Drivers who are in the market for a used Lexus vehicle may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on to learn about the specifics of the Lexus CPO program.
In order to qualify as a Certified Pre-Owned car, Lexus vehicles must be under six years old, have less than 70,000 miles, and have a clean Vehicle History Report.
Inspection
In order to ensure that all Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are safe to drive, Lexus subjects all CPO vehicles to a 161-point inspection that includes the following vehicle areas and procedures:
- Under Vehicle Inspection
- Under Hood Inspection
- Luggage Compartment Inspection
- Interior Inspection and Detailing
- Exterior Inspection
- Road Test
Warranty
Lexus CPO vehicles come with a limited warranty, which covers repairs or replacements of all major engine, drive system, and transmission components for six years. There is no warranty limitation on mileage; you are covered completely for six years.
The warranty also includes certain benefits including:
A loaner car that can be used free of charge in the event that your car requires warrantable repairs at a dealership for more than eight hours.
A 24/7 roadside assistance program that includes towing to the nearest Lexus dealership, and up to $200/night in trip interruption reimbursement in the event your vehicle breaks down away from home.
Rental reimbursement for up to $50/day for up to five days per instance.
Complementary maintenance that covers the next four factory-recommended tune ups for 20,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.
Pricing
Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Lexus vehicle instead of a used vehicle can make a difference in the price at most dealerships. The bottom line will usually be around 28% higher than a regular “used” vehicle.
For example, at the time of this article in April 2016, a used 2012 Lexus RX 350 is priced at $29,991 on Edmunds.com; the same vehicle in the Lexus CPO program is priced around $38,481.
Compare Lexus to Other Certified Pre-Owned Car Programs
Whether you decide to go with a CPO car, it's always wise to have an independent certified mechanic inspect any used car before buying it. Certified Pre-Owned does not mean the car is in perfect condition, and any used car can come with serious issues that aren't apparent to an untrained eye. If you're in the market to buy a used car, schedule a pre-purchase inspection for total peace of mind.