Generally speaking, when customers go to dealership, they think they have two choices in terms of vehicle condition: new and used. However, there is a third option, which is known as “Certified Pre-Owned” (CPO). A CPO is certainly not a new vehicle. However, it’s a different kind of used car because it has undergone extensive tests and repairs to put it in the best possible shape. In the last few years, the certified pre-owned vehicle market has blossomed, which is partly attributable to the incentives from car manufacturers. And South Korean automaker Hyundai has emerged as one of the top players in this sector
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Overview
A certified pre-owned vehicle combines the benefits of a new car and a used car. It is simply a used car that has been inspected, refurbished, and certified by its manufacturer or a certifying authority. The resulting CPO vehicle has an extended warranty and special financing, among other benefits, tacked on to it. Ultimately, the customer gets a top-quality car for a used car price. Lexus and Mercedes-Benz were the first automakers to adopt the CPO concept in the 1990s. Since then, 30 manufactures offer certified pre-owned vehicle deals and programs.
Carfax Report
As one of such manufacturers with a CPO program, Hyundai includes a detailed vehicle history report from Carfax, Inc., a commercial web-based company that has become synonymous with this type of document. A vehicle history report is crucial during the car search and purchasing process, since it gives a rather detailed account of the car’s past. It can reveal any problems, if any, that the vehicle has encountered; such concerns include damage from collisions, odometer issues, or engine or transmission replacements. Also, the car could be a “lemon,” meaning that it has repeatedly failed to meet industry standards of quality and performance. Usually, customers would have to purchase a report on a specific vehicle. However, with Hyundai certified pre-owned vehicles, the report is given to the customer free of charge. Customers can get a copy of the car’s Carfax report for the specific vehicle from the local dealership and keep it for their records. They can also view it at the website and print it accordingly.
Inspection Process
The Carfax report is the first item that comprises Hyundai’s 150-point inspection process. To be considered for the program, the used Hyundai car must be no older than five years, and it must have less than 60,000 miles on its odometer. The latter requirement is notable for being even stricter than the traditional industry standard of 80,000 miles. Other requirements for Hyundai’s CPO program include a flawless car title and Carfax vehicle history report. So, that means cars that have been in accidents, sustained flood damage, or have significant issues are automatically disqualified. Such a pre-qualifying stance exemplifies Hyundai’s commitment to providing quality CPO vehicles. During the inspection process, parts and features are tested for quality assurance; underperforming or faulty parts and features are either repaired or replaced.
Warranty and Benefits
Hyundai has one of the best warranty deals in the automotive industry, and that includes its CPO vehicles. Each car gets a reissue of a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and the remainder of the five-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty. Also included is a 10-year/unlimited roadside assistance program and a rental car for the first day of covered repairs. For the first 90 days of ownership, Hyundai CPO vehicle owners get a free trial of Sirius XM Satellite Radio. This means that they can enjoy over 130 channels of commercial-free music, talk shows, live sports, news reports, and local traffic and weather alerts.
