Your Guide to HondaTrue: Used, Certified, and Certified+ Vehicles

October 11th, 2024 by

A blue 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport driving on a wooded trail.

Buying a used vehicle is a great way to save some money while still getting a reliable car, truck, or SUV that has the features you’re looking for. But we understand that some drivers are a little hesitant to buy just any used model, afraid that there’s damage hiding under the surface or worried about not having the coverage they need to deal with any issues that may arise down the road. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds—low prices and solid support—you can get a Certified Pre-Owned Honda here at Eskridge Honda.

While many manufacturers offer Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs, Honda stands out from the pack by providing extensive coverage and a range of levels that have something for everyone. But while the variety of options helps us serve as many drivers as possible, it can seem a bit complicated for those who aren’t sure which one is right for them. Don’t worry—it’s simple once you break it down, so let’s dive in and see what the difference is between HondaTrue Used, HondaTrue Certified, and HondaTrue Certified+.

Limits of Model Age and Mileage

Before we get into coverage and perks, let’s start with what kinds of vehicles qualify. Each level of HondaTrue has its own requirements that a Honda model has to meet in order to benefit. HondaTrue Used vehicles can be up to ten years old and can have any number of miles on the odometer. HondaTrue Certified status is more exclusive: vehicles can’t be more than five years old and can’t have more than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Only the cream of the crop can go beyond that to be labeled HondaTrue Certified+; these vehicles can’t be more than 12 months old and must have fewer than 12,000 miles.

Granted Warranty Coverage

It can be scary to have car trouble, even if it’s relatively minor. However, knowing that you have coverage can take some of the stress away and help you deal with your problem quickly and without breaking the bank. If you’re buying a used model that’s only a few years old (like all Certified and many Certified+ models), then you may still be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If that’s the case, then rest assured that the period on your HondaTrue warranty won’t kick in until the original warranty has run its course. Otherwise, the warranty will start from the date of sale.

All HondaTrue Used vehicles are covered by a 100-day, 5,000-mile warranty for both powertrain and non-powertrain issues. HondaTrue Certified and Certified+ vehicles have the same powertrain warranty, which lasts for seven years or 100,000 miles; the two do have different non-powertrain warranties, however. The HondaTrue Certified one lasts for one year or 12,000 miles, while the Certified+ version is much longer, at five years or 86,000 miles. With the more exclusive CPO levels, you’ll get extended coverage so you can breathe easier for longer.

Head-on view of a silver 2022 Certified Pre-Owned Honda Accord Hybrid driving in the city.

Complimentary Oil Changes

Oil changes are necessary to keep your vehicle in good working order. Coming in for an oil change is also a great excuse to get your Honda inspected to make sure that everything else is running smoothly. HondaTrue Used vehicles come with one complimentary oil change within the first year of ownership (or 12,000 miles), while HondaTrue Certified and Certified+ vehicles come with two free oil changes in the same period. These free visits will get you familiar with our service center, where you can continue to get oil changes and other services at competitive prices well beyond your first year of ownership.

Honda Roadside Assistance

Getting stuck on the side of the road is always stressful, whether it’s because of a major mechanical issue, a flat tire, or an empty fuel tank. Luckily, all HondaTrue vehicles give you access to Honda Roadside Assistance. If you run into trouble, all you have to do is call a toll-free number. The service can send out a unit to bring certain services to you, like fuel delivery, a battery jumpstart, unlocking if you’ve been locked out, and a flat tire change. If the damage is more extensive, Roadside Assistance can arrange to have your vehicle towed to the nearest Honda dealer so the service center can take care of any issues and get you back on the road.

HondaTrue Used and HondaTrue Certified vehicles both give you access to Roadside Assistance for one year or 12,000 miles—whichever happens first. With HondaTrue Certified+, that period is extended to two years or 50,000 miles. Either way, the clock starts when your Honda’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires or at the time of the sale if the warranty has already expired.

Trip Interruption and Concierge Service

If you break down far from home, then you have more than just mechanical service to worry about. Out on a road trip, an unexpected stop means finding lodging on the fly, and if you have a problem that takes some time to fix and have somewhere to be, you might need alternate transportation, too. Getting all of that set up can be stressful and costly, and it would be nice to have a little help. Well, with Trip Interruption and Concierge service, you have that help in your corner.

While you’re covered, you can call a personal concierge to make hotel, restaurant, or airline reservations from anywhere easily. And if your trip gets interrupted by mechanical disablement while you’re more than 100 miles from home, you’ll get reimbursement for certain expenses incurred during the first three days after the incident of up to $100 per day. That money can be spent on taxis, rental cars, lodging, and food so you can stay comfortable while your vehicle is in the shop.

For HondaTrue Used and Certified vehicles, these services are covered during the same period as the non-powertrain limited warranty. With Certified+ models, coverage lasts for one year or 12,000 miles—whichever comes first. At any level, the clock starts when the New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires (or at the time of purchase if the warranty has already expired).

A blue 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L parked in a driveway.

Other Perks and Protections

Finally, let’s take a look at some of the perks and protections that are the same for all HondaTrue vehicles, whether Used, Certified, or Certified+. All of these Hondas have a three-day exchange policy. If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, you can bring it back within the first three days (as long as you haven’t driven it more than 300 miles) and exchange it for another Honda CPO vehicle that does meet your needs. As a cherry on top, all of these vehicles also come with a complimentary 90-day trial for SiriusXM satellite radio, so you can check out the service and decide if you want to subscribe.

Get an Excellent CPO Model at Eskridge Honda

No matter your budget and no matter your needs, you can get a CPO car, truck, or SUV that’s a perfect fit here at Eskridge Honda. The different levels of the HondaTrue CPO program have something for everyone, so whether you prioritize getting the lowest sticker price possible, getting the best coverage available, or striking a good balance between the two, you can find something that works for you. If you have any questions about our CPO program (or anything else), feel free to reach out! We’re always happy to help.