re also getting more out of the program. A CPO program can provide a consumer with greater peace of mind, knowing that it’s undergone a detailed inspection and safety process and is covered through an extended warranty.

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If you’re considering a CPO vehicle, you should look at the program details to see which areas of the vehicle fall under the inspection process. You’ll want to learn more about the extended warranty in order to determine what this warranty will cover and when it expires. You should also ask about the additional benefits offered through the program. You’ll want to weigh this information against how you plan to use the car and your budget in order to see whether or not a CPO program will benefit you.

This article was provided by CARFAX Canada, the country’s definitive source of automotive information, delivering vehicle history and valuation.

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