A Certifiable Comparison: A Look at Honda and Toyota’s CPO Programs

When it comes to finding a vehicle at a lower cost and above-average quality, the struggle has been a consistent one for many potential buyers. In fact, to find something that satisfies both criteria in this particular search, many have turned to the various Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs offered by different manufacturers. These programs consist of vehicles with limited mileage, have been produced in recent years, and usually have just one owner. Because they’re not brand-new, they tend to cost less and allow drivers to benefit from lower insurance premiums.

They also come with the added advantage of being thoroughly inspected and brought up to pristine condition by certified technicians, and they also come with manufacturer-backed warranty coverage. In short, these vehicles have all of the benefits of having a brand-new vehicle, while paying lower up-front costs. Two manufacturers who offer their own unique programs are Honda and Toyota. But which one is more beneficial for consumers? We’re going to compare the benefits of each to help you decide whether the purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Honda model is right for you.

Qualifying Factors

A common thread with all CPO programs is the parameters each vehicle must adhere to before it can be considered worthy of certification. These usually consist of mileage and age. Honda and Toyota both have multi-tiered programs that allow variety among potential buyers. Toyota’s program is based on a two-tiered system, which is made up of two groupings: Silver Certified and Gold Certified. The following are the basic requirements for both programs.

Vehicles that are a part of Toyota’s Silver plan are no older than ten years old and have no more than 125,000 and no less than 60,000 miles of travel on the odometer. All vehicles are subjected to a 136-point inspection by a certified technician to bring the vehicle up to date. Buyers are also given a complimentary CARFAX report that details the vehicle’s history to offer transparency during the transaction. The parameters that come with opting for Toyota’s Gold Certified program are more strict, and inspections and advantages are more beneficial. To qualify for gold certification, a vehicle must be no older than six years and have less than 85,000 miles of travel. The inspection is much more thorough than the Silver program, with 160 points instead of the Silver program's 136 points.

Much like Toyota, Honda’s CPO program is a multi-tiered system, though it’s more inclusive with three different levels, allowing buyers to shop by price and quality and allowing them a broader selection. The first tier is simply referred to as HondaTrue Used. These vehicles have been manufactured within the past ten years, and there are no specific parameters in terms of mileage. Aside from having a more thorough inspection to ensure quality assurance, which covers 182 points, Honda allows drivers to choose a CARFAX or Autocheck report to provide the vehicle’s history. Buyers are also given a free complimentary oil change.

The next tier of Honda’s CPO program, which the brand refers to as HondaTrue Certified, offers many of the same advantages as Honda TrueUsed, but the parameters are slightly stricter; these vehicles have been manufactured within a time frame of five years and have less than 80,000 on the odometer. These specifications are even stricter with Honda’s top-tiered level, HondaTrue Certified. These vehicles have traveled less than 12,000 miles and have all been manufactured within a two-year time frame. Both of these programs come with two complimentary oil changes instead of one.

Warranty Coverages

One of the reasons why CPO programs have become as popular as they have is because of the warranty coverage that’s offered. In fact, many have similar packages that are almost as extensive as those that come with the purchase of a new vehicle. As is to be expected, warranty coverage carries upon the program tier you decide to go with. When it comes to the purchase of a Toyota CPO vehicle, those in the Silver program have a Limited Powertrain Warranty that covers the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whereas the Gold certification is more extensive with seven years and 100,000 miles. Customers who buy into the program are also given roadside assistance and a $0 deductible for any parts covered by the original warranty.

While Toyota’s warranty coverage is certainly reassuring, Honda offers more, and much of this can be attributed to their three-tiered structure. Drivers who select a vehicle for the HondaTrue used program receive coverage for the powertrain and other aspects of the vehicle for a period of 100 days or 5,000 miles. All three levels have the benefit of a 90-day trial with Sirius XM, a 0$ deductible for any repairs covered under warranty, a three-day exchange policy, and concierge service. As for the HondaTrue Certified and Certified programs, coverage is far more extensive to offer drivers more peace of mind after making their initial purchase. Both programs cover the powertrain for a period of seven years and 100,000 miles. HondaTrue Certified covers the rest of the vehicle for up to four years and 48,000 miles. This coverage is extended with the HondaTrue Certified+ program for a period of five years and 86,000 miles.

Our Final Appraisal of Both Programs

Honda and Toyota have both been in fierce competition with one another for many years. After closely examining both programs, we feel that while Toyota’s program is beneficial for consumers, Honda clearly has more to offer in various areas. The fact that there’s a multi-tiered structure that covers a broader range of years and mileage means that drivers have more options to choose from and can make their selection based on price, mileage, coverage, and quality. Giving drivers the choice of what report they receive regarding their vehicle’s history gives them more autonomy in the buying process, and longer stretches of coverage are what many drivers search for to obtain peace of mind. After all, the mark of an excellent brand is how much they have to offer their customers than the competition.

Visit Us for Your Next Certified Pre-Owned Purchase

Based on what we’ve seen today, Honda is offering drivers an inclusive and broad selection of vehicles with their CPO program. Multiple tiers mean more variety in price, models, and coverage, something that anyone searching for a vehicle of exceptional quality can take advantage of. Finding that vehicle that ideally suits your needs and performs at an exceptional level has never been easier, especially when you come and shop at Future Honda.

Not only do we have many models that are a part of Honda’s three-tiered CPO program, but we also carry other used offerings, including ones from the current model year. We also have a parts and service center to ensure that your vehicle stays on the road and running and a financing department that will work extra hard to get the keys into your hand. At Future Honda, we live up to our name as a location where people can establish a foundation for the road ahead. Come in today and let us show you everything Honda’s CPO has to offer.