Is Now the Right Time for a CPO Program?

Mazda North American Operations launched a new certified pre-owned program today.

Model year 2006 to 2010 Mazda cars, SUVs, and trucks with less than 60,000 miles may qualify for the program. Every Mazda CPO vehicle will offer either the remaining balance of the factory warranty or an additional 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, as well as a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, all CPO vehicles will receive roadside assistance — including flat-tire changing, battery-jump, lock-out, and fuel delivery — at no extra cost, for the balance of the powertrain warranty period.

So here’s the question: Should Mazda have waited for used-car prices to come down a bit from their record highs before launching a CPO program? Or might certified vehicles fill a void for consumers looking to buy new cars without the new-car price?