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Did you know you can get a luxury vehicle that’s practically new for less through Certified Pre-Owned Programs? The average cost of a new car is around $35,000, largely due to consumer demand for infotainment and advanced safety features. Many buyers are also willing to pay top dollar for a new, reliable vehicle that has a good warranty. So, how can a pre-owned vehicle top that?

Why Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are different

You probably think no used car can match a new one in reliability, technology, and warranty. Not so fast. There’s actually a segment of cars that can match that. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs not only offer you a great, luxury vehicle but a lot of extras, too.

Many CPO programs have cars with inspections and warranty coverage. The programs can include roadside assistance, free maintenance, loaner cars, and more. Most CPO vehicles are three to five years old. Many of them come from the same generation as the latest models. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll get some of those technology features you’re interested in.

CPO vehicles are more expensive than typical used cars. But they cost less than what you’d pay for a new model. You get a vehicle that’s thoroughly inspected by specialists to ensure functionality and safety. Many dealers offer financing on CPO vehicles, and it’s not unusual to get a lower rate than you would for a standard used-car loan.

While CPO programs sound good, it’s a good idea to do your homework. Not all programs are the same, and it pays to read the fine print. To get your start, these are three of the top CPO programs for luxury vehicles.

1. L Certified by Lexus

For the second straight year, L Certified by Lexus is the top CPO program according to U.S. News. Honestly, you can’t find another CPO program that offers the benefits and protection you’ll find with Lexus.

What do you get?

  • Exceptional warranty coverage for as many as eight years from the car’s model date or up to 100,000 miles
  • Free maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles from the purchase date of the CPO
  • 24-hour roadside assistance
  • Free service loaner car
  • Trip interruption coverage that provides meals and lodging for as many as three days if the car breaks down while traveling

Since Lexus vehicle warranties can’t transfer from one owner to another, the program doesn’t offer this. But considering everything it does include, you can see why it’s a top CPO program.

Are the vehicles reliable?

One of the reasons why Lexus is a top CPO program is that for all the protections they offer, the vehicles are so dependable, you may not have to use them. With a score of five out of five from J.D. Power, the Lexus brand has some of the highest dependability ratings in the industry.

What pre-owned Lexus vehicles are eligible?

The Lexus CPO program accepts pre-owned Lexus models up to six years old with 70,000 or fewer miles.

What deals does the program offer?

You can get deals with interest rates as low as 0.9% on some Lexus CPO offers.

2. Volvo

Volvo’s CPO program is top-quality just like their vehicles. 

What do you get?

  • A comprehensive warranty good for up to seven years from the time the model was new or 100,000 miles
  • Free service loaner car
  • Any free maintenance visit not used from when the vehicle was new
  • All CPO warranties transfer to new owner if you elect to sell it

Are the vehicles reliable?

With a 3.5 of 5 rating from J.D. Power, the Volvo brand is above average in reliability.

What pre-owned Volvo vehicles are eligible?

The Volvo CPO program accepts pre-owned Volvo models up to six years old and that have 80,000 or fewer miles.

What deals does the program offer?

Typically none.

3. Porsche Approved

When it comes to customer satisfaction and dependability, Porsche is hard to beat. The Porsche CPO program offers a great passenger car, sports car. or SUV that’s thoroughly inspected by Porsche and backed by a warranty.

What do you get?

  • The vehicles from Porsche Approved offer warranty protection for as much as 10 years from when the vehicle was new or 100,000 miles
  • The coverage is transferrable to the new owner if you elect to sell your CPO Porsche
  • 24-hour roadside assistance

Are the vehicles reliable?

Like Lexus, Porsche received a five out of five from J.D. Power when it comes to dependability scores. So as good as the program’s warranty is, there’s a chance you may never use it.

What pre-owned Volvo vehicles are eligible?

Porsche Approved accepts pre-owned Porsche vehicles that are less than eight years old and that have less than 100,000 miles.

What deals does the program offer?

While Porsche offers financing on its CPO offerings, it doesn’t advertise them.

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Contributing Writer

Tina Pavlik

Tina Pavlik began as a contributing writer for Endgame360 in 2018. She has over 20 years of publishing experience and has written content for MotorBiscuit, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, and Sportscasting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Virginia Tech.

Tina grew up surrounded by cars. Her father was an auto mechanic, her uncle owned a body shop, and all three of them dragged race for years. She covers everything from electric vehicles to van life. She has also worked as an extra in several movies and shows like Halloween (2018), The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021), Homeland (Showtime), Banshee (Cinemax), and Vice Principals (HBO). Further, Tina works part-time as an extras casting assistant for Tona Dahlquist Casting.