Honda Certified: What Can You Expect to Be Inspected?

There is a lot to love when it comes to used Hondas. They’re reliable and known to last for a long time. Plus, used models stretch across pretty much every body style, from compact sedans to SUVs to minivans to trucks. That means that no matter what you like to drive, there is probably a Honda out there to fit you. However, what do you do when you want a used vehicle, but still want some of the guarantees that come with buying something new? That’s where buying a rigorously inspected Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) model comes into play. As your Rochester Certified Pre-Owned Honda dealer, we are here to show you all the benefits of buying a CPO model from Honda.

Honda only entered the U.S. passenger car market in 1970, but its reputation has been steady from the start. Sold through just 32 dealerships in the southwestern U.S. originally, today the brand has 12 manufacturing facilities in North America. In fact, since 1982, Honda has built more than 28.2 million vehicles in the U.S. so there are a lot of options on the used market.

Part of growing the Honda brand has been creating a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program. Honda has further differentiated its Certified Pre-Owned vehicles by creating the HondaTrue Certified and HondaTrue Certified+ designations. HondaTrue Certified vehicles are those from 2017-2022, and those rated as Certified+ are the newest of the bunch, from the 2021 and 2022 model years.

Both HondaTrue Certified and HondaTrue Certified+ vehicles come with a 7-year or 100,000-mile Powertrain Coverage. HondaTrue Certified+ vehicles bought within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period have non-powertrain coverage of five years of 86,000 miles. Older, HondaTrue Certified models bought within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty extend that warranty to 4 years or 48,000 miles. If the New Vehicle Limited Warranty has expired, HondaTrue Certified vehicles have a non-powertrain coverage of 12-months or 12,000 miles.

All HondaTrue Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with up to two complimentary oil changes within the first year of ownership. All of these vehicles are also eligible for Honda Care, with additional protection for critical areas like the engine, transmission, suspension, and temperature control, and fuel systems. Honda’s Trip Interruption roadside assistance and Concierge Service, for making restaurant reservations or buying movie tickets right from the driver’s seat, are also available.

To earn the official HondaTrue Certified Pre-Owned title, all vehicles must go through a 182-point inspection. It starts with VIN verification, ensuring your new-to-you Honda has a clean history. Any vehicle that has a branded title, that is, one that has been in an accident requiring the involvement of an insurance company, is automatically not eligible to be a Honda CPO. Likewise, any vehicle showing signs of an airbag deployment, hail, fire, flood damage, or an odometer rollback is disqualified.

The frame is also carefully inspected for prior structural damage, and any after-market accessories must meet strict standards. After-market accessories don’t just include fancy wheels or spoilers; it also means that if a Honda has ever had to have its windshield replaced due to an errant rock off a construction truck, that new windshield has to meet Honda’s glass standards.

The next 50-plus points of the Honda CPO inspection deal with the front interior. This covers everything from the key remotes, keyless entry system, and ignition switch to the rear-view camera display. Also included are the speedometer, fuel and engine temperature gauges, the compass, and the horn. The steering wheel can’t just turn as expected; the tilt and telescopic functions have to be fully functional as well. The mechanics of the windshield wipers, parking brake, hood and tailgate release systems, and even the glove box are checked. It should go without saying that the door locks and windows must be in proper operating form, but we’ll say it anyway. Nothing is overlooked when it comes to the front interior, including the door chime system and sunglass holder.

Next, the Honda CPO inspection moves to the rear interior. This ensures that the carpet, floor mats, and even the cupholders in the rear seats are clean. Just like in the front seats, the windows and door locks are carefully checked. And if you’re looking for a HondaTrue Ridgeline pickup, you can rest assured that the dual-action tailgate will be as good as new.

After the interior is reviewed, the exterior is gone over just as carefully. This part of the Honda CPO inspection includes careful scrutiny of the windshield glass and wiper blades. Strict visual standards are required for the paint finish and quality, as well as for the bumpers and fenders. Of course, the headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights can’t just work; the lenses have to be in good condition and free of any interior moisture.

The inspection then moves under the car, and it starts with ensuring you can get the hood to stay up for a proper inspection. All of the moving engine parts, including the transmission, water pump, and radiator, are checked not just for operation but for fluid levels and any possible leaks. All hoses, like those for the fuel injection system and the coolant system, must be firmly in place and free of any leaks. The battery is given a load test, and the clutch and brake master cylinder will both be carefully checked, as well.

From there, the inspection moves to the brakes proper. All brake pads, shoes, and rotors must be replaced if the wear on them is shown to be more than 50% of the original thickness. The wheel checks ensure all four are in good condition, including the lug nuts and valve stems. Tires cannot show any sign of uneven wear or sidewall cracking. In addition, the minimum tread depth allowed is 5/32nds of an inch. Before the wheel inspections end, all tire pressure is adjusted.

The Honda CPO inspection continues with anything that is regularly replaced, like the engine air filter and cabin filter. All HondaTrue Certified and HondaTrue Certified+ vehicles will come with two master keys and a valet key. If any of these keys are missing or damaged, they will be replaced before earning their CPO certification. If the windshield wipers or floor mats were found to be lacking in the earlier part of the inspection, they will be replaced at this point, as well.

Lastly, before any Honda can earn their HondaTrue certification, it has to pass a road test. During the road test, technicians are looking for power in acceleration and smoothness in the drivability. The clutch has to be smooth, the braking system responsive, and the cruise control must be operational. In addition, Honda’s trained technicians know how to listen for any errant engine or suspension noise, and they can feel any wrong vibration in the idling or alignment. If everything doesn’t run just so, it won’t be HondaTrue.

Vehicles are currently more dependable than ever. Manufacturers are learning the value of creating cars that last, and owners are reporting fewer issues with their cars every year. While regular used cars are good, it’s hard to beat the extra peace of mind that comes with a Certified Pre-Owned model. So when you’re looking for a Certified Pre-Owned Honda dealer in Rochester, you’re going to want to shop right here at Ralph Honda. Now owned by the third generation of Ralphs, we’ve been selling cars for nearly 90 years, so we know what quality is, and quality is a Certified Pre-Owned Honda. The extensive inspection process and warranties that come along with it can give you confidence that your vehicle will last you for years to come.