Understanding Subaru Certified Preowned Benefits in the Chicagoland Area

If you're looking for a trustworthy vehicle that can tackle Chicago's wild weather, Subaru Certified Preowned (CPO) vehicles can be an ideal choice. These carefully checked cars give you the reliability you need for snowy winters and busy suburban drives, plus they come with warranties that noncertified used cars don't have. At McGrath Evanston Subaru, we'll help you learn what goes into certifying a preowned vehicle and the benefits of owning one.

What Makes Subaru CPO Vehicles Different From Noncertified Used Cars

Buying a used car can be unnerving, as you don't always know the vehicle's history and whether it will continue to last. That's where Subaru CPO vehicles differ from noncertified used cars. Certified cars go through a rigorous 152-point inspection to make sure everything works, with trained Subaru technicians examining the entire vehicle — from electrical parts to brake systems — before giving a certification stamp. As well, a Consumer Reports analysis of over 300,000 vehicles showed that CPO vehicles have 14% fewer problems than noncertified used cars.

A CPO vehicle may cost a little more upfront compared to noncertified ones, but you can typically recover the additional expense by not having to pay separately for a prepurchase inspection, an extended powertrain warranty, and extra years of roadside help.

When you choose a Subaru CPO vehicle, you're getting something that other noncertified used cars don't have — the reliability and dependability that Subaru is known for. An incredible 97% of Subarus built in the last ten years are still on the road today. Many owners push past 200,000 miles, and some even hit 300,000 with proper maintenance. Plus, you get the full vehicle history, so there are no surprises about past owners, accidents, or maintenance. You know exactly what you're driving home.

Rigorous 152-Point Inspection Process

Every certified used Subaru undergoes a 152-point inspection that leaves nothing to chance. Trained technicians spend hours checking every aspect of the vehicle, from fluid levels and filters to the engine and electrical systems to body condition and undercarriage checks. They'll check the windshield wipers, lights, battery, and interior amenities, such as the air conditioning and heater, defogger, and audio equipment. Parts that are substandard or inadequate are fixed or replaced with genuine Subaru components. By the time you get the keys, your “new” used car meets the same quality standards as those fresh off the assembly line.

Safety and Braking System Checks

Safety gets top priority during the CPO inspection, with extra attention given to the vehicle's braking system and safety-related parts. During the 152-point check, the technicians thoroughly test the tires, pressure, and related safety components and provide a comprehensive examination of the brakes as part of the major systems review, including measuring brake pad thickness, checking the rotor condition, testing brake fluid levels, and verifying actual stopping power during test drives. Given Chicago's heavy traffic and constant stop-start driving, it's essential that your brakes work perfectly.

Complete Warranty Coverage and Protection

The protection you get when purchasing a Subaru CPO vehicle typically surpasses what you'd get with noncertified used cars, including 24/7 Roadside Assistance and a one-year free trial of the MySubaru Safety Package with Automatic Collision Notification. The Extended Warranty Coverage plan starts with a standard seven-year/100,00-mile powertrain warranty, with the option to upgrade to the Classic Plan or the Gold Plus Plan.

7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty

The real standout with certified preowned Subarus for sale is the 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty with zero deductible from the original purchase date. This covers all the vital parts that keep your car moving, such as the engine, the transmission, and the drive axles. If something goes wrong while you're driving, this warranty gives you extra protection and peace of mind.

The engine coverage is extensive and includes the engine block, oil pump and pan, cylinder heads, valve trains, timing belts and gears, intake and exhaust manifolds, gaskets, water pump, and flywheel. Both manual and automatic transmissions are covered, including the case itself, while drivetrain protection handles the axle shafts, differential, transfer case, and drive axles.

Experience the McGrath Evanston Subaru Advantage

If you live in Skokie or anywhere in the Chicago metro and want reliability without new-car prices, Subaru CPO vehicles make perfect sense. The combination of factory warranties, detailed inspection, and local dealer support can ease the uncertainties of buying used. At McGrath Evanston Subaru, we'll help you find the Subaru CPO vehicle that fits your lifestyle. Visit us today or schedule a test-drive to check out our CPO inventory and feel the difference certification makes.