Best Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programs

For my money, certified pre-owned vehicles are the best deal in used cars and trucks.

If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t encourage anybody who asks, including my own friends and relatives, to seek out a CPO over an ordinary used car or truck.

Yes, CPO vehicles cost more than a non-certified used vehicle. That’s because you are paying for the security of knowing your purchase has been properly maintained, and other assurances you do not get with a plain old non-certified used vehicle.

Three reasons why certified pre-owned (CPO) is better:

CPO vehicles are low-mileage used vehicles, almost always leased,  that are backed with warranty coverage and other extras by the original manufacturer.

CPO vehicles undergo as many as 100 or more manufacturer-mandated checks, from the performance of the transmission to the condition of the upholstery.

CPO vehicles also usually come with a new-vehicle warranty, even roadside assistance.

Additionally, many top CPO programs include extras such as complimentary maintenance or travel reimbursement for any trip interruptions you might encounter.

Most CPO programs also have set eligibility criteria as part of the rigorous parameters that help ensure a vehicle’s quality and reliability.

Trade up to a CPO

So CPO lets you trade-up to a late model vroomer for about the same price as a factory-new budget model without the same comfort, appearance, reliability or power – or such safety and technical must-haves as lane departure and blind spot monitoring and 360-degree cameras.

Also, because they are certified, the higher purchase price is often offset by lower financing costs closer to financing a new car purchase or lease.

Simply, CPO is a good deal for a second family car and for new drivers in the family, especially one heading off to college.

Shop for a CPO as carefully as you do for any vehicle, including for financing.

These are the best CPO deals in 2025 according to US News and World Report

Best Affordable CPO Brands:Kia, MINI, Honda

Kia’s certified pre-owned program is one of the more acclaimed ones in the affordable segment, with a healthy roster of benefits.

What’s Included: Bumper-to-bumper coverage for up to six years or 72,000 miles from a new vehicle’s original purchase date, whichever arrives first.

Meanwhile, Kia’s new vehicle powertrain warranty covers new cars for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date. This coverage is the best on the market and is transferable to future owners for a $40 fee.

Some additional benefits include a travel interruption reimbursement of up to $925 and 24-hour roadside assistance for the length of the warranty period.

Reliability: Kia owners reported 187 problems per 100 vehicles, according to J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study. This figure is lower than the industry average.

Eligibility: In order to qualify for Kia’s certified pre-owned program, vehicles must pass a 165-point inspection. They also must not be more than six model years old or have more than 80,000 miles on the odometer.

CPO Deals: Kia is not currently offering nationwide financing deals, but check with your local dealership for incentives and offers.

Mini’s highly esteemed certified pre-owned program provides more extensive coverage than many other affordable brands, on par with many top luxury brands.

What’s Included: Bumper-to-bumper warranty of up to five years from purchase.  This warranty has no mileage limits, and it’s transferable to any subsequent owners of the vehicle.

Additional perks and benefits include 24-hour roadside assistance and a reimbursement up to $1,000 in case of a travel interruption.

Reliability: Mini drivers reported 174 problems per 100 vehicles, according to J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study. That’s lower than the industry average, and it’s one of the lowest figures among all automotive brands.

Eligibility: Each Mini vehicle must pass a 230-point inspection in order to be eligible for Mini’s CPO program. Qualifying cars and SUVS must also have a maximum age of five years and have no more than 60,000 miles on the odometer.

CPO Deals: Mini isn’t currently offering any national-level incentives for CPO vehicles at the moment. However, get in touch with your local Mini dealership to check if they have any current offers and deals.

Honda’s certified pre-owned warranty is one of the very best CPO programs not just amongst affordable brands, but across the entire market.

What’s Included: Comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty of up to five years or 60,000 miles from the purchase date, plus powertrain coverage that extends the warranty period for up to a total of seven years or 100,000 miles. Should you need to take your car in for a covered repair, no deductible will be required.

Additional perks include two free oil changes during the first year of ownership, 24-hour roadside assistance and a travel interruption payment of up to $300. Your ownership can be transferred to a new owner along with the warranty.

Reliability: J.D. Power reports that Honda drivers experienced 206 problems per 100 vehicles, which is a figure higher than the industry average.

Eligibility: In order to qualify for Honda’s CPO Program, Honda vehicles must pass a 182-point inspection. Eligible Honda vehicles must be no more than six model years old and with fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer from their original In-Service Date at the time of sale.

CPO Deals: Honda is not currently offering any nation-level incentives at the moment. However, be sure to check out their inventory to check for any local financing deals and offers.

Infiniti’s CPO program provides a high level of care and the kind of benefits that luxury vehicle owners have come to expect.

What’s Included:  Warranty coverage for six years from the original in-service date of a new car. Vehicles certified with under 15,000 miles are covered for up to 75,000 miles, while vehicles certified above 15,000 miles receive coverage for unlimited mileage.

Throughout this warranty period, Infiniti certified pre-owned vehicle owners will enjoy roadside assistance and complimentary service in accordance with the factory-recommended maintenance schedule. No deductible is required for a covered repair, and the warranty is transferable to a new owner if you do part ways with your vehicle.

Reliability: According to J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Infiniti brand reported 219 problems per 100 vehicles, a figure higher than the industry average.

Eligibility: In order to qualify for Infiniti’s CPO program, vehicles must be no more than five model years old and have a maximum of 60,000 miles on the odometer. They also must pass a 167-point inspection.

CPO Deals: Infiniti is currently offering a variety of financing deals on most certified pre-owned vehicles in their catalog. Be sure to get in touch with your local dealership, as incentive details and availability can vary by location.

Acura’s CPO Program is one of the most comprehensive programs on the market, with its blend of premier coverage and benefits ensuring the maintenance of buyers’ luxury vehicles.

What’s Included: Bumper-to-bumper coverage for two years or until the odometer reaches 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That adds up to total coverage of six years from the date of original purchase of a new vehicle when added to any Acura new-car warranty.

Powertrain coverage extends one year from the original purchase date, which amounts to a total of seven years from the date of purchase when the vehicle was new.

Additional  benefits include free roadside assistance and one free maintenance visit, which can include a complimentary oil change, tire rotation and brake fluid replacement. No deductible is necessary for any covered repair.

Acura will also reimburse $300 a day for up to three days, for a total of $900, for a travel interruption. This warranty is also transferable to a new owner if you decide to transfer ownership of your vehicle.

Reliability: Acura reported 216 problems per 100 vehicles according to J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study. This figure is higher than the industry average.

Eligibility: In order to qualify for Acura’s CPO program, vehicles must have a maximum of 80,000 miles on the odometer while not being more than six model years old. Additionally, every vehicle must also pass a 182-point inspection.

CPO Deals: Acura is offering a variety of financing deals for a selection of their qualifying models from the past few years. Contact your local dealer for more details.

Best Certified Pre-Owned Program: L/Certified by Lexus