A Certified Pre-Owned Subaru Could Change Your Life

Everyone likes a good deal, and a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru definitely qualifies for a “good deal.” There’s plenty to like about the Subaru brand, including the fact that 97% of Subarus purchased in the past 10 years are still being driven today. But to say that a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Subaru could change your entire life, that’s awfully bold, isn’t it?

To be fair, purchasing a CPO Subaru won’t make your T-zone less oily, give you the ability to play complicated flute solos, or run a faster mile. It will, however, provide you with the peace of mind that only comes from extended factory-backed warranties, a 152-point inspection, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Add into that you’re driving one of the foremost adventure vehicles in the United States, complete with standard all-wheel drive and some of the best safety ratings in its class, and it’s easy to see how shopping Certified Pre-Owned Subarus is a life-changing choice. All the vehicles you want with none of the uncertainty and guessing game of buying a used vehicle? Sounds pretty wonderful! Which means the hard part is deciding which CPO Subaru is right for your needs.

What Is a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru?

A Certified Pre-Owned Subaru is, technically, a “used” Subaru, but not all used vehicles meet the qualifications to be certified by the manufacturer. First, the vehicle must be less than five years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Next, the vehicle must receive a rigorous 152 point inspection. The guidelines for this inspection are available for download from Subaru directly, which means you’ll find no surprises when you take a look at a CPO Subaru at your local dealership.

From measuring tire tread to ensure it’s within certain guidelines to checking the heating and cooling systems for strange smells, the inspection is very thorough. Anything that doesn’t pass the standards must be repaired, with a full list of details regarding each repair or update attached to the inspection report. The inspection must be signed by the Subaru-trained technician who completed it, the service manager, and the customer, which means you’re not just relying on someone’s word for it that this car is in good shape. The manufacturer will keep a copy of this report, too. Also included is a CARFAX report, a copy of which is given to the new owner, as well. This report must indicate a clean title in order to be considered for the CPO program.

Besides knowing what you’re getting when you drive away in your almost-new vehicle, these reports are the basis for the factory-backed 7-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty you’ll receive with your CPO Subaru. This warranty extends the basic 5-year/60,000-mile version that all brand new Subarus receive. When the original powertrain warranty expires, the new one will take its place, covering engine and transmission for up to 7 years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date of the vehicle with no deductible.

Subaru offers two additional options for extending the warranty. The first option is considered the “Classic” wrap-around protection. This covers major parts for 7 years or 100,000 miles, including brakes, suspension, drivetrain, fuel and electrical systems, and important features like air conditioning. In addition to providing a warranty for select components, this plan includes 24/7 Roadside Assistance, including towing and rental car reimbursement when extensive repairs are required.

The second option is called the “Gold Plus” wrap-around plan. This plan is very much the same as the bumper-to-bumper warranty that would have been offered with the vehicle when it was purchased brand new. Additionally, it provides trip interruption coverage with meal and lodging assistance, as well as travel assistance in its enhanced Roadside Assistance program.

CPO drivers will also get a few added bonuses, like a $500 Owner Loyalty Coupon, a free trial subscription to SiriusXM, and a one-year trial subscription to STARLINK Safety Plus Package. So, which CPO Subaru is it going to be? Let’s take a look at Subaru’s threesome of award-winning SUVs to help you learn their differences and personalities.

Do I Want the Crosstrek?

Want a big/little car/SUV? Conflicting terms come to a pleasant agreement with the Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek is based on the Impreza sedan, which means it’s a more compact SUV/crossover. That also means it drives and handles like a car does, with softer springs and a ride that cushions through the corners. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard on this model, placing power on the wheel with the best contact and delivering a soft, safe ride.

Drivers looking at a Certified Pre Owned Crosstrek in 2021 can go all the way back to 2016 when the Crosstrek received a substantial refresh. This included updates to the safety equipment, including Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic alert, and Subaru’s EyeSight technology, which provides adaptive cruise control features combined with forward collision detection.

All of this comes along with LED lighting inside and out and a critically-acclaimed automatic CVT. However, if a 5-speed manual is more your thing, the 2016 Crosstrek gives drivers that option, as well. You’ll find almost 52 cubic feet of cargo space inside, too. With a 2.0L flat-4 boxer engine under the hood, this Subaru is good for 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Even better, drivers can anticipate 26 miles per gallon on the city streets and 34 miles per gallon highway when the automatic CVT is chosen. These numbers are even more impressive when you consider all-wheel drive is standard.

What About an Outback?

The Outback is an excellent choice if adventure is your thing. The Subaru Outback got a major redesign in 2020, which makes finding a CPO model even more attractive. The 2020 Outback was rated by Kelley Blue Book as the #4 Best Midsize SUV for the model year, thanks to its robust safety feature enhancements, brand new infotainment system, and impressive cargo space, which measures 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The Outback also includes Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system, but with its 8.7-inch ground clearance, this vehicle is ready to take on more than your standard paved roadways. Also on board are X-Mode traction with hill descent control and a massive amount of high-strength steel, helping boost its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. The Outback is a pro at road work, too; however, with an improved standard EyeSight package that includes reverse automatic braking and DriverFocus facial-recognition technology that can sense when drivers are distracted or sleepy. The 2020 model is particularly sought-after because of the upgraded engine – a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder that propels the Outback with a quick and responsive ride regardless of terrain or altitude.

Maybe the Forester Is for Me?

If plenty of interior space is your thing, but you don’t want to drive a three-row behemoth, the Forester is a good bet for you. The Subaru Forester received a complete makeover in 2019, making it a fantastic contender for CPO Subaru buyers. Inside, the Forester has room for five adults or nearly 75 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded. The cargo opening is a magnificent 51.3 inches wide, making loading and unloading awkward loads significantly less complicated. Yet, the exterior measures just 182 inches in length, which means less anxiety in parking lots and on crowded city streets.

Like the Outback, the Forester is equipped with the right stuff to head off the road towards adventure. Full-time all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and even a dedicated washing system for the rearview camera make mud, gravel, and dirt a non-issue. On the road, the Forester is well-behaved, with a highway fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon, thanks to active grille shutters in the front bumper and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

A CPO Subaru Is What You Need

There are plenty of compelling reasons to shop for a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that was built to last can help reduce buyer’s anxiety, but knowing that a CPO Subaru is backed by the factory for an extended period of time can certainly bring peace of mind. Factor in roadside assistance and other manufacturer bonuses, and driving away in a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru seems like a very logical thing to do.

Subaru’s SUV lineup includes three very mighty, zippy, and determined vehicles. From the small-yet-capable Crosstrek to the classic Outback and the spacious Forester, each of these SUVs has received recent updates that make them prime candidates for Subaru’s CPO program. Of course, it might still be hard to choose just one, even after test driving them yourself. There’s just something fun about the adventurous and polite Subaru crossover SUV. From the assertive boxer engines to the seemingly endless abilities of these vehicles, there’s a Subaru that’s just right for your next big journey.

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