Are you in the market for a quality used car, but you’re worried about quality? That’s when you need to visit a certified pre-owned Chevy dealer like Parkway Chevrolet. The term “used car” is globally applied to all previously owned vehicles for sale, but a subset of that inventory belongs in a category of its own: certified pre-owned. Certified pre-owned – or CPO – cars, trucks, and SUVs are a cut above other used vehicles because of the intense scrutiny they face before receiving certification. Quality levels are consistent across all CPO Chevys because they undergo a factory-mandated multi-point inspection to qualify. These vehicles earn a CPO designation only after passing the inspection and meeting other stringent qualification guidelines.
With its CPO program, Chevy aims to quell used vehicle buyers’ fears about quality and reliability. Also, the program offers dealers a gateway for reselling the thousands of low mileage off-lease cars returned by drivers every year. These coveted nearly new vehicles represent a big percentage of available CPO inventory. Here are three reasons why you should strongly consider buying a CPO Chevy.
Warranty Coverage
One of the biggest advantages of buying a new vehicle is the factory warranty. Most buyers cite comprehensive warranty coverage as a huge reason for their choice to buy new. They believe the peace of mind justifies the initial vehicle depreciation hit. That makes sense, but buying a CPO vehicle unlocks similar warranty benefits, especially on the most expensive parts and components.
All CPO Chevy vehicles come with a 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that covers major components like the engine and transmission. Also included is a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, which is huge for covering the little things that might go wrong early in the ownership experience. It’s a big perk – if not the biggest – for CPO buyers and the one that most closely resembles the benefits offered to new vehicle buyers.
Chevy also wants buyers to love their CPO vehicle, which is why the automaker, in partnership with us, your local Chevy dealer, extends a 3-day/150-mile no-questions-asked exchange promise. The program allows buyers to head home in their CPO car, drive it for a day or so, and return it for a different one if, for any reason, it’s not a fit.
This return policy underscores our confidence in the CPO inventory we carry but also creates a unique opportunity for customers to confidently shop for a high-quality vehicle with no strings attached. After all, every CPO car is less than 6 model years old and has fewer than 75,000 miles on the odometer. These vehicles also have a clean title and have passed a rigorous inspection with flying colors.
Quality Assurance
What exactly does a 172-point inspection encompass? The better question might be, what doesn’t it cover? It starts with investigating the vehicle’s pedigree. Inspectors will run a CARFAX or AutoCheck report to determine whether the vehicle has a salvage title or has been in a serious accident. It also tells reviewers how many owners the vehicle has had.
The investigation phase also uncovers any warranty blocks, meaning the vehicle’s warranty was voided for some reason, as well as whether there is any installed aftermarket equipment (e.g., lift kits). Finally, any outstanding factory recalls are identified and resolved. At the end of this first inspection phase, technicians determine whether the vehicle is a good candidate for CPO certification.
Next, authorized technicians perform all necessary maintenance, including changing the oil and filter and inspecting, replacing all other filters, belts, wiper blades, or worn hoses, and topping off fluids. Tires and brake pads are thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet the required minimum standards. All other vehicle components are also carefully inspected for potential mechanical issues, including the undercarriage and engine.
Once the vehicle is inspected, and repairs are complete, the next step is a road test. During the test, inspectors look for knocks and pings, evidence of performance deficiencies, and other potential issues. They test all components, including the HVAC systems, wipers, headlights, and turn signals, and replace any parts that are not operational. Finally, a thorough exterior and interior detailing is performed to get the vehicle showroom ready.
Tons of Free Stuff
CPO Chevy buyers enjoy a long list of ownership perks designed to make them feel special – almost as special as buyers that choose to buy new. First, Chevy partners with insurance giant Allstate to provide long-term Roadside Assistance services. CPO buyers receive 6 years (or 100,000 miles) of coverage, likely enough to cover the entire period of ownership, and the coverage includes courtesy transportation.
Free scheduled maintenance is another amazing perk of CPO ownership. Buyers receive two free visits, which include an oil change and tire rotation. The free maintenance services must occur in the first 2 years (or 24,000) miles of ownership. This results in a rough savings of up to $150 – $200 for buyers and is yet another example of how going the CPO route makes good financial sense, especially because you get to have your vehicle serviced by an authorized Chevy technician.
Sure, free maintenance is practical, but what about more visible and entertainment-oriented perks? CPO vehicles offer those, too, including a free three-month SiriusXM all-access satellite radio trial for vehicles equipped with the technology. SiriusXM offers commercial-free music and talk stations in just about every genre, including sports, news, and even comedy. SiriusXM isn’t cheap, so three months of free service represents a big value.
Connected services are another universal perk available to CPO vehicle buyers. These include a limited trial of OnStar, GM’s connected system that gives owners access to turn-by-turn navigation, and an automatic crash response program that’s supported by a team of specially trained live operators. They’ll dispatch emergency services when they detect your vehicle’s airbags have deployed.
Purchasing a CPO Vehicle
If you’re intrigued by the idea of buying a certified pre-owned Chevy, the next step is to search inventory and find the exact model you want. After that, take advantage of special financing rates offered exclusively for these high-quality, low mileage cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM regularly posts special low finance rates for specific models that rival those of new vehicle programs.
The bottom line is, if you’re looking for a used vehicle but hesitate to pull the trigger because of the potential unknowns, CPO ownership was tailor-made for you. Buying CPO means you’re buying a nearly new vehicle that’s still covered under a factory warranty. Because of the free scheduled maintenance, your ownership experience is supported by our local, authorized factory-trained technicians.
CPO vehicles are typically just coming off leases, which means the previous driver was contractually obligated to take care of them. It’s as close to a guarantee as you’ll find in the sometimes uncertain used car market. Also, because you can only find CPO cars at a certified dealer, quality is consistent. There is no such thing as a “sort of” certified vehicle. The car is either CPO, or it isn’t.
Save yourself the hassle of endlessly searching online classified ads or trusting your business to faceless national app-based retailers. Instead, invest in a vehicle that will bring you years of driving enjoyment – one with built-in protections designed to make the ownership experience as stress and hassle-free as possible.
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