How the New Volvo CPO Warranty Stacks Up to the Competition 

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For years, Volvo offered what was widely considered the best certified pre-owned warranty program in the auto business. It carried no deductible and ran for seven years from the date the vehicle was put into service (e.g., when it was sold), or 100,000 miles—whichever came first. It also included Volvo Roadside Assistance for the life of the warranty. 

Beginning November 1, 2018, the standard CPO warranty was revised to provide coverage for only five years from the date the vehicle was put into service. To help soften the blow, Volvo eliminated the mileage cap; the warranty is now good for that five years no matter how many miles are on the vehicle. Volvo Roadside Assistance is still included. 

For buyers who long for the longer coverage period once available, Volvo does now offer a variety of upgrades: VIP Platinum, Gold Plus and Gold, which according to Volvo’s website can extend coverage up to nine years and 125,000 miles. (See: http://volvo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9788) Confusingly, dealers in my area are advertising that the warranty can be extended up to eight years. I will be contacting Volvo for clarification. 

With the changes, Volvo’s standard CPO warranty now aligns much more closely with its European competition. The following table summarizes the CPO warranties available from Volvo, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz as of 11/25/2018: 

Volvo

  • Term from Date of Sale: 5 Years

  • Mileage Limit: Unlimited

  • Comments: Options to buy extended coverage up to 9 years/125,000 miles at additional cost. Read more here.

Acura

  • Term from Date of Sale: 5 Years (7 for Powertrain)

  • Mileage Limit: 62,000 (100,000 for Powertrain)

  • Comments: If no factory warranty left (4 years/50,000 miles general, 6 years/70,000 miles powertrain), the CPO non-powertrain warranty lasts 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Read more here.

Audi

  • Term from Date of Sale: 5 Years

  • Mileage Limit: Unlimited

  • Comments: Not an extension of original factory warranty. Takes over after factory warranty (4 years/50,000 miles) expires. If no factory warranty left, CPO warranty lasts 12 months with no mileage limits. Read more here.

BMW

  • Term from Date of Sale: 5 Years

  • Mileage Limit: Unlimited

  • Comments: Not an extension of original factory warranty (4 years/50,000 miles). Read more here.

Cadillac

  • Term from Date of Sale: 6 Years

  • Mileage Limit: 100,000

  • Comments: Read more here.

Lexus

  • Term from Date of Sale: 6 Years

  • Mileage Limit: Unlimited

  • Comments: Also includes two years of factory-scheduled maintenance. Read more here.

Mercedes-Benz

  • Term from Date of Sale: 5 Years

  • Mileage Limit: Unlimited

  • Comments: Option to buy an additional one or two years of warranty coverage at additional cost. Read more here.

Volvo ShoppingRandy MyersComment