Audi Certified Pre-Owned – worth it?

As consumers when we buy goods and services we typically look into what we’re getting for our money. Some research on the Internet, reading labels, comparison shopping etc… Decision making based on information at hand – not an uncommon process.

You go buy a Dell and you’ll get a million details and options to compare when making your choices – it’s not the easiest set of data to mull but if you’re willing, the data is out there. You go buy a car and you have lots of options to add to your car – each at a price. One of those items, ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ status as some manufacturers call it is a black hole of mis-information.

1st problem with Certified Pre-Owned: Understanding the premium you’re paying for CPO  – sure you could compare KBB or other pricing sources but lack of transparency is the cornerstone of auto pricing.

2nd problem with Certified Pre-Owned: Understanding what you’re getting with CPO

It’s sold as an assurance, a vehicle warranty. During the sales process when you ask what CPO covers on your new (used) car you don’t exactly get a clear answer – sure they mention coverage, blah blah, and this and that, blah blah, but there’s no documentation for it and a car salesman well, they’re a car salesman. When I pressed for details I was told that I would receive information in the mail once I own the car. Not the answer I was looking for but hey, something tangible in the mail, ok, I guess I’ll be patient (it never arrived). Another detail that was left out was the $50 deductible for any repairs that are covered.

As I’ve discovered in the past 18 months, Audi Certified Pre-Owned does NOT cover:

• Buttons (radio, dash, climate, etc)
• Rattles (funny rattle in the door, too bad)
• Upholstry/Leather/door panels (Oh, right, that makes sense too)
• Noise dampening material that falls apart (ok)
• Wear and tear items (I’m not talking about brakes/tires, but tubing found around the engine)

What was covered so far:

• Replacing power steering rack

Conclusion:

While I still don’t know what’s covered and what’s not or what I really paid for CPO – it seems to cover some catastrophic failures. I’m guessing with the power steering rack I got my money’s worth (on the CPO) but how often is a major component going to fail like that on a car with 50K miles?