Before You Buy: Certified Pre-Owned Programs from Ford to Jeep

To qualify for certified pre-owned status, each used Ford must be less than 6 model years old and have less than 80,000 miles on the odometer.

• It must pass a 169 point-by-point exam.
• The 6-year/100,000-mile warranty provides coverage for the engine, transmission and more; and, fully transferable warranty.
• The warranty covers more than 500 components, including many high-tech parts, as well as the failure of covered components due to abnormal wear resulting from defective materials or workmanship, in addition to mechanical break downs.
• There is also a three-month, 3,000 comprehensive warranty from the time of sale.

To be considered for the GM Certified program, a vehicle must be 2003 or newer, with less than 60,000 miles.

• The vehicles get a 100,000-Mile/5-Year Powertrain Limited Warranty;
• 3-Month/3,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension;
• 117-Point Inspection; and
• a Vehicle History Report.

GM also says its offers like-new vehicle financing for qualified buyers. Manufacturer financing is mercurial and subject to change.

This isn’t a flaw with the CPO program, but GM’s website links to Intelliprice for an “independent” appraisal of your trade-in, but it won’t release the data without getting your contact info.

Each Honda certified pre-owned candidate receives:

• a 150-point mechanical and appearance inspection, performed by the dealer technician
• Honda-trained technicians recondition any component that does not meet standards, or replace it with Honda parts.

Warranties cover, among other areas:

• Major engine and transmission components, except for standard maintenance items, body glass and interior;
• Repair or replacement of any covered part that is defective under normal use with a $0 deductible.
• Powertrain coverage for 7-years/100,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date.

Every Hummer’s that considered for the line’s new pre-owned program must go through a 117-point inspection.

The bumper-to-bumper limited warranty of all certified pre-owned Hummers vehicles is extended to 6-years/100,000 miles from new vehicle delivery date or mileage, whichever comes first.

Used Hummers also get comprehensive conditioning to restore the “like-new” feeling. Truth be told, most Hummers don’t get pushed to their full capability off road, so if you really feel like you need these gas guzzling SUVs, certified pre-owned is probably a safe bet.

The Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty boasts a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty on used vehicles going back five model years with less than 60,000 miles.

• The Hyundai inspection plan covers 150 points.
• One of the compelling parts of Hyundai’s program is the new car financing rates through Hyundai Motor Financing Company.
• The program does have a $50 deductible that has to be taken into consideration. Other programs have no deductible.

There is no central website but one is expected to be running by September 2008. It will have a searchable database.

Only Infiniti models less than four years old and with less than 60,000 miles qualify for the certified pre-owned program.

• Every certified pre-owned Infiniti must pass a 142-point analysis.
• Every significant component of the vehicle is scrutinized

The Infiniti certified pre-owned vehicle limited warranty has a $50 deductible and extends the basic coverage to 72 months from the in-service date of the vehicle or 100,000 total miles on the odometer, whichever occurs first.

In terms of how people actually drive their cars, the Infiniti warranty mileage and time limits are most reflective of real-life use.

Every select edition car has been hand picked from Jaguars available from model year 2003 through 2008 and covers Jaguar´s entire offering, from All-wheel Drive X-TYPE, through S-TYPE and XJ to the XK coupe and convertible.

• Vehicle warranty is 6-year/100,000-mile coverage that tacks an additional two years or 50,000 miles onto Jaguar´s new car warranty.
• Each car receives a 140-point inspection that ensures the vehicle is in top condition, both mechanically and cosmetically.
• Next scheduled service is performed if within 2,500 miles, or 3 months of next needed service.

To be considered, a vehicle must be 5 model years old or newer and have 65,000 miles or less. Other websites have it wrong that eight-year old vehicles are eligible.

• Each Jeep certified pre-owned is factory backed, providing an 8-Year/80,000-mile limited warranty running from the date the vehicle is sold as new.
• The limited warranty covers repair or replacement of most major powertrain components including transmission, engine and driveline.
• As with most warranties, it’s the mileage that’s important. Very few vehicles hit eight years with less than 80,000 miles on them.
• All vehicles must pass a 125-point inspection.