Details About Volkswagen’s Certified Pre-Owned Warranty | Autance

What IS Included 

VW’s CPO limited warranty coverage varies, as it is a model-specific limited warranty. Newer vehicles are eligible for shorter-term lengths and lower mileage limitations than older models. And if you’re purchasing a used TDI vehicle, you won’t have to watch the odometer to make sure you stay under your mileage cap.

Comprehensive Coverage

Volkswagen’s CPO limited warranty basically extends the manufacturer’s warranty for the length of the agreed-upon term. What that means is you’ll receive nearly identical coverage for mechanical failures that you do under a new vehicle limited warranty. 

The vehicle first undergoes a thorough inspection process. Any issues with the engine, transmission, steering, braking, air conditioning, heating, performance malfunctions, and manufacturer defects thereafter will be covered by the CPO warranty.

Extras

Along with the mechanical coverage and 112-point dealer inspection, Volkswagen throws in some extras to sweeten the deal. You’ll get up to two years of 24-hour roadside assistance, so any fees related to towing, winching, or emergency fuel delivery that you incur will be covered by the warranty. 

You’ll also get valuable insight from the vehicle history report from CARFAX, so you’ll know about any prior accidents or title problems. Finally, VW adds three months of SiriusXM premium programming for vehicles equipped with satellite radio.

What’s NOT Included

You shouldn’t sign the dotted line at the dealership and expect VW to take care of all your vehicle’s needs during the warrantied time frame. While the VW CPO warranty is very comprehensive, there are some things you should be aware of that aren’t covered.

Maintenance and Wear Items

Any maintenance that your vehicle requires is not included in this warranty. Oil changes, air filters, tune-ups, tire changes, alignments, and any other regular maintenance will come out of your pocket. There are some warranties out there that include maintenance tasks, but the VW CPO warranty is not one of them.

Wear items are also excluded. Tires, belts, brake pads, brake discs, and other parts that require replacement due to regular use will not be covered by this service contract.

Knowing that your regular maintenance plan is entirely up to you, it’s helpful to have a plan. CarAutance created these guidelines for maintaining your vehicle. 

The Good 

VW’s CPO warranty provides the owner with some peace of mind. Today’s vehicles are getting more and more complex, which makes them expensive to fix. This warranty covers nearly any issue that you might come up against while the car is within the warrantied time frame. 

Your CPO VW vehicle will be repaired with genuine Volkswagen parts by certified Volkswagen Technicians. That means your vehicle will be restored to its proper function by a professional.

We also like the bonuses that Volkswagen includes. Depending on the situation, flat-tire changes or a tow bill could cost you several hundred dollars, but VW has you covered with its included 24-hour roadside assistance. The three months of SiriusXM is a nice touch because it gives you enough time before you decide if you want to continue paying monthly for it. 

Lastly, the included CARFAX vehicle history report provides a little extra reassurance when it comes to understanding the ownership history of your CPO VW.

The Bad

This deal does come with some drawbacks that you need to be aware of ahead of time. For one, there is a $50 deductible for each issue with no cap. Deductibles are common in extended warranties, but with a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, we’d prefer to forego the deductible. Fifty dollars may not sound like much, but over the course of a few issues, it can add up. If you’re already upset that you’re having issues, imagine how annoyed you’d be to shell out $50 at the dealership every time you need a repair.

We’re unsure why the eligibility terms are the way they are, but we’d like to see a longer warranty available for a 2018 model. It doesn’t make sense that a vehicle with less time on the road and more time left under original warranty should be eligible for a lesser term than a three- or four-year-old vehicle that’s at the end of its original warranty. 

Takeaway Value

When you purchase a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you’re trusting that you’re getting a quality vehicle that will last. Volkswagen’s CPO comprehensive warranty reassures you that you’re getting a quality vehicle. While the bonuses are nice, they’re offset by the annoying deductible. Overall, we feel this warranty’s strength and value are found in its comprehensiveness.