How to Choose
the Right Acura CPO Vehicle
How to Choose the Right Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
A certified pre-owned Acura can be a smart fit for drivers who want premium design, confident performance, and modern technology without moving all the way into a brand-new vehicle. It can also be an excellent entry point into the automaker's portfolio for first-time Acura shoppers around Auburn or Opelika, AL.
Detailed inspections, qualification requirements, and supporting benefits are the key differentiators between a regular used vehicle and a certified pre-owned model. An Acura Certified Pre-Owned vehicle must meet specific age and mileage guidelines before even being considered. Additionally, after passing a 182-point inspection, certified models become eligible for advantages like warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and other ownership benefits.
As a result, an Acura Certified model is able to deliver a like-new experience for a more accessible value proposition.
What Is an Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?
An Acura Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is a previously used model that qualifies for either the Acura Precision Certified or Acura Precision Used program. These programs are focused on different vehicle ages, but both add more confidence than a typical used-car purchase.
Acura Precision Certified
Acura Precision Certified vehicles are six years old or newer and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer. These vehicles receive a 182-point inspection from an Acura Certified Technician and include longer warranty support. Benefits include:
- Limited Warranty Powertrain Coverage: Seven years or 100,000 total odometer miles from the original in-service date
- Limited Warranty Non-Powertrain Coverage: Two years1 or 100,000 total odometer miles, depending on when the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty ends1
- Acura Roadside Assistance: Two years or 100,000 total odometer miles1
- Trip Interruption Expense Reimbursement: Two years or 100,000 total odometer miles1
- Concierge Service: Two years or 100,000 total odometer miles1
- 7-Day Exchange Policy
Acura Precision Used
Acura Precision Used expands certification availability to older Acura vehicles that are up to 10 years from the original in-service date at the time of sale. This can be a great way to get additional benefits from a pre-owned purchase without a mileage limit.
- Limited Warranty Powertrain Coverage: Six months or 10,000 miles1
- Limited Warranty Non-Powertrain Coverage: Six months or 10,000 miles1
- Acura Roadside Assistance: One year or 12,000 miles1
- Trip Interruption Expense Reimbursement: One year or 12,000 miles1
- Concierge Service: One year or 12,000 miles1
- 7-Day Exchange Policy
1From expiration of the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty, or the date of sale if purchased after the expiration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Acura Certified vs. Regular Used Acura
| Feature | Acura Certified | Typical Used Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-point Inspection | Yes | Varies |
| Factory-Backed Warranty | Yes | Usually No |
| Roadside Assistance | Yes | Usually No |
| Vehicle History Review | Yes | Varies |
| Financing Offers | Yes | Varies |
| Inspection Performed by Acura-Trained Technicians | Yes | Not Always |
| Eligibility Requirements | Must Meet Acura Age andMileage Standards | No Standard Requirements |
| Added Ownership Benefits | Included with Certification | Varies by Dealer |
Which Certified Pre-Owned Acura Model Should You Buy?
Acura MDX: Best for Families
The Acura MDX offers three-row seating for up to seven occupants, making it a natural fit for families, carpooling, and weekend trips. It provides ample room for passengers, more than 90 cubic feet of max cargo capacity, and a multi-function 2nd-row that lets you switch between captain's chairs and bench on the fly. Available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive adds extra confidence during wet weather, long highway drives, or winding back roads outside Phenix City.
Acura RDX: Best Luxury SUV Value
The Acura RDX is an appealing choice for shoppers who want premium SUV comfort without a third row. It offers a responsive turbocharged engine (272 horsepower), confident handling, and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (standard starting with the 2024 model year). Many pre-owned RDX models also include desirable features through packages like Technology, A-Spec, Advance, or A-Spec Advance, depending on the model year and configuration.
Acura TLX: Best Sports Sedan
The Acura TLX is ideal for drivers who want a premium sedan experience that's both luxurious and engaging. It boasts sharp styling, premium accommodations, a responsive 272-horsepower standard engine, and available all-wheel drive. Type S models go a step further with a 355-horsepower turbo-V6, sport-tuned handling, adaptive suspension, and standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
Acura Integra: Best for Younger Buyers
The Acura Integra is sporty, efficient, practical, and stylish, delivering an experience that feels both upscale and fun to drive. It's a great match for younger buyers, recent graduates, or anyone looking to upgrade from a mainstream sedan or hatchback. The liftback design adds useful cargo flexibility, while its turbocharged engine and available manual transmission make it more engaging than a typical compact car.
Acura ADX: Best Compact Luxury Crossover
The Acura ADX is one of the newest arrivals to the Acura lineup. It's an attractive option for shoppers who like the higher seating position and flexibility of an SUV but want a smaller footprint than models like the RDX or MDX. With turbocharged performance, available all-wheel drive, and premium cabin features, the ADX is positioned as a smart compact luxury crossover for daily life.
How Many Miles Should a Certified Acura Have?
While mileage matters, it shouldn't be the only consideration when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle. A Certified Pre-Owned Acura that passes a meticulous inspection process, carries a clean vehicle history report, and is covered by a warranty can be a better choice than a lower-mileage regular used vehicle with fewer protections.
- Under 30,000 miles: Certified pre-owned Acura models in this range often feel closer to new. They're generally from later model years and include many recent features and design updates.
- 30,000 to 60,000 miles: Models in this mile range represent a strong middle-ground option. They may offer a more accessible price than a very low-mileage vehicle while still falling comfortably within Acura Precision Certified eligibility.
- 60,000 to 80,000 miles: This mileage range can often still be worth consideration, especially if it qualifies for the Acura Precision Certified program. Well-maintained examples can provide a surprisingly accessible entry point into the Acura portfolio.
Is Acura Certified Pre-Owned Worth the Extra Cost?
For many shoppers, Acura Certified Pre-Owned is worth the extra cost because it adds protection and confidence to a premium used-vehicle purchase. The biggest advantages include warranty coverage, a required inspection, roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits, concierge service, and potential Acura financing offers. Precision Certified vehicles also include complimentary first scheduled maintenance, while Precision Used models include one complimentary oil change within the first year of ownership.
There are a few trade-offs. Certified vehicles usually cost more than comparable non-certified used vehicles, and the available selection may be smaller because not every used Acura qualifies. However, that is also part of the value, as certification narrows the field to Acura vehicles that meet program standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Acura Certified Pre-Owned is a great way to enjoy a premium Acura experience for a more accessible value than buying new.
Acura Precision Certified vehicles include powertrain coverage for seven years or 100,000 total odometer miles from the original in-service date. They also include non-powertrain coverage for two years or 100,000 total odometer miles. Higher mileage examples may be eligible for Acura Precision Used Coverage.
Coverage depends on the certification type. Precision Certified models receive longer warranties, while Precision Used models include six months or 10,000 miles of coverage. Refer to "What is an Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle" for more detailed information.
Yes, an Acura with 80,000 miles or fewer may qualify for Acura Precision Certified if it also meets the age and condition requirements. Higher-mileage Acura models may qualify for Acura Precision Used coverage.
Precision Certified is for newer Acura models and includes a 182-point inspection with longer warranty coverage. Precision Used is for older Acura vehicles and includes a 112-point inspection with shorter coverage.
Yes, Acura Certified benefits include complimentary maintenance through a certified Acura service center. Precision Certified vehicles include the first scheduled maintenance, while Precision Used vehicles include one complimentary oil change within the first year of ownership.
Yes, Certified Pre-Owned Acura models are eligible for financing. Contact Acura of Columbus for more information about available rates, terms, and offers.
Learn More at Acura of Columbus
Reach out to Acura of Columbus to learn more about our pre-owned Acura inventory, including available models and financing opportunities. If you're ready for a closer look, we welcome you to visit us for a test drive. It will be our pleasure to assist you.
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Acura Of Columbus
6549 Whittlesey Blvd
Columbus, GA 31909
- Sales: (706) 917-4674
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