Buying a car is a big decision. For many Canadians, it’s also one of the most stressful purchases they’ll ever make. With prices climbing and supply chains still catching up, more and more shoppers are turning to used vehicles. In fact, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program.
But here’s the challenge: buyers have options. They can walk into your dealership—or they can scroll through Facebook Marketplace and take their chances with a private seller. That’s where CPO programs become a dealer’s secret weapon.
Why CPO Matters Now
The Canadian used vehicle market is heating up. According to one study, the average used vehicle price climbed 3.6% year-over-year to $37,664. Inventory is tightening, and consumer demand is accelerating.
Image Source: AutoTrader
This phenomenon is being called the “pull-forward effect”—buyers acting quickly ahead of anticipated market shifts. And the urgency is understandable: memories of pandemic-era price spikes (a 21.7% jump in 2021 alone) are still fresh. Even though demand dipped slightly between Q1 and Q2, used car sales still rose 1.8% for the quarter and 2% year-to-date.
All of this points to one thing: Canadians are snapping up used vehicles while they can. And they’re looking for confidence that they’re making a smart investment. That’s exactly where Certified Pre-Owned programs shine.
Peace of Mind That Private Sellers
or Dealers without CPO Can’t Match
Consider this: a private listing might seem like a great deal, but what’s really under the hood? Was the car properly maintained? Could costly repairs be just around the corner? And for buyers, what guarantees exist that purchasing from a dealer will protect them from the same risks?
A CPO warranty takes away that guesswork. Every certified vehicle has passed a rigorous inspection, been reconditioned by trained technicians, and comes backed with manufacturer or dealer support. For a customer, that’s the difference between crossing their fingers and driving away with confidence.
And confidence sells.
Learn how SecureDrive Exclusive helped one dealer increase sales, F&I revenue, and customer confidence
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Every dealer is fighting for attention right now. Embedding a CPO warranty into your offering sets you apart in four powerful ways:
- It builds trust. Customers know your vehicles are inspected, protected, and backed by professionals
- It justifies value. Enabling dealers to hold their margins compared to uncertified vehicles or private listings
- It drives incremental short-term revenue. These programs provide a natural bridge to the upselling of other F&I products
- It drives long-term revenue. From service visits to future trade-ins, the warranty becomes a bridge to loyalty.
More Than a Sale—A Relationship
Here’s another advantage: a CPO warranty keeps the conversation going after the sale. When buyers return for warranty work or scheduled maintenance, it strengthens their relationship with the dealership. That means more service revenue, higher loyalty, and a better chance they’ll come back when it’s time for their next vehicle.
Make CPO your Competitive Advantage in 2025
In 2025, embedding a Certified Pre-Owned warranty isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage. It turns hesitation into confidence, browsers into buyers, and one-time sales into long-term relationships.
At a time when prices are rising, inventory is tightening, and buyers are moving fast, dealers with a strong CPO program have something private sellers never will: peace of mind, trust, and staying power.
See how one dealer boosted sales, F&I revenue, and customer loyalty using SecureDrive Exclusive
Want to learn how LGM can help your dealership strengthen its pre-owned strategy?
Connect with your regional Dealer Development Manager to explore our full suite of pre-owned F&I solutions—including SecureDrive Exclusive. Exclusive is a high-value, low-cost protection program designed to be included on every vehicle. It that also provides a natural upgrade path to SecureDrive Elite for customers seeking enhanced protection.