:..Certified Used Vehicles - Would you buy just 'used' or only 'Certified'..:

AND.... up to, 100,000 miles in total miles
not 100,00 from buy date

 

Both my current vehicles are CPO. Bought one that was dealer courtesy car, well maintained and low miles with one year on it. Was worth it to me to essentially get an extended warranty on last years model with low miles.

 

I bought my 2019 CPO with 42k miles on it. Lifetime power train. 12k - 12mo extended warranty.

 

My worst ever vehicle buying experience was the CPO ‘15 Camry we picked up for the Mrs. almost 3 years ago. The inspection form was pencil-whipped, it even contradicted the tech notes on the work order, and the salesman lied though his teeth about the uneven tire wear and alignment issues being resolved.

I was pissed at myself for trusting them, and should have done a thorough check myself, but let the excitement get the better of me. Live and learn.

I personally put zero value on CPO, I’d much rather buy privately.

 

When buying a vehicle, CPO is the best way to go. (if in your budget)

You get a "like new" vehicle that some other person paid for the initial depreciation.
You get a good warranty, sometimes better than new.

Win Win.
No downside, imho.

 

Normally. I paid original sticker for mine, even though it was 2yo and had 42k miles on it. Crazy market. I did get the bonus of $3k worth of color matched camper shell and full bed rug kit.

 

Might be a dumb question - who do you call for roadside assistance ? The dealership or any tow service?
Also - how is the paperwork handled. The wife and I both have "certified" vehicles, but never had an issue.
Looks like the coverage is only available for 2 years
Just curious. Thanks...

 

Good deal. I was looking for a slightly used one, but I managed to get a new '20 CM 4x4 with TRD Offroad/SR5 Upgrade/Blackout and some other stuff for $41.7K, with lifetime engine warranty and $200 in parts.

 

Yea things are definitely on the crazy train these days.
You got an ok deal considering the market nonsense.

I bought mine in Feb 2020 for $33k with 53k miles.
2014 1794 edition, 1 owner, not CPO as I was after a specific truck and after 6 months searching Carmaxripoff had what I wanted.

I just would not buy a vehicle in this market unless it was a very cheap beater, like $5k or less, and I won't pay any crazy inflated price.
Paying new prices for used vehicles is against my religion.

Luckily, I don't need to buy any vehicles for a while, my 2014 1794 should last close to the rest of my life, once I get the timing tensioner replaced that is

 

CPO for the most part is a marketing gimmick, as is the 140 point inspection. for example 4 points to check air in the tires, 4 more to check tread depth, 4 more to check function of headlights and brights, the tail lights and signals, lug nuts on each wheel, etc, etc, Most of the inspection is pointless and only visual. If they send engine oil and trans fluid out for analysis, and ran full diagnostics on the various systems computer management systems maybe it be worth something. Otherwise I would prefer to do my own inspections.

 

My CPO came with additional warranty like a warm and fuzzy blanket for the next 12k miles. If something is wrong and it pops up, it's covered. Also the lifetime powertrain is nice.

 

You are right some of the checks are normal inspection items, but there are other better checks included also, and there's the warranty aspect.

To each their own.

 

If your buying a used vehicle over $2500 get an unbiased external inspection, usually about $300. Certify you own vehicle. If dealer refuses run away. You dont get what you expect, you get what you inspect. Carfax, Autocheck all but useless except title validation.

 

Purplenova

Your dealership gives you paperwork and a card to put in your wallet that has the Roadside Assistance number to contact along with with your vehicles information. You are also registered in the Toyota network so that if you have to go to another Toyota dealership in the continental United States your warranty is in there. I bought y 2008 Tundra Certified Toyota

 

CPO won't magically make a abused used car be reliable. HOWEVER i really wanted a BMW a decade ago and was well informed of the reliability and repair costs, so I purchased a low mileage CPO. The extra 2-3K CPO price was worth the 7 yr 100k miles. It ended up paying for itself after about $10k+ worth of repairs to turbo's and fuel pump failures.

A well kept and well inspected Honda or Toyota I would not hesitate to buy without warranty.

 

Pre RONA craziness this was close to my experience when I was in the market for 2016s to 2018s. I looked at a local CPOed 2018 and it was only $2K lower than a new 2020, I ended up with a new 2020.

 

I went CPO on my 2018 a couple years ago. Worth the piece of mind for the extended warranty for me.

 

I’ve purchased 3 Tundras over the last past 16 years all new and after spending time on this forum (I love it) I would never buy a used Tundra or any other vehicle that is likely to have been modded as much as these Tundras are. Just sayin’