Manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned Programs (CPO) are becoming increasingly popular as more car shoppers see the value that they offer. Lexus was the first manufacturer to develop a comprehensive, successful Certified Pre-Owned program, and the company still offers one of the best in the business. We visited a Southern California Lexus dealership to get the lowdown on the certification process and the dealership experience that comes with owning a Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

We learned that Lexus has very high standards for the vehicles that are eligible for its certification process. Lexus will not certify a vehicle that is more than six model years old or has more than 60,000 miles on the odometer. Nor will the manufacturer admit any vehicle to the program that has undergone any severe damage.

The automakers' exhaustive certification regimen can take up to four days and includes driving tests under a variety of conditions to ensure that all vehicle components meet Lexus' stringent performance standards.

Lexus' 128-point vehicle inspection process focuses on the following seven areas, which the automaker has determined to be of most concern to the customer:

1. Road Test - Before admitting a vehicle to the Certified Pre-Owned Program, Lexus technicians conduct their own road test, paying close attention to any noises or motions that may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

2. Exterior - Lexus ensures that the every Certified Pre-Owned vehicle's paint is free of scratches, bumps or blemishes and that all exterior components are in excellent working condition.

3. Interior - All Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are meticulously cleaned and reconditioned as needed to ensure that the interior is free of odors, rattles and blemishes, and that all interior devices are functioning properly.

4. Under the Hood - Lexus makes sure that the engine is clean, the battery is fresh, and that all fluids, hoses, fans and wires are in tip-top shape.

5. Under the Vehicle - Lexus inspectors determine that the chassis components, wheels, tires, brakes and exhaust system are all up the standards of a new vehicle.

6. Luggage Compartment - This part of the inspection determines that all required equipment such as a first aid kit, CD cartridge, spare tire, jack, etc. are present and that the cargo area is in like-new condition.

7. Other Items - Finally, Lexus makes sure all books, vehicle maintenance records and spare keys are present in every Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.


The upshot of this exhaustive inspection process is that Lexus Certified Pre-Owned buyers can count on getting a luxury vehicle that is in almost-new condition, even if it is several years old. What's more, Certified Pre-Owned vehicle owners manage to circumvent the hefty depreciation hit that comes with driving a brand-new car off the lot. And Lexus Certified Pre-Owned buyers can even take advantage of the manufacturer's new car financing and leasing rates.

And the like-new Lexus experience doesn't end on the day you buy your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. Every Lexus dealership goes out of its way to make sure that Certified Pre-Owned buyers get the same meticulous dealer experience that new car buyers are treated to every time they visit. And Lexus' comprehensive 3-year/100K total mile Certified Pre-Owned warranty includes perks normally associated with new luxury car warranties, such as 24-hour roadside assistance; complimentary loaner vehicles for qualified service and repairs; a generous trip reimbursement policy in case your vehicle breaks down while you're out of town; and full-service maintenance, which means your vehicle will always be returned gassed and washed when you pick it up after scheduled service. Given all of these fantastic services, Lexus' Certified Pre-Owned warranty is virtually indistinguishable from its new car warranty.