Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A silver 2020 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is shown parked on a boulder in the forest.

Get a Great Deal On a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep

Few things are as enjoyable as taking your Jeep out for a run on an off-road trail. Whether you’re in a Wrangler or a Gladiator, there is really nothing like taking the doors off and feeling the free wind blowing through your hair. The thing is, buying a brand new Jeep can be a little pricey, especially if you are on a tight budget. Fortunately, you can get a great deal on a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep from your authorized Jeep dealer. Certified pre-owned (CPO) is a program run by the parent company of Jeep, Stellantis, that gives you amazing benefits on a used Jeep model so you can get the Jeep that fits the lifestyle you want at a price that you can easily afford.

The folks at Stellantis understand that not everyone can afford to buy a brand new vehicle. This is why they have created the CPO program for its vehicles such as Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and even Jeep. This means that you are getting a great used Jeep that is backed by one of the biggest automotive companies in the world, giving you the peace of mind you need when buying a pre-owned vehicle.

Certified Pre-Owned Is Not Just Used

Anyone vehicle that has a prior owner is used. However, not every used vehicle is created equal. First off, you can buy a used Jeep from practically anyone, such as a used car lot or someone you just met through social media. The problem is that you don’t always know what you are getting. The used Jeep you are looking at may have been in a major collision, might have issues with the engine or other key performance system, or there may be an open recall on the specific model you are looking at that has not been addressed. While most folks selling used cars will let you take it for a test drive, unless you have some experience as a mechanic, you really can’t tell if something is wrong with the used Jeep unless you get it checked by a trained mechanic first.

Second, most used cars aren’t covered by a warranty. As you may know, most new cars are covered by a factory warranty that covers most major parts and repairs. For example, if your transmission goes on a new Jeep still covered by warranty, you can probably get it repaired at little or no cost to you. However, when you buy a used Jeep, the warranty may have expired, or the transaction you are entering into to acquire the Jeep might in some way terminate the warranty making it non-transferable to you. If you do not have a warranty on your vehicle, then you will have to pay for all your repairs in full. This can get very costly very quickly, especially on an older used model that needs more service attention than a newer model.

Finally, you want to make sure you are getting a vehicle that is reliable, no matter what make or model you are buying. You need your Jeep to get you around wherever you go, and if it has issues, then you aren’t going anywhere. Fortunately for you, the Jeep CPO program from Stellantis addresses each of these critical issues, so buying CPO will give you something more than just a used Jeep. You will be getting a Jeep that is just as good as new.

A blue 2020 Jeep Cherokee is shown off-roading in the mountains.

The Benefits of the CPO program

Stellantis has one of the industry-leading CPO programs for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram models, mandating that the vehicles that can be considered for this program must be within five years of the current model year and have less than 75,000 miles on the odometer. In addition, the used Jeep model must have no frame damage, and the title must be clean, so there are no ownership issues. This means that you are getting a newer Jeep model in better condition than you will probably find if you looked for one on the used market.

Once the possible Jeep models have been sourced for the CPO program, they undergo a comprehensive 125-point inspection. This includes a road test by a trained Jeep technician. If there are any outstanding recalls on the specific model, these will be addressed as well. This inspection takes care of having a mechanic look at the vehicle for you, though you should still have someone you trust look at the model.

All CPO Jeeps are covered by two exceptional warranties from Stellantis. First, you get a maximum care warranty that covers most vehicle components. This coverage lasts for 3-months or 3,000-miles from the date you take possession of your CPO Jeep. Second, you get a powertrain limited warranty that includes the cost of repair or replacement of such things as your Jeep’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain. These can be some of the most expensive repairs on your Jeep. This runs for the earlier of 7-years or 100,000 miles from the date of sale. In the case of both of these warranties, a deductible will apply, but that represents a small fraction of what you would have to pay for the entire repair. You also have the ability to upgrade these two warranties as part of the CPO program.

Stellantis is committed to making this CPO process as transparent as possible, which is why you will receive a free CARFAX vehicle history report on your CPO Jeep. This will tell you everything you need to know about your Jeep, including prior ownership and usage and accident and service history.

You also get some other great benefits when you buy a CPO Jeep. If your Jeep breaks down on the road, you get 24-hour roadside assistance, including flat-tire service, battery jumps, gas delivery, and towing. In addition, you get a car rental allowance, so you have a set of wheels while your CPO Jeep is in the shop. Finally, you get a free 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, so you can listen to your favorite music, talk, or sports while you take your CPO Jeep out on your next adventure.

Brief Background on Jeep Models

Jeep has been making great vehicles for over 80 years, including the legendary Jeep Wrangler. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying your CPO Jeep. First off is the drivetrain. If you plan on taking your CPO Jeep off-roading, then you should buy one with four-wheel drive. Models like the Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee come with front-wheel drive as well as four-wheel––which are great for regular commutes. The Grand Cherokee is offered in rear-wheel drive on lower trim levels, and that will save you a bit at the gas pump. The Wrangler and Gladiator models are only available with four-wheel drive.

The next things you should keep in mind are horsepower and torque. If you are looking to use your CPO Jeep for towing, then the higher torque numbers will translate into better towing experience, so you can tow heavier trailers. Torque also translates into more strength when you are off-roading and need to get up and over obstacles. Horsepower, on the other hand, will usually give you quicker acceleration and higher top speeds.

If you really want to get the most out of off-roading, then you should look for a CPO Jeep that is Trail Rated. This is more than just a pretty badge; it signifies a Jeep model that has undergone a series of tests to make sure it can handle the extremes of off-roading, including various weather conditions. Trail Rated Jeeps also come equipped with specialized equipment like locking rear differentials, recovery hooks, and skid plates that come in handy when you are out on the trail.

Jeep makes some great models to choose from. The most iconic is the Wrangler with its classic Jeep design. It comes in two-door or four-door designs, with detachable doors to let the outside in. The Gladiator is a Jeep pickup truck with a four-door cab like a Wrangler with a bed in the back for carrying your stuff.

If you want a compact SUV, then you can choose between the Renegade and the Compass, each featuring great fuel economy ratings. For those who prefer a more conventional SUV, there are the sporty Cherokee and luxury Grand Cherokee models. No matter which one you choose, you are getting a classic Jeep at a very affordable price with the CPO program.

A black 2020 Certified Pre-Owned Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is shown driving through a river.

Make Your Next Vehicle a CPO Jeep

Buying your next car can be a challenge if you have a tight budget and cannot afford to buy one new. Buying a used Jeep off the street is a very risky proposition. By choosing to buy a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep, you are taking the risk out of the equation without pricing yourself out of the market, giving yourself the best of both worlds. Stop by your local Jeep dealer today and make your next vehicle a CPO Jeep.