Before buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, check out this explanation of the certified pre-owned programs offered by Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar and Jeep. This explains the warranty program for each manufacturer; how old the certified pre-owned vehicles are, and other benefits you can expect from a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.

Ford Certified Pre-Owned

To qualify for certified pre-owned status, each used Ford must be less than 6 model years old and have less than 80,000 miles on the odometer.

• It must pass a 169 point-by-point exam.
• The 6-year/100,000-mile warranty provides coverage for the engine, transmission and more; and, fully transferable warranty.
• The warranty covers more than 500 components, including many high-tech parts, as well as the failure of covered components due to abnormal wear resulting from defective materials or workmanship, in addition to mechanical break downs.
• There is also a three-month, 3,000 comprehensive warranty from the time of sale.

• Ford Certified Pre-Owned

GMC Certified Pre-Owned

To be considered a vehicle must be five model years old or newer, with less than 60,000 miles.

Other highlights:

• 5 year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty
• 12-month/12,000 Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
• Roadside Assistance
• Courtesy Transportation
• 117 point inspection
• 3-Day/150 Mile Satisfaction Guarantee

• GMC Certified Pre-Owned

Honda Certified Pre-Owned

Each Honda certified pre-owned candidate receives:

• a 150-point mechanical and appearance inspection, performed by the dealer technician
• Honda-trained technicians recondition any component that does not meet standards, or replace it with Honda parts.

Warranties cover, among other areas:

• Major engine and transmission components, except for standard maintenance items, body glass and interior;
• Repair or replacement of any covered part that is defective under normal use with a $0 deductible.
• Powertrain coverage for 7-years/100,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date.

• Honda Certified Pre-Owned

Hummer Certified Pre-Owned

Every Hummer's that considered for the line's new pre-owned program must go through a 117-point inspection. Obviously there supply grows limited with the brand's demise..

The bumper-to-bumper limited warranty of all certified pre-owned Hummers vehicles is extended to 6-years/100,000 miles from new vehicle delivery date or mileage, whichever comes first.

Used Hummers also get comprehensive conditioning to restore the "like-new" feeling. Truth be told, most Hummers don't get pushed to their full capability off road, so if you really feel like you need these gas guzzling SUVs, certified pre-owned is probably a safe bet.

• Hummer Certified Pre-Owned

Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned

The Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty boasts a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty on used vehicles going back five model years with less than 60,000 miles.

• The Hyundai inspection plan covers 150 points.
• One of the compelling parts of Hyundai's program is the new car financing rates through Hyundai Motor Financing Company.
• The program does have a $50 deductible that has to be taken into consideration. Other programs have no deductible.

There is no central website but one is expected to be running by September 2008. It will have a searchable database.

Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned

Only Infiniti models less than four years old and with less than 60,000 miles qualify for the certified pre-owned program.

• Every certified pre-owned Infiniti must pass a 142-point analysis.
• Every significant component of the vehicle is scrutinized

The Infiniti certified pre-owned vehicle limited warranty has a $50 deductible and extends the basic coverage to 72 months from the in-service date of the vehicle or 100,000 total miles on the odometer, whichever occurs first.

In terms of how people actually drive their cars, the Infiniti warranty mileage and time limits are most reflective of real-life use.

• Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned

Jaguar Certified Pre-Owned

Every select edition car has been hand picked from Jaguars available from model year 2003 through 2008 and covers Jaguar´s entire offering, from All-wheel Drive X-TYPE, through S-TYPE and XJ to the XK coupe and convertible.

• Vehicle warranty is 6-year/100,000-mile coverage that tacks an additional two years or 50,000 miles onto Jaguar´s new car warranty.
• Each car receives a 140-point inspection that ensures the vehicle is in top condition, both mechanically and cosmetically.
• Next scheduled service is performed if within 2,500 miles, or 3 months of next needed service.

• Jaguar Certified Pre-Owned

Jeep Certified Pre-Owned

To be considered, a vehicle must be 5 model years old or newer and have 75,000 miles or less. Other websites have it wrong that eight-year old vehicles are eligible.

• A seven-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty on 2010 model year and newer certified pre-owned vehicles
• The limited warranty covers repair or replacement of most major powertrain components including transmission, engine and driveline.
• As with most warranties, it's the mileage that's important. Very few vehicles hit eight years with less than 80,000 miles. That changes with the newer models, though.
• All vehicles must pass a 125-point inspection.

• Jeep Certified Pre-Owned