Autoblog

Ford confident in quality, improves certified used vehicle warranties

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:33:00 EST

Ford is confident enough in the improved quality of its vehicles that the automaker is increasing the warranty on its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles. Under the old warranty terms, the powertrain was covered for six years or 75,000 miles; starting last week the powertrain coverage was upped to six years or 100,000 miles. Ford has also seen fit to add a three-month or 3,000-mile comprehensive warranty along with 24-hour roadside assistance to their CPO cars. In reality, this new extended warranty coverage brings Ford level with other manufacturer's powertrain CPO warranties, placing them smack-dab between rival GM's five year or 100,000 mile warranty and Honda and Toyota's seven year or 100,000 mile coverage. Chrysler's CPO coverage extends for eight years but only up to 80,000 miles. All of these brands also match Ford's new comprehensive coverage. As Ford's higher-level brand, Lincolns will get a six-year/100,000 comprehensive limited warranty.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford confident in quality, improves certified used vehicle warranties originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Used Chryslers are hot? Pentastar CPOV sales are up

Dan Roth — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Dodge, Earnings/Financials

Sales of new Chrysler vehicles are down between 1 and 8 percent, depending on which brand you're looking at, but sales of the Pentastar rides referred to as Brand Spankin' Used are the best ever. Five-Star Chrysler dealers moved 10,204 Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles in August, a 5 percent increase over 2006. Particularly popular choices are the Chrysler Pacifica and the Dodge Magnum, those models seeing increases of 24 and 26 percent, respectively. CPO cars from any manufacturer are often a good bet, as they're typically a maximum of 5 years old and must undergo a more rigorous inspection than they might at another sales outlet. Chrysler's comprehensive 8 year, 80,000 mile warranty doesn't hurt, either. How could you deny the allure of a 300C that's delivered its depreciation hit to someone else, comes in cherry condition (Five-Star dealers typically wholesale anything that's not approaching pristine), and has a better warranty than many new cars? Now all Chrysler has to do is build more compelling cars that people will be clamoring for, even used.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Chrysler, LLC]

Continue reading Used Chryslers are hot? Pentastar CPOV sales are up

Used Chryslers are hot? Pentastar CPOV sales are up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Maserati officially launches Trident Discoveries CPO program

Mike Magda — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Performance, Maserati

Maserati is going after the premium BMW, Jag and Porsche shopper by announcing today it will be offering certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. Combined with a new in-house finance service and the addition of an automatic transmission to the Quattroporte, the Trident Discoveries CPO program should help Maserati expand its customer base.

"We don't want to be an exception," said company spokesman Jeff Ehoodin at a press conference during the Chicago Auto Show. "We are not an exotic."

CPO programs have been a major marketing platform for other luxury brands, especially those trying to lure first-time owners. Last year, BMW sold just over 80,000 CPO vehicles while Mercedes-Benz and Lexus were around the 46,000 mark. Porsche and Land Rover were on the low end with 2006 sales of about 6,000 units each.

Maserati obviously doesn't have a product line that cross-shops with a C-class or 3-series and isn't expecting CPO numbers that high. However, the automaker does want to seduce a potential 7-Series or S-Class AMG buyer to consider a used but fully serviced and inspected Maserati.

"One hundred percent of our sales are conquests," said Ehoodin. "We want to present every opportunity for ourselves."

Qualifying Maseratis sold under the Trident Discoveries program are no more than five years old and have not logged more than 90,000 miles. The vehicle undergoes a 120-point inspection and is guaranteed not to have been in a serious accident. Roadside assistance and extended warranty plans are also available.

Chicago Auto Show: Maserati officially launches Trident Discoveries CPO program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't forget the used car option

Erin Mays — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

With all the deals going on, it's hard to imagine why anybody would go for a used car. But it's the right choice for some people -- with the proper preparation.

It's a common story. You buy a car from someone who advertised in the newspaper. The next thing you know, you're broken down in the worst part of town. It's hard to know what kind of care was taken of a car by its previous owner; whether the car requiring premium gas and synthetic oil got 87 grade from Speedway and one-off 10W-30... every 10,000 miles.

While there are no legal standards for "certified pre-owned," the little bit of security they offer in the form of a warranty is well worth the $1,000+ premium for CPO, according to the Chicago Tribune. Check out the link for more money-saving tips for auto buyers.

If you've been burned by a bad used car buy, let us know your story in the comments and perhaps you can prevent a similar fate for someone else.

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

Don't forget the used car option originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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