Certified Pre-Owned vs Dealer Warranties: Where to Buy Smart Buying a used car with real protection comes down to who stands behind the warranty and where you can actually get repairs done. If you want the best balance of coverage quality, service access, and resale value, manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs are typically the smartest buy because they’re factory-backed and honored at franchised dealers nationwide. If your budget is tighter, a non‑CPO dealer car with a vetted …