Audi Certified Pre-Owned means the car passed Audi's inspection and comes with extended warranty coverage
An Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle is a used Audi that has passed a 111-point inspection performed by Audi-trained technicians and comes with an extended warranty beyond what you get with a regular used car. The inspection covers the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and interior components. If the car fails any part of that inspection, Audi either repairs it or does not certify it.
The warranty that comes with Audi CPO coverage runs for six years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first. This is longer than most manufacturer CPO programs, but the coverage itself is narrower than a new-car warranty — it covers powertrain components (engine, transmission, drivetrain) and some major systems, but not wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, or routine maintenance.
Audi CPO vehicles also come with roadside information, a vehicle history report, and a limited warranty on the paint and interior trim. The exact terms depend on the model year and mileage at the time of certification, so you need to read the specific warranty document for the car you are considering.
Key Takeaways
- Audi CPO vehicles pass a 111-point inspection by Audi technicians and must meet specific condition standards before they can be certified.
- The warranty covers six years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date and includes powertrain and major system components, but not wear items or routine maintenance.
- Roadside information and a vehicle history report are included with every Audi CPO purchase, and you can transfer the warranty to a second owner with some limitations.
- Not all used Audis are certified — the dealer must send the car through Audi's inspection process, and some cars do not pass.
What the 111-point inspection actually checks
The inspection covers major mechanical and electrical systems. Audi technicians test the engine for leaks and proper operation, check the transmission for smooth shifting, inspect the suspension and steering components, test all brakes, verify the electrical system and battery, and examine the interior controls and climate system. They also check for rust, accident damage, and proper paint thickness.
If a car fails any part of the inspection, the dealer has two choices: repair it to Audi standards or decline to certify it. This means an Audi CPO vehicle should not have known mechanical problems at the time of sale, though like any used car it can develop issues after you own it. The inspection is a snapshot of the car's condition on the day it was inspected, not a may provide that nothing will ever go wrong.
How the warranty coverage works and what it does not cover
The Audi CPO warranty is a powertrain and major systems warranty. It covers the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axles, and suspension components. It also covers the air conditioning system, electrical systems related to engine operation, and the steering system. What it does not cover includes brakes (except brake lines), tires, batteries, wiper blades, spark plugs, filters, belts, hoses, and any wear items that are expected to need replacement over time.
Routine maintenance is not covered — oil changes, fluid top-ups, and scheduled service are your responsibility. If a repair is needed, you can take the car to any Audi dealer, and the warranty will pay for parts and labor on covered components. You do not have to use the selling dealer.
The warranty is transferable to a second owner, but with a shorter term: the second owner gets four years or 80,000 miles from the original in-service date. If you plan to sell the car later, this can add value, but the new owner's coverage will be limited compared to yours.
The difference between Audi CPO and a regular used Audi
A regular used Audi sold by a dealer or private party comes with no warranty unless the original manufacturer warranty has not expired. The original new-car warranty runs for four years or 50,000 miles, so a used Audi with higher mileage or older model year will have no coverage at all. You are buying the car as-is, and any repairs are your cost.
An Audi CPO vehicle comes with the six-year warranty from the original in-service date, which means you have coverage even if the original warranty has expired. You also get the benefit of the 111-point inspection, which gives you some assurance that major systems were working at the time of sale. A regular used Audi may have had no inspection at all.
The trade-off is price: Audi CPO vehicles cost more than comparable non-certified used Audis because of the inspection, warranty, and dealer preparation. Whether that extra cost is worth it depends on your budget and how much peace of mind matters to you.
Mileage and model year limits for Audi CPO
Audi does not certify vehicles that are more than six years old from the model year or that have more than 100,000 miles on the odometer. Some dealers may have older or higher-mileage cars on the lot, but those cannot carry the Audi CPO warranty and should be sold as regular used vehicles.
Within those limits, a car with 80,000 miles and a model year four years old can be certified. A car with 50,000 miles and a model year six years old can also be certified. The dealer decides whether to send a car through the certification process, so you may see some used Audis that fall within the age and mileage range but are not certified — usually because the dealer chose not to invest in the inspection and warranty, or because the car did not pass inspection.
How to verify Audi CPO status and read the warranty document
When you are shopping for an Audi CPO vehicle, ask the dealer for the warranty document before you buy. This document will show the exact coverage terms, the original in-service date, the current mileage, and any exclusions specific to that vehicle. Do not rely on the dealer's verbal description — the written warranty is the contract that matters.
You can also contact Audi customer service with the vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm that the car is registered as certified and to learn the warranty end date. The Audi website has a CPO inventory search tool where you can filter by model, location, and price, and each listing should include the warranty details.
If you buy the car, keep the warranty document and the inspection report. If a repair is needed, bring both to the Audi dealer along with your proof of purchase. The dealer will use the warranty document to determine whether the repair is covered.
What happens if you need a repair during the warranty period
Contact any Audi dealer and describe the problem. The dealer will diagnose the issue and tell you whether it is covered under the CPO warranty. If it is covered, the dealer will perform the repair at no cost to you. If it is not covered, you will pay the full repair cost.
You do not need to return to the dealer where you bought the car — any Audi dealer can handle warranty repairs. This is useful if you move or if your local dealer has a long wait time. The dealer will bill Audi directly for covered repairs, so you should not have to pay and then seek reimbursement.
If a dealer denies a claim and you believe the repair should be covered, you can contact Audi customer service with your warranty document and the repair estimate. Audi will review the claim, though the outcome depends on the specific terms of your warranty and the nature of the repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an Audi CPO vehicle from a private seller?
No. Audi CPO certification is only available through Audi dealers. A private seller cannot certify a car, and a car sold by a private party will not have the Audi CPO warranty. If you see an Audi advertised as CPO by a private seller, that is not accurate.
Does the warranty cover accident damage or rust?
No. The warranty covers mechanical and electrical failures of covered components. Accident damage, rust, and cosmetic damage are not covered. The inspection checks for these issues before certification, but if damage occurs after you own the car, the warranty will not pay for repairs.
What if I need maintenance like an oil change during the warranty period?
Maintenance is your responsibility and is not covered by the warranty. You can have maintenance performed at any shop, not just an Audi dealer, though Audi dealers may offer service packages. Keep records of all maintenance in case you need to prove the car was serviced properly if a warranty claim is disputed.
Can I extend the Audi CPO warranty beyond six years?
Audi does not offer warranty extensions through the CPO program. Once the six-year or 100,000-mile term ends, the warranty is finished. Some dealers may offer aftermarket extended warranties, but those are separate products and are not part of the Audi CPO program.
What if the car has a recall during the warranty period?
Recalls are handled separately from the warranty. Audi will notify you if your car is subject to a recall, and the recall repair is performed for free at any Audi dealer regardless of warranty status. Recalls are a safety or emissions issue, not a warranty claim.