The Ins and Outs of the Audi CPO Warranty | Autance

What IS Included with Audi CPO Coverage

Audi’s certified pre-owned limited warranty is comprehensive and only becomes active if/when the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage expires. The warranty provides adequate coverage for almost all of the components available on a vehicle that may break because of factory defects.  

Comprehensive Coverage

Most of the Audi certified pre-owned limited warranty comes in the form of the inclusive warranty that is available to eligible models. This warranty lasts for five years after the vehicle’s original in-service date if the New Vehicle Limited Warranty has not yet expired. Otherwise, it will only last for one year.

The major components included in this warranty include interior and exterior compartments that are prone to defects over time. Along with the significant drive system coverage, the warranty includes internal systems and replacement parts for systems like the cooling, fuel, suspension, steering, climate control, radio, and navigation parts.

For powertrain components that stop working, the comprehensive warranty also safeguards these most crucial parts of the vehicle. While there isn’t a dedicated powertrain warranty, this comprehensive coverage includes many of the same components such as the front and rear suspension, climate control, electrical, and hybrid components.

Extra Perks

New car owners of Audi Certified pre-owned vehicles can receive the balance of any outstanding Audi Care Prepaid Scheduled maintenance and the remainder of the vehicle’s 12-year limited warranty that prevents corrosion perforation, regardless of the vehicle’s mileage.

For factory defect repairs that take time, Audi will provide a free loaner vehicle and 24-hour customer service support in addition to the standard 24-hour roadside assistance. The roadside assistance provides special services like flat tire changes, fuel delivery, lockouts, emergency winching, battery jumpstarts, and free towing. 

What’s NOT Included with Audi CPO Coverage

The Audi CPO warranty has a few shortcomings that are sometimes absent in the owner’s manual or website.  

Incidental Damage

In most cases, auto warranties provide significant relief when it comes to factory defect repair costs. However, they have their limits in terms of other types of damage. The Audi CPO warranty, in particular, becomes inactive when incidental damage occurs.

This means the warranty will not cover damages that occur due to negligence, misuse, improper care, bad weather, vandalism, or vehicular accidents. The warranty also states that certain damages or modifications done to the vehicle may be subjected to a thorough review by an authorized Audi representative to determine if the warranty will apply. 

Maintenance Costs

If you want to save a few bucks on maintenance or have wear items replaced without spending too much, you may need to consider other coverage options besides the Audi CPO warranty. Since the warranty coverage is restricted to factory defect issues, it will not cover the expenses that can build up during routine services needed to keep the vehicle in running condition.

Alternatively, you may have to personally pay out-of-pocket or do the maintenance work yourself to keep the car in good shape. 

The Advantages of the Audi CPO Warranty 

The Audi Certified pre-owned program offers a lot of benefits that make going with the brand worthwhile. The comprehensive coverage, for example, helps to protect vehicle owners from unexpected, significant costs that can make you regret ever buying the car in the first place.

The extra perks are also a good addition since they mimic the services of the original factory warranty. Things like roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage make it easier to use the car while being covered financially if the vehicle experiences factory-defect-related issues. 

The Drawbacks of the Audi CPO Coverage

The major drawback of the Audi CPO warranty is the actual length of the CPO coverage itself. The warranty relies a lot on the original factory coverage to deliver the full five year period. When the vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, the vehicle will only have 12 months of actual CPO coverage.

Like with other auto warranties, the Audi CPO services are limited in terms of where and how you can get work done on the vehicle. Almost all of the Audi models require authorized garages and technicians to get work covered. Maintenance for specialty vehicles like the hybrid and electric models must also be carried out by personnel with specialized training and equipment. 

Takeaway Value

A CPO warranty is generally a good way to get some extra protection and cost reduction when buying a used vehicle. Audi’s CPO program is no different in this regard, but it is limited. In short, the CPO warranty offers great coverage focused on factory defects, as long as you don’t mind the potentially short coverage period.