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You’ve most likely heard the term “certified pre-owned” (CPO) when shopping for a used vehicle, but do you know what it really means and what differentiates these vehicles from a typical used truck?
Certified pre-owned trucks are proven to be in the best condition they can be as used vehicles and are a great option for those looking to buy their first truck, upgrade their vehicle or expand their fleet without the new vehicle price tag. Here’s everything you need to know about the certified pre-owned inspection process and how these trucks stand out from the rest.
What is a Certified Pre-Owned Truck?
At a basic level, certified pre-owned trucks are used vehicles deemed the “best of the best” on a dealer’s used truck lot. What qualifies a truck as worthy of the CPO title varies based on the vehicle’s manufacturer, but the criteria are intended to guarantee peak performance and confidence for the buyer. Newer model trade-ins and lease returns that are in good condition and have lower mileage are typically ideal candidates for CPO status.
When a used truck arrives at the dealership, the dealer determines if it meets the manufacturer’s certified pre-owned qualifications based on its condition, age and mileage. The dealer then performs a comprehensive, multi-point inspection to evaluate every aspect of the vehicle, from the front bumper to the rear wheels. Any issues found during the inspection are noted and repaired and quality-control road testing is conducted before finalizing the certification process.
When you purchase a CPO vehicle, the dealership will share all the vehicle’s documentation with you, including the inspection report so you know what work was performed.
Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Trucks
So what’s the difference between a certified pre-owned truck and a typical used truck? Well, all CPO trucks are used trucks, but not all used trucks are CPO trucks.
All trucks with a certified pre-owned status have gone through a stringent maintenance, testing and reconditioning process and must also be within age and mileage limits set by the manufacturer. While most reputable commercial truck dealerships (including Rush Truck Centers) perform a standard multi-point inspection and make-ready process on all used vehicles to get them road-ready before reselling them, most used trucks won’t meet the requirements to be certified pre-owned.
In addition to the difference in the level of inspection performed, here are a few key differences between buying a certified pre-owned and used vehicle.
- Price – CPO vehicles are typically priced higher than non-CPO used vehicles of similar age, mileage and specs because they have undergone extra inspections and repairs to become certified. However, even though CPO trucks guarantee a level of quality and reliability similar to that offered by new models, purchasing a CPO truck is significantly cheaper than purchasing a new vehicle.
- Warranties and Additional Perks – Used trucks are typically only sold with whatever’s remaining on the vehicle’s original factory warranty. Certified pre-owned trucks, however, will often come with additional manufacturer-backed warranties or buyer’s assurances that will cover repairs for a specified amount of time after the purchase. CPO vehicles may also come with added perks such as roadside assistance.
- Less Risk – While the certification process and comprehensive inspections don’t eliminate the possibility of issues popping up after purchasing a CPO truck, the risk of major problems occurring is greatly minimized. Plus, purchasing a CPO vehicle may alleviate some of the stress of buying a used vehicle and provide reassurance that your truck is in peak condition when you drive it off the lot.
Commercial Truck Certified Pre-Owned Programs
When it comes to used semi trucks, Peterbilt’s Red Oval Certified Program and International’s Certified Pre-Owned Program are two of the most distinguished certified pre-owned programs in the industry. Below we’ve outlined the requirements used trucks must pass in order to be eligible for CPO status under these two programs.
Peterbilt Red Oval Certified Program
Peterbilt trucks can be designated Red Oval Certified if they meet the following requirements:
- The truck must pass a 150-point factory-certified inspection performed by a Peterbilt master service technician. The Red Oval Inspection includes an oil and filter change, a certified diesel particulate filter (DPF), a front-to-rear evaluation and reconditioning services.
- The truck must be four years old or less.
- The truck must have less than 450,000 miles.
- The truck must pass a DOT certification.
Trucks that are certified pre-owned under the Red Oval Certified Program also come with several additional warranties and benefits, including:
PACCAR Engines Pre-Owned Warranty: 1-year/125,000-mile warranty that protects Peterbilt CPO trucks equipped with the PACCAR MX-13 engine and covers more than 100 system components.
90-Day Buyer’s Assurance: 90-day/unlimited mile vehicle coverage for MX-powered Peterbilt trucks included at no additional cost and covers the air system, brake components, cooling module, HVAC system and more.
Optional Extended Warranty: An additional 1-year/125,000-mile factory chassis warranty can be purchased on its own or combined with the PACCAR Engines Pre-Owned Warranty.
Towing Coverage: Zero deductible towing coverage is included if the truck is transported to a Peterbilt or Kenworth dealership.
International Certified Pre-Owned Program
Every International Certified Pre-Owned truck is backed by the following benefits:
175-Point Inspection: The truck must pass a grueling 175-point inspection and reconditioning process that includes a complete check of the vehicle’s exterior and interior, vehicle detailing, DPF cleaning/replacement, a complete test drive to ensure transmission, steering and gauges are in peak condition, and more.
Warranty: A full one-year factory-authorized engine and aftertreatment warranty is included along with International’s 90-day Driver’s Assurance.
Extra Perks: One year of roadside assistance, six months of Love’s Diamond Status, one year of OnCommand Repair Advocate monitoring (optional), two years of OnCommand Diagnostics and ELD (optional) and a free RigDig truck history report.
Used Trucks Available Nationwide at Rush Truck Centers
Rush Truck Centers is your source for quality, used trucks of all makes and models, including certified pre-owned trucks from brands you know and trust. Our used truck sales specialists have access to hundreds of heavy-, medium- and light-duty trucks in a variety of makes and models, specifications and applications across our dealership network. And each used truck we sell has undergone our rigorous make-ready process and passed a federal DOT inspection.
View our used and certified pre-owned inventory today or contact us to inquire about a vehicle.
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