If you’re shopping for a gently used Dodge, consider cars and SUVs in the Dodge Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. These are late-model vehicles that pass a thorough inspection by a factory-trained technician. They also have a clean vehicle history report. Dodge provides a short bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, as well as an impressive powertrain warranty. When you consider the extra warranty coverage along with the other Dodge-certified added-value benefits like 24-hour roadside assistance and a limited rental-car allowance during covered repairs, it’s a deal worth checking out.
The impressive extended powertrain coverage; rental-car allowance
Short bumper-to-bumper limited warranty; high deductible for covered repairs
Not just any Dodge meets the CPO requirements. These are cars and SUVs that are no more than five years old with fewer than 75,000 miles on the odometer. Dodge puts each CPO vehicle through a 125-point inspection by a factory-trained technician. Any issues uncovered during the inspection are repaired using factory parts. These vehicles also must have a clean vehicle history report.
Every CPO Dodge comes with a 3-month or 3,000-mile additional bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. It kicks in when the original 3-year or 36,000-mile original new-car warranty expires. For expired new-car warranties, the CPO coverage begins on the sale date of the CPO Dodge. Dodge covers every new vehicle with a 5-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. For Dodge-certified vehicles, the automaker extends the time period for another two years, for a total of seven years or 100,000 miles from the original new-car purchase date.
There are two drawbacks to the CPO warranties. First, the Dodge-certified bumper-to-bumper limited warranty falls far short of competitors’ offerings. The industry norm is for at least one year or 12,000 miles of additional coverage. Some provide more than that. Second, Dodge requires a $100 deductible for each covered repair. Some competitors don’t charge a deductible while others only charge $50.
Dodge does offer a few value-added perks like a free vehicle history report, a $35-per-day rental-car allowance for up to five days during covered repairs, special financing, and a 3-month satellite-radio subscription. CPO coverage is fully transferable to another private individual.
Another drawback, the puny CPO bumper-to-bumper limited warranty underwhelms. Dodge could do better. However, the powertrain coverage is better than most. Ponying up $100 for every covered repair, however, could really add up. Generally, the added benefits are around the industry average. If you have your heart set on a Dodge, Dodge certified is something to consider. Find certified pre-owned Dodges for sale.
