If you’re in the market for a used Subaru vehicle, you 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 Subaru CPO program.
Certified Pre-Owned Subaru vehicles must be no more than six years old, have fewer than 70,000 miles, and come complete with a seven-year/80,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
Inspection
In order to ensure that all Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are safe to drive, Subaru CPO vehicles must pass a 152-point inspection that includes all major vehicle systems and components. Any part that does not meet the standards of the Subaru technicians must be repaired or replaced for the vehicle to be considered for the CPO program.
Warranty
Subaru CPO vehicles come with a Powertrain Limited Warranty, which covers repairs and replacements for seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and requires no deductible. Subaru also offers two extended warranty plans, the “Classic” wrap-around plan, and the “Gold Plus” wrap around plan, both of which provide even more coverage for more of the vehicle’s components including:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Cooling
- Fuel System
- Air Conditioning
All of the warranties also include these additional benefits:
A complete CARFAX vehicle history report including the service record.
A 24-hour roadside assistance program that offers emergency services and security services.
Reimbursement for rental or courtesy transportation services in the event that your vehicle requires warranty repairs.
A three-month trial subscription of SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
For exact details on reimbursement amounts or roadside assistance, see an authorized Subaru Certified Pre-Owned dealer.
Pricing
Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru vehicle instead of a used vehicle can make a difference in the price. The bottom line will usually be around 8.5% higher than a regular “used” vehicle.
For example, at the time of writing this article in April 2016, a used 2010 Subaru Legacy has a Kelley Blue Book value of $13,990; the same vehicle in the Subaru CPO program is priced around $15,190.
Compare Subaru to other CPO 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.
