The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, What is a CPO Vehicle?

Hey there, Volkswagen enthusiasts! Lexie here, your friendly neighborhood car aficionado from Mankato Volkswagen. Today, we’re diving into the world of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. What exactly does CPO mean for you, the customer, and your soon-to-be beloved car? Let’s break it down with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of wisdom, and a whole lot of Volkswagen love. If you have any questions or cool VW stories you want to share, you can reach me at lexie@mankatomotors.com or (507) 344-6984.

CPO: The Basics

CPO stands for Certified Pre-Owned. But what does that really mean? Imagine a used car that’s gone through a rigorous boot camp, emerging as the elite among its peers, ready to serve you with reliability and a shiny new badge of honor.

Requirements for Certification

Before a vehicle can join the prestigious ranks of CPO, it must meet several criteria (and each brand will be a little different):

• Age: Typically, the car must be a 2018 or newer model. (No offense to classic car lovers!)
• Miles: The odometer should read under 75,000 miles. Think of it as “lightly seasoned” rather than “well-traveled.”
• Condition: The vehicle must be in good condition before inspection. No major accidents, flood damage, or fire damage allowed—those are deal breakers.
• Vehicle History: Every car has a story, and a CPO vehicle’s story must be clean. We check for any severe damage in its past.
• Intense Inspection: This isn’t your average car wash and polish. Our technicians scrutinize over 100 plus points on the vehicle. Any necessary repairs (generally your normal wear and tear items) are made to ensure it’s in top shape.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Buying a CPO Vehicle

The Good: Benefits to the Buyer

1. Newer Vehicle Without the New Car Price Tag: You get a newer model car without the hefty price tag.
2. Low Mileage: Enjoy a vehicle that hasn’t been around the block too many times.
3. Better Condition: CPO vehicles are typically in better shape than your average used car.
4. Peace of Mind: Thanks to that intense inspection, you can drive confidently knowing your car has been thoroughly vetted.
5. Warranty Benefits: Unlike regular used cars, CPO vehicles come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. More on that below!

The Bad, and the Ugly: Things to Consider

1. Brand Differences: There is no standard CPO program in the car industry… Each brand has its own CPO program, so it’s wise to do a little homework first. 
2. Dealer Certified vs. CPO: These are not the same. Dealer certified means the vehicle meets the dealership’s standards, but it’s not backed by the manufacturer like a true CPO.
3. Higher Cost: CPO vehicles can cost more than other used vehicles, but you’re paying for the added assurance and benefits.
4. Limited Options: The selection of CPO vehicles may be smaller compared to the general used car market.

Volkswagen’s CPO Program

Now, let’s talk about Volkswagen. Our CPO program is designed to give you maximum peace of mind and plenty of perks. But what exactly does that mean for you?  Here’s what you get:

Warranty Coverage

• Model Year 2018 and 2019: 1-Year or 12,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Repairs covered by this warranty will be performed at no additional charge after a $50 deductible per dealer visit. It’s like health insurance but for your vehicle.
• Model Year 2020 and Newer: 2-Year or 24,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Similar conditions apply.
• Electric Vehicles Model Year 2018 and Newer: 3-Year or 36,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Repairs covered by this warranty will also be performed at no additional charge after a $50 deductible per dealer visit.

Side Note: Now remember the warranty is added on to what is left of the original warranty. For those of you who are unsure, Volkswagen’s original warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles. So you start from the vehicle’s original in service date aka its purchase or lease date and add on, depending on where the vehicle falls with age and mileage.

Roadside Assistance

• Two Years of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance: This includes towing to the nearest licensed authorized VW dealership, flat-tire changes, and jump starts. Roadside assistance is provided by a third party and may require additional payment for services rendered.

CARFAX® Vehicle History Report

• CARFAX® Vehicle History Report: Every CPO Volkswagen comes with a CARFAX report. While Volkswagen doesn’t warrant the accuracy of these reports, they provide valuable insight into the vehicle’s history. 

SiriusXM®

• Three Months of SiriusXM®: If your CPO vehicle is SiriusXM® equipped, you’ll enjoy three months of premium programming at no additional charge. (Because what’s a road trip without some great tunes?)

100+ Point Dealer Inspection

• Comprehensive Dealer Inspection: This includes checking the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, and more to ensure your Volkswagen meets our high standards.

Conclusion

Buying a CPO vehicle is like getting the best of both worlds: the assurance of a new car and the savings of a used one. With Volkswagen’s CPO program, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing your vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and comes with robust warranty coverage.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to me, Lexie, at lexie@mankatomotors.com or (507) 344-6984. Happy driving!

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