Certified used cars might be a good choice

If you've been thinking about buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) or used automobile, now is an excellent time to do it, especially if you're looking at a Honda HMC, -0.27%, Acura, or Ford F, -0.15%.

Under new certified pre-owned programs from both carmakers, the possibility to buy Honda Used Cars or Acura with factory-backed warranty protection just got better for vehicles up to ten years old. In early 2021, Ford introduced its own comparable scheme.

Ford expanded its CPO program a year ago, beating Honda and Acura to the punch. It covers not just Ford cars up to ten years old, but also qualifying models from other manufacturers.

Consumers seeking for more economical older car alternatives may appreciate the enhanced factory-backed protection. The rising cost of new cars has prompted purchasers to investigate more economical used cars, such as those that are five years old or older.

Before purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle, read on to learn about the types of warranty coverage available and what protection you may anticipate.

What exactly are certified pre-owned vehicles?

On a franchised dealer's used automobile lot, certified pre-owned autos are the finest of the best. A factory-trained technician must do a thorough examination on each car. Those experts replace or repair any damaged components with factory parts.

Automakers provide additional limited warranty protection for these cars, in addition to any remaining new car warranty. Other CPO features, like as special financing, 24/7 roadside assistance, a free car history check, and some free regular maintenance, are frequently included.

All of these advantages and safeguards are not available in commonly used vehicles. Because automakers' inspections and rewards differ, potential purchasers should evaluate CPO programs.

True Used Honda program

Purchasing a secondhand automobile is always a gamble. There aren't many assurances. Even if the vendor has good intentions, it is impossible to predict hidden difficulties. In essence, CPO offers guarantee protection against many of these unplanned repairs.

A manufacturer's CPO program is often reserved for lightly used, later-model branded cars with a low number of kilometers on the odometer. Honda's two-tiered CPO program (HondaTrue Certified) covered Honda vehicles that were less than five years old and had fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer prior to the advent of HondaTrue Used. HondaTrue Used lowers the age limit to ten years and raises the mileage limit to limitless. As a result, any Honda model older than ten years may qualify for this category.

Because its qualifying requirements are less stringent, HondaTrue Used models do not have the same warranty protection as HondaTrue Certified models. Nonetheless, each HondaTrue Used model must undergo a thorough check by a factory-trained specialist. Furthermore, it must have an accident-free car history report. Before making a purchase, customers may get a copy of the completed 112-point checklist and see its history report.

Every HondaTrue Used car comes with a factory-backed powertrain and non-powertrain warranty that lasts 100 days or 5,000 miles (whichever comes first). Although the warranties may not cover all components, they do cover important systems. What is covered as outlined in the Honda Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Booklet.

Added-value advantages

HondaTrue Used offers certain added-value incentives to sweeten the purchase, however they are not as extensive as the perks for HondaTrue Certified cars. During the HondaTrue Used powertrain warranty, they offer 24/7 roadside support. Another advantage is a complimentary oil change for the first year of ownership. Buyers get limited travel interruption compensation, concierge assistance, and 90 days of complimentary satellite radio service as part of the powertrain warranty. Any Honda CPO car can be traded in for another Honda CPO vehicle for up to three days or 300 miles.