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Best CPO Warranties

In our research, we found that car manufacturers Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Land Rover offer the best certified pre-owned warranties.

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The Gist:

  • Certified pre-owned vehicles (CPO) come with a warranty that extends what is left on a new vehicle warranty.
  • In our research, we found that CPO warranties offer little to no deductibles, come with many benefits, and protect vehicles that have gone through rigorous inspections.
  • Mitsubishi offers the best CPO warranty program for used vehicles, with coverage that lasts far longer than that of most other manufacturers in the industry.
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idée Endurance is our first choice for extended warranties
  • Best Plan Offerings
  • Mileage Covered: 200,000 miles on the odometer
  • Free Cancellation: Full refund within 30 days
  • Plan Options: 6 different plans to choose from
  • Longest Plan Term: Up to 8 years
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™
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Powertrain plan Tire repair and replacement
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Roadside assistance Total loss protection
Towing Collision discount
Rental car $250 rewards voucher
Trip interruption coverage Endurance Protect app

Many vehicle manufacturers offer a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle program that includes an inspection process and a specialized CPO warranty. But which manufacturer has the best CPO warranty? This article compares CPO warranty programs from most major manufacturers and explains the advantages and disadvantages of buying a CPO car.

Our review team has conducted extensive research into the extended auto warranty industry. In addition to looking at manufacturer warranties, CPO warranties, and manufacturer’s extended warranties, we’ve reviewed many third-party extended car warranty providers. You can get free quotes from the industry’s leading warranty providers above.

5 Best CPO Warranty Programs

A CPO warranty can be viewed as the manufacturer’s guarantee that there are no defects in your CPO vehicle. These warranties promise to replace or repair any defective components free of charge.

Who Has The Best CPO Warranty?

In our research, we found that Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Land Rover offer the best CPO warranty programs in the industry. Our research is based on the length of the program offered, along with additional benefits that come with the CPO warranty plan.

The table below provides more information on the five best CPO programs, along with what the plans cover.

Vehicle ManufacturerCPO WarrantiesAdditional BenefitsCPO Vehicle Requirements
1. Mitsubishi10-year/
100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
Battery jump starts, flat tire changes, gas delivery, lockout assistance, and towing to the nearest dealershipUnder 5 years/
60,000 miles
2. Hyundai10-year/
100,000-mile powertrain warranty
and
5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
Roadside assistance, trip-interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursementUnder 5 years/
60,000 miles
3. Kia
10-year/
100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty,
1-year/
12,000-mile Platinum coverage
Roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, rental car coverage, lockout services, and flat tire changesUnder 6 years/
80,000 miles
4. LexusUp to 6 years/
Unlimited mile limited warranty
Roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, free maintenance, and free loaner carsUnder 6 years/
70,000 miles
5. Land RoverUp to 7 years/
100,000 miles limited warranty
or
6 years/
unlimited mile warranty
Roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and warranty coverage for select accessoriesUnder 5 years/
60,000 miles

The sections below provide further information on each of the car manufacturers that offer the best CPO warranties.

#1 Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has one of the best new car warranty programs, and this coverage extends to CPO vehicles. The Mitsubishi CPO warranty covers powertrain components for 10 years/100,000 miles and all other parts for 5 years/60,000 miles from the in-service date.

If you buy an older Mitsubishi, there may be little warranty coverage remaining. Even so, the Mitsubishi CPO warranty is likely to be the longest protection you can find. It also does not include a deductible, which some CPO warranties do.

#2 Hyundai

Like Mitsubishi, Hyundai has one of the longest new vehicle warranties. This warranty protection is also extended to CPO Hyundai cars. The Hyundai CPO warranty is similar to the Mitsubishi CPO warranty in that it covers powertrain components for 10 years/100,000 miles and all other parts for 5 years/60,000 miles from the in-service date. The Hyundai CPO warranty, however, comes with a $50 deductible.

#3 Kia

The Kia CPO warranty covers powertrain components for 10 years/100,000 miles from the in-service date. Other components are protected for one year or 12,000 miles from the car purchase date.

Depending on the age of the CPO vehicle, this could be a better deal than the Hyundai warranty, which only covers powertrain components starting at the in-service date. The Kia warranty also includes a $50 deductible.

#4 Lexus

Many CPO warranties increase the remainder of the new vehicle limited warranty by one year, but the Lexus CPO warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for two years after the purchase date (or six years from the in-service date, whichever occurs later). The Lexus CPO program also includes two complimentary maintenance visits, which is a rare perk. It’s the best CPO warranty among luxury brands.

#5 Land Rover

Land Rover certified pre-owned vehicles are covered for 6 years/unlimited miles or 7 years/100,000 miles from the in-service date. As one of the more popular luxury brands in the industry, drivers also get access to solid protection and other perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, which helps with things like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and trip interruption coverage.


CPO Warranty Comparison

Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Land Rover have the best CPO warranties in the industry, but many other automakers offer long-term and generous perks. Here’s a look at 25 other manufacturers and their warranty terms for pre-owned vehicles.

ManufacturerCPO Warranty CoverageDeductibleExtras
JaguarBumper-to-bumper:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date
NoneRoadside assistance
AcuraBumper-to-bumper:
6 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date
NoneComplimentary maintenance,
roadside assistance,
concierge service
HondaPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
1 year or 12,000 miles
from purchase date
NoneRoadside assistance
MazdaPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
1 year or 12,000 miles
from purchase date
NoneRoadside assistance
ToyotaPowertrain:
7 years or 100,00 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
1 year or 12,000 miles
from purchase date
$50Roadside assistance
FordPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
1 year or 12,000 miles
from purchase date
$100Roadside assistance
PorscheBumper-to-bumper:
6 years after in-service date or
2 years after purchase date,
whichever occurs later
NoneRoadside assistance
MiniBumper-to-bumper:
6 years from in-service date
NoneRoadside assistance
BuickPowertrain:
6 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
1 year or 12,000 miles
after new car warranty expires
(4 years/50,000 miles)
NoneRoadside assistance,
complimentary maintenance
ChevroletPowertrain:
6 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
1 year or 12,000 miles
from purchase date
NoneRoadside assistance,
complimentary maintenance
GMCPowertrain:
6 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
1 year or 12,000 miles
from purchase date
NoneRoadside assistance
LincolnBumper-to-bumper:
6 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date
$100Roadside assistance,
loaner car,
complimentary car wash
AudiBumper-to-bumper:
5 years from in-service date or
1 year from purchase date,
whichever occurs later
$85Roadside assistance
BMWBumper-to-bumper:
5 years from in-service date or
1 year from purchase date,
whichever occurs first
NoneRoadside assistance,
loaner car
Mercedes-BenzBumper-to-bumper:
5 years from in-service date or
1 year from purchase date,
whichever occurs first
NoneRoadside assistance
CadillacBumper-to-bumper:
1 year after
new car warranty expires
(4 years/50,000 miles)
NoneRoadside assistance
VolkswagenBumper-to-bumper:
5 years/62,000 miles
from in-service date or
1 year/12,000 miles
from purchase date,
whichever occurs later
$50Roadside assistance
VolvoBumper-to-bumper:
5 years from in-service date
NoneRoadside assistance
TeslaBumper-to-bumper:
4 years or 50,000 miles
from in-service date
NoneRoadside assistance,
free supercharging
ChryslerPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
3 months or 3,000 miles
from purchase date
VariesRoadside assistance,
rental car reimbursement
DodgePowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
3 months or 3,000 miles
from purchase date
VariesRoadside assistance,
rental car reimbursement
JeepPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
3 months or 3,000 miles
from purchase date
VariesRoadside assistance,
rental car reimbursement
RamPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date

Bumper-to-bumper:
3 months or 3,000 miles
from purchase date
VariesRoadside assistance,
rental car reimbursement
SubaruPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date
NoneRoadside assistance,
$500 owner loyalty coupon
NissanPowertrain:
7 years or 100,000 miles
from in-service date
$50Roadside assistance

Certified Pre-Owned Cars Buyer’s Guide

Buying a used vehicle with a CPO warranty will protect your vehicle in the event of a mechanical breakdown. The sections below will explain more about certified pre-owned warranties.

What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean?

A certified pre-owned vehicle is a used car sold by the manufacturer that meets certain quality control standards. Most CPO warranties offer the same or similar coverage. The best CPO warranty plans separate powertrain and bumper-to-bumper CPO warranties, while others bundle both together. Because most CPO bumper-to-bumper warranties cover the same parts, one way to distinguish between the worst and best CPO warranty programs is by length.

Each manufacturer has a different process for certifying vehicles, but common among most CPO cars are the following:

  • The vehicle is less than six years old and has fewer than 80,000 miles. The exact numbers vary, but most manufacturers have requirements close to this.
  • The vehicle has passed a quality-control inspection where any faulty or damaged parts were repaired or replaced.
  • The vehicle is backed by a CPO warranty that includes the remainder of the new car factory warranty, an extension of the new car factory warranty, or both.
  • The vehicle has a clean vehicle history report, which is provided to the customer.

While drivers may end up paying more for a certified pre-owned vehicle than a used car, CPO cars come with a stronger guarantee that there will be no mechanical issues.

Should You Buy A CPO Vehicle?

Buying a CPO vehicle is usually a safe bet. CPO vehicles are thoroughly inspected by manufacturers and always include some amount of warranty coverage. When shopping for a CPO car, consider how long you plan to own the vehicle. If you hope to keep your car for many years, buying new may be the better option.

Of course, this depends on the price you are able to find. In many cases, CPO cars are sold at a considerable markdown from newer vehicles, and some CPO cars are less than one year old. Carefully consider price, age, and CPO warranty coverage before making a decision.

Like with any used car, the best approach to take is to treat each CPO vehicle on a case-by-case basis. A CPO vehicle is more likely to be in better shape than a traditional used car, but this is not a guarantee.

What Makes CPO Warranties Worth It?

A CPO warranty can offer extended coverage beyond the original warranty, additional perks, and peace of mind for drivers who purchase a used vehicle. While each manufacturer may provide a slightly different version of a CPO warranty, they all have many of the same attributes, including the following:

  • Inspection: Each CPO vehicle goes through a multi-point inspection to verify its condition and that it’s safe to drive.
  • Little to no deductible: The best manufacturer CPO warranties don’t require a deductible for covered visits.
  • Additional benefits: While roadside assistance is a common perk in the industry, some manufacturers offer other benefits like trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursement.
  • Vehicle history: Most pre-owned vehicles come with a vehicle history report, which can help you understand issues from your vehicle’s past once you purchase it.

Best CPO Warranty: Our Take

The best certified pre-owned warranty for you will depend on the type of used car you purchase and the level of protection you desire. The coverage options listed above will offer your used vehicle protection if it breaks down unexpectedly and help you pay for car repairs. If you decide purchasing a used vehicle is for you, consider using the information above to help you make a decision on which type of vehicle to purchase. Note that, the older and more mileage the CPO vehicle is bought with, the lower the warranty will be.

Top Recommendations For Extended Car Warranties

It’s generally a good idea to maintain warranty coverage for used vehicles. Even the best CPO warranty will expire at some point. If you’re looking into extended car warranty coverage, providers like CarShield and autopom! offer high mileage limits for pre-owned vehicles. Two companies that our review team recommends specifically for used vehicles are Carchex and Endurance.

Endurance: Best Plan Offerings

We rated Endurance as offering the best plans because of its extensive contract options, long term limits, and comprehensive benefits. Endurance offers six contracts that range from exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranties to powertrain coverage designed for high-mileage vehicles. Some contracts also include maintenance coverage for routine services like oil changes.

We rated Endurance 4.5 out of 5.0 stars, as we found that many Endurance customers are impressed by the company’s customer service and appreciate the peace of mind that Endurance provides.

Other Endurance highlights include:

  • Contract terms up to eight years or 200,000+ miles
  • Deductible options of $0, $50, $100, or $200
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Sample contracts available online
  • All contracts include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption allowance, and one year of Endurance Elite Benefits

You can get a free Endurance quote to see how much coverage would cost for your vehicle by clicking below.

Read our Endurance warranty review for more information, and click below to get a free quote.

Carchex: High Mileage Limits

Carchex did exceptionally well in our industry review. The provider scored highly in all of our review categories, including industry standing, coverage options, cost, transparency, and customer service. Overall, we rate Carchex 4.4 out of 5.0 stars, and we aren’t the only ones to praise Carchex service.

The provider is accredited and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It has also been endorsed by industry leaders such as Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, and Carfax. Other Carchex highlights include:

  • Covers vehicles up to 20 years old
  • Contract terms up to 10 years or 250,000 miles
  • Deductible options of $0, $50, or $100
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Sample contracts available online
  • All contracts include 24-hour roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage

Read our Carchex review for more information, and click below to get a free quote.


Best CPO Car Warranty: FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about the best CPO car warranties:

What brands have the best CPO warranty?

In our research, we found that Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Land Rover all offer the best CPO warranties. Each manufacturer offers solid term lengths and additional benefits that come with each CPO warranty plan.

What is the best time to buy a CPO car?

In our research, we found that the end of the year, between Black Friday and Christmas, tends to be the best time to purchase a CPO car.

Can you negotiate on CPO?

While some dealers institute no-haggle pricing, other CPO dealers will allow you to negotiate stipulations. You should always negotiate on CPO vehicles, just like you’d negotiate on any new or non-certified used car.

What voids a CPO warranty?

CPO programs usually require that you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. If you don’t, your warranty could be void. In addition, you’ll need to have that routine maintenance performed at a franchised dealership, just as you would if it were a new vehicle under a factory warranty.


How We Rate Warranty Providers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of extended auto warranty providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a warranty company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

  • Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a long history of reliable service score well in this category. We also evaluate the availability and transparency of each company’s contracts, as well as whether each provider offers a money-back guarantee.
  • Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available, as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.
  • Price: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact vehicle service contract pricing. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.
  • Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.