Subaru Buying Guide

New vs. Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Subaru Vehicles

A new Subaru is the strongest fit for drivers who want first ownership and full new-vehicle warranty coverage. A Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicle adds factory-backed inspection and protection to a qualifying pre-owned Subaru. A non-certified used vehicle provides the widest range of model years, brands, mileage levels, and individual vehicle choices.

Shop New Subaru Shop Certified Pre-Owned Shop Used Vehicles

Three Ownership Paths, Three Different Priorities

The right category depends on how you rank first ownership, warranty coverage, certification, model-year flexibility, and budget. Use this guide to compare each path before exploring inventory at Subaru of North Miami.

First ownership

Choose a New Subaru

A new Subaru lets you begin with an unused vehicle, select from current model-year configurations, and receive applicable new-vehicle warranty coverage from the start.

You are the first retail owner.
You can compare current trims, colors, features, and available options.
New Subaru vehicles include a 3-year/36,000-mile New Car Limited Warranty.
Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Purchase and lease options may be available, subject to approval and current programs.

View New Inventory

Subaru-backed confidence

Choose a Subaru Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are qualifying pre-owned Subaru models that meet program requirements and complete Subaru’s certification process.

Each vehicle completes a 152-point safety inspection.
Factory-backed 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is included.
The CPO powertrain coverage carries a $0 deductible.
Subaru includes 24/7 roadside assistance.
A CARFAX^® Vehicle History Report is included.
Optional additional coverage plans may be available.

View CPO Inventory

Broadest selection

Choose a Used Vehicle

A non-certified used vehicle is the most flexible category when your search includes older model years, multiple brands, specific equipment, or a defined spending limit.

Inventory may include Subaru vehicles and models from other manufacturers.
Model year, mileage, features, condition, and vehicle history vary by unit.
A used vehicle is not automatically covered by the Subaru Certified Pre-Owned program.
Any remaining warranty or available protection depends on the individual vehicle.
Each vehicle should be evaluated on its own history, condition, coverage, and equipment.

View Used Inventory

New, CPO, and Used: Side-by-Side Comparison

This table highlights the practical distinctions that matter most during the shopping process.

Comparison Point	New Subaru	Subaru Certified Pre-Owned	Used, Non-Certified
Ownership status	No prior retail owner	Previously owned qualifying Subaru	Previously owned vehicle
Vehicle selection	Current model-year Subaru vehicles	Qualifying pre-owned Subaru vehicles	Varied brands, years, mileage, and configurations
Inspection standard	Prepared for delivery as a new vehicle	Subaru 152-point safety inspection	Not automatically subject to Subaru CPO certification
Primary warranty distinction	3-year/36,000-mile New Car Limited Warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty	Factory-backed 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage with a $0 deductible	Coverage varies by the individual vehicle
Vehicle history report	Not applicable as a previously owned vehicle	CARFAX^® Vehicle History Report included	Availability and provider may vary
Roadside assistance	Available during the applicable Subaru coverage period	24/7 roadside assistance included under the CPO program	Depends on the vehicle and any applicable plan
Best starting point for	First ownership and current Subaru choices	Pre-owned Subaru value with factory-backed certification	Maximum flexibility across inventory categories

Warranty periods are limited by time or mileage, whichever occurs first, and are subject to applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, and the vehicle’s warranty start date. See Subaru of North Miami for complete limited warranty and Certified Pre-Owned program details.

Which Ownership Option Fits Your Priorities?

Start With New When...

You want to be the vehicle’s first retail owner.
You want current model-year trims and available features.
Full new-vehicle warranty coverage is a leading priority.
You want to compare purchasing with available lease options.

Start With CPO When...

You want a pre-owned Subaru rather than another brand.
A Subaru-required inspection matters to your decision.
You value factory-backed powertrain coverage.
Roadside assistance and a vehicle history report are important.

Start With Used When...

You are open to several makes or model years.
You are searching for a specific mileage or budget range.
You want to compare the broadest available inventory.
You are comfortable reviewing each vehicle individually.

What to Review Before Choosing Any Vehicle

Category is only the first step. Compare the individual vehicle and the complete ownership terms before making your decision.

Vehicle use: Consider passenger space, cargo needs, commute conditions, and planned trips.
Equipment: Confirm the exact trim, installed features, accessories, and option packages.
Mileage and history: Review the odometer, available history information, and prior use.
Warranty status: Ask which coverage applies, when it began, and when it expires.
Ownership costs: Compare the complete purchase or lease terms, insurance, maintenance, and expected use.
Test drive: Drive the vehicles you are considering under conditions similar to your daily routine.

New vs. CPO vs. Used Subaru FAQs

What is the main difference between a new, Certified Pre-Owned, and used Subaru?

A new Subaru has no prior retail owner and includes applicable new-vehicle warranty coverage. A Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is a qualifying used Subaru that completes a 152-point safety inspection and includes factory-backed CPO benefits. A non-certified used vehicle does not automatically receive Subaru CPO inspection or coverage.

What warranty coverage comes with a new Subaru?

New Subaru vehicles include a 3-year/36,000-mile New Car Limited Warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Coverage ends when the applicable time or mileage limit is reached, whichever occurs first, and remains subject to the warranty’s terms and exclusions.

What does the Subaru Certified Pre-Owned program include?

Subaru’s CPO program includes a 152-point safety inspection, factory-backed 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage with a $0 deductible, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a CARFAX^® Vehicle History Report. Optional additional coverage plans may also be available.

Is every used Subaru a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru?

No. A Subaru must qualify for and complete the official Subaru Certified Pre-Owned process to be sold as a Subaru CPO vehicle. A used Subaru that has not completed that process is not automatically certified.

Is a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru better than a regular used vehicle?

CPO may be the stronger fit when Subaru-backed inspection, powertrain coverage, roadside assistance, and an included vehicle history report are important. A regular used vehicle may be the stronger fit when your priority is a broader choice of brands, years, mileage levels, or individual inventory options.

Can I compare new, CPO, and used vehicles at Subaru of North Miami?

Yes. Subaru of North Miami provides separate online inventories for new Subaru vehicles, Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, and used vehicles. Comparing vehicles from each category can help you evaluate features, mileage, coverage, and ownership terms side by side.

Compare Your Options at Subaru of North Miami

Explore all three inventory categories, identify the vehicles that match your priorities, and schedule test drives to compare them from the driver’s seat.

Explore New Subaru Vehicles Explore Subaru CPO Vehicles Explore Used Vehicles Call Sales: 786-933-6873