
When you are buying a used car, particularly a late-model high-end vehicle, one way to remove some of the risk is to spend more and get a “certified pre-owned” (CPO) car.
Under most of these programs, you get the assurance of buying a tested and inspected vehicle backed by a warranty extending support beyond the car’s original term. And you avoid the depreciation hit that buying new entails.
You will want a manufacturer’s CPO, not one from a dealer or a third party, and you will want to read the fine print carefully. Specifics and coverage vary a lot. And be prepared to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 (2 to 8 percent or more) over the price of the car, plus higher rates for specialty cars.