What is CPO?

January 28, 2025

So, you’re looking to buy a new ride. But you have a lot of questions.
What is CPO?
How does a vehicle become certified?
What are the benefits of buying a certified used vehicle?
Should you buy a new car or a used car?
Let’s park it right here for a bit.

Certified Pre-Owned

First things first—CPO stands for certified pre-owned vehicle. These are higher-quality used vehicles. You see, certified pre-owned vehicles typically undergo an inspection by a manufacturer or dealer to determine the quality of the vehicle. If anything is worn out or defective, it gets repaired. As a result, most CPO programs include some type of limited warranty to give you peace of mind should anything unexpected happen. While every inspection process can look different, it helps make sure every vehicle meets the requirements to qualify for a certified pre-owned program. It’s all about the reliability and affordability with certified pre-owned vehicles.

With CarBravo, our definition of certified pre-owned is slightly different. While we are a GM-affiliated brand, we sell more than just certified pre-owned GM vehicles. We sell all types of certified used Hondas, Toyotas, Fords and more. Plus, every single vehicle is inspected by a CarBravo technician to make sure they’re up to our quality standards.

How does a vehicle become certified?

Speaking of quality standards, most programs do a multi-point inspection before officially certifying a vehicle. They check out the engine, steering, tires and more. It gives buyers reassurance they’re getting a quality ride that is good to go.

CarBravo has expert Certified Service technicians perform our inspections. These dedicated techs train through the GM Automotive Service Educational Program, so you can be assured they are using the correct tools and parts when inspecting and repairing vehicles. The certified multi-point inspection checklist they perform on vehicles under 10 model years old with less than 100,000 miles contains a total of 126 items, while BravoBudget vehicles between 10-15 model years old with 100,000-150,000 miles receive a 62-point inspection. They review the vehicle history and check out the engine, transmission, steering, HVAC and safety systems, maintenance, tires and brake pads — all because we care about every single vehicle we sell.

Woman choosing next CarBravo Certified Car

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What are the benefits of buying a certified used vehicle?

Most CPO programs strive to have similar reliability and quality standards of a new vehicle, while also having a limited warranty to serve as peace of mind should anything go wrong during the warranty period. When you buy a new vehicle, you know you’re the first and only owner, and that it has had no accidents, wear or mileage. If you buy a certified used or CPO vehicle, you won’t be the first owner — it will have a range of mileage on it and it may already have some minor wear. But you will have a quality vehicle with a limited warranty at an affordable price.

When it comes to finding the right certified used vehicle for you, it is important to review all the benefits too. At CarBravo, we not only give you a choice of certified used vehicles in an array of makes and models, but also a standard limited warranty, roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, a 10-day/500-mile vehicle exchange program and more. That way, you know you’re covered – now and on the road ahead. So, are you ready for your CarBravo certified used vehicle?

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IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION:

Before a CarBravo vehicle is listed or sold, GM requires dealers to complete all safety recalls. However, because even the best processes can break down, we encourage you to check the recall status of any vehicle through your GM account and NHTSA.