It’s a message I’ve preached to friends and family as long as I can remember: When buying a car, don’t buy new, buy certified pre-owned. 

In most cases, it really does make sense. Buy a low-mileage one- or two-year-old car, and you’ll not only enjoy substantial savings off a new vehicle, you’ll also in many cases walk out of the dealership with a longer warranty.

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.