One of the most intriguing aspects of the automotive industry is how many of the changes the different manufacturers implement are done for the benefit of consumers. While much attention gets focused on safety and driving assistance features and the continued development of the EV (electric vehicle), the advent of the CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) program has been beneficial in the tumultuous process known as vehicle shopping. These programs vary depending on the manufacturer, and today we take a closer look at the CPO program offered by Volkswagen. If you’re in the market for a new method of transportation and have plans to visit a certified VW dealer in your area, you might find the information we present here very beneficial.
What Does a Certified Pre-Owned Program Offer?
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a Certified Pre-Owned program, let us break down the basics. For many years, shopping for a vehicle meant one of two choices: buying a new offering from whatever the current model year was or buying a used model. And while both options are still around today, the various CPO programs across the industry combine the best attributes of both. Typically, CPO vehicles, while being previously owned, carry with them many of the benefits of buying new. They have limited mileage and have usually been manufactured on a date that’s very close to the current model year. They also have the benefit of being thoroughly inspected by a certified technician and brought up to a high standard of quality. Much like new vehicles, they carry with them manufacturer-backed warranties for added protection and peace of mind.
Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen: The Basics
Each manufacturer is different in what constitutes a CPO vehicle. Volkswagen is certainly no different, and there are certain guidelines that a vehicle must fall under before being certified. Volkswagen breaks down its CPO vehicles by model year and mileage. From here, Volkswagen subjects the vehicle to a 100-point inspection. The powertrain, brakes, drivetrain, and steering are all looked over thoroughly, and any parts of the vehicle that are not up to standard are replaced with OEM factory parts. Aside from the mechanical inspection, all vehicles must be cosmetically sound, have no tampering with the odometer, and possess a clean vehicle history. To provide transparency, a CARFAX report will be presented to ensure the quality of the vehicle in question. Aside from the history, customers are also given two years of 24-hour roadside assistance and a trial subscription to Sirius XM platinum.
Warranty Breakdown
Volkswagen breaks down its limited warranty coverage into a three-tiered system, with the age of the vehicles determining how long their warranty coverage lasts. Vehicles manufactured before the year 2017 are covered for a period of two years or 24,000 miles. These include vehicles powered by gasoline, electricity, or a hybrid engine. Vehicles from 2018 or newer are covered for one year or 12,000 miles, and vehicles manufactured before 2016 or powered by diesel fuel are covered for a period of two years and unlimited miles. Next, we’ll be analyzing what’s covered under the warranties and some of the available extensions.
Knowing What’s Covered and What Isn’t
While Volkswagen has three different warranties based on the manufacture date of their CPO vehicles, they simplify the actual coverage that warranty provides. Many of the domestic manufacturers have two separate warranties, one for the powertrain and another for the other one to cover certain parts of the vehicle. This is usually referred to as either a limited or bumper-to-bumper warranty. Volkswagen combines both of these items into one single warranty to make things easier for consumers to understand what’s covered, which is where our examination will cover next.
The CPO warranty that Volkswagen implements covers a great deal. First off, like many other manufacturer warranties, Volkswagen will cover any workmanship that’s sub-par and defects which are their fault. Some of the items that are covered by Volkswagen include the powertrain, which consists of the engine, transmission, seals, axels, and hubs. The drivetrain is also covered, which includes fueling, suspension, and the transfer case. Electronics and HVAC are also covered.
Many have made the observation that the CPO warranty and new vehicle warranty are very close in similarity to one another. That said, many of the aspects that usually fall under the responsibility of the driver are not covered by Volkswagen. These include tires, wheel alignment, damage caused by wear and tear and neglect, and the basic maintenance needed at routine intervals. On average, the cost of maintaining a Volkswagen is approximately $676, which is considered average for the industry.
For additional peace of mind, you have the option to purchase warranty extensions. Depending upon the age of the vehicle, this coverage lasts considerably longer. Vehicles manufactured in 2018 or newer are covered for an extended period of ten years or 150,000 miles. Vehicles manufactured in 2017 or older still have a favorable amount of extended coverage, but it’s limited to ten years or 120,000 miles. The extended plans you can sign up for are broken down into three tiers. These can be purchased either directly through the manufacturer or the dealership. If you’re looking for an added layer of protection, these plans are certainly ideal for protecting your investment:
Powertrain
This covers the engine, transmission, axels, and all hybrid and electrical components. While this coverage is basic, the length at which it lasts ensures you’ll have oversight when you’re embarking upon your travels.
Gold
The gold warranty system has the benefits of the previously mentioned warranty but takes things a step further. This package covers the climate control system, shocks, suspension, and electrical system.
Platinum
The top-tier extended warranty package covers everything included in the gold package. Additional coverage is included for the steering, brakes, navigation, audio system, and other high-tech components. We recommend this package for people with high-trim VW models
Our Final Verdict on the Volkswagen CPO Program
So, what’s our final thought on the Volkswagen CPO program? Well, the brand has always been synonymous with providing consumers with the very best in European engineering and maintaining the ideal balance between performance and affordability. The purpose of a CPO program is to allow consumers to buy a vehicle of above-average quality that contains all of the benefits of a new vehicle while still being more affordable than something manufactured during the current model year.
The CPO program offered by Volkswagen allows consumers to purchase one of their highly-coveted vehicles that’s been properly inspected and brought up to a high standard of quality assurance. The warranty coverage they’re given is impressive, and should someone choose to, they can opt for extended coverage that provides peace of mind on an exceptional level. The VW Certified Pre-Owned program truly embodies what makes a CPO vehicle a great option for someone shopping on a budget. You get the modern tech and protections associated with a new model for a more affordable price, a perfect combination for those considering a pre-owned Volkswagen vehicle. Just because you are shopping for a used model doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality and up-to-date features. Visit your local Volkswagen dealer and see what their CPO program can offer to get you behind the wheel of a high-quality pre-owned VW model.
