If you are in the market for a used car, consider buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) before taking the plunge.

Used cars offer plenty of benefits, arguably the biggest of which is the lower price tag for budget-conscious shoppers. The downsides to buying a used car are equally obvious: an unknown history, potential issues lurking just below the surface, and no warranty to be heard of.

Short of turning back the odometer, CPO vehicles address nearly every downside associated with buying a used car. A CPO vehicle is required to meet certain age and mileage requirements, and then is put through a thorough inspection. The dealership then addresses any mechanical, performance, or appearance issues, repairing or replacing parts to meet Subaru's high CPO standards. Once the car is in 'like-new' condition the dealership adds a warranty (and sometimes other perks) before adding it to their used vehicle inventory.

CPO buyers reap all the benefits of buying a used car (including that lower price tag) without sacrificing peace of mind. A vehicle history report ensures that the car hasn't endured any major accidents, flooding, or other long-term damage, and a warranty means that in the unlikely event that an issue does arise, the dealership will take care of it at no cost to the owner.

Subaru's CPO program offers a 7-year, 100,000-mile Powertrain plan, no deductible, factory-backed coverage, a CARFAX Vehicle History Report and Buyback Guarantee, 24/7 Roadside Assistance, and 152-point inspection and reconditioning. Subaru's 152-point inspection is performed only by genuine Subaru technicians, and the full report is made available to the buyer for review.