4 CPO Vehicles for 4 Types of Kentucky Drivers!

If you are searching for a Certified Pre-Owned car dealership, then you’re likely looking for something reliable yet more affordable than a brand-new model. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles offer a nice balance between traditionally “used” and brand-new vehicles. This is because CPOs have fewer miles than most regular pre-owned models, and they undergo more extensive inspections. Plus, CPO models include long-term warranties that aren’t available for regular used models.

That said, some CPO models offer more value than others. Before you decide on your purchase, we want to tell you about some of our favorite Kentucky-friendly CPO vehicles. Our state poses some specific challenges for drivers, and we believe that these CPOs best tackle each of those obstacles. Whether you’re looking for a fun commuter, an off-roading prowler, a great tow-capable truck, or a family-friendly crossover or SUV, this list is for you.

A Fun Commuter: The 10th-Generation Honda Civic

It’s affordable, it’s fun, and it’s fuel-efficient. When you’re living in Kentucky, but you don’t fall into the wander-lusting and backroads category, the Civic is the perfect commuter for folks in Louisville, Lexington, and the likes. The 10th-generation Honda Civic is a midsize car that’s fun to drive yet cheap at the fuel tank. We specifically recommend the 2018 Honda Civic Touring model for those who want luxury at a low price. The Civic includes seating for up to 5 passengers, 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and up to 95 cubic feet of passenger space.

The 2018 Touring trim adds several modern safety features into the mix as well. It includes Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning, keeping you centered in the appropriate lane. The Touring trim also offers a Collision Mitigation System, alerting drivers when a front-end collision is nigh, even automatically applying the brakes when necessary. The Touring trim includes additional safety features such as built-in cameras and has a 5-star crash test safety rating from the NHTSA.

The Honda Civic has a long history in the racing world, and while you’re likely not intending on hitting the tracks, you can rely on sport-level handling to make it a fun ride. If you’re looking for something sporty to zip around in that won’t drain your fuel tank like a Vette or Mustang, the 2018 Civic is a great CPO option.

The Rowdiest Off-Roader: The 5th-Generation Willys Jeep Wrangler

What about the Rubicon, you ask? Well… what about it? While the Wrangler Rubicon is known for its off-roading capabilities, the Willys model often gets tossed aside. While the Rubicon’s Rock-Trac system does give it an edge over other Wrangler models, the Willys model is the more practical off-roader for daily drivers. You’ll save money with the Willys while still gaining what’s important 𑁋 mud tires, an underbody skid plate, and off-roading shock absorbers.

Trying to save some cash? We recommend the 2020 Willys Wrangler, as it offers all the important stuff you’ll find on the newest models. This even includes the Rubicon’s rock rails and shock absorbers! In hindsight, the main difference between the Willys and the Rubicon is that the Willys run on the traditional Selec-Trac system.

What does this mean for you? In short, the Rubicon is a better “rock climber.” However, around Kentucky, “mudding” is a lot more popular than rock climbing. While the Rubicon may win out west, the Willys model is Kentucky’s one true off-roading machine.

The King of Towing: The 8th-Generation Ford F-450 Super Duty

Farming means a lot around here, and no ordinary pickup truck can pack enough power to tackle most Kentucky farming jobs. Whether you’re towing livestock trailers or large loads of hay, nothing does it better than a Ford F-450 Super Duty truck. The best part about it is that you don’t have to drop loads of cash on a 2022 model in order to reach towing capacities of about 30,000 pounds. In fact, the 2017 F-450 can tow as much as 32,500 pounds when using a gooseneck hitch, up to 21,000 with the bumper, and it can haul up to 7,630 pounds in the bed alone.

While many drivers feel like the F-250 or F-350 models are enough, the F-450 offers more than just a higher tow capacity. It also includes heavier-duty brakes, allowing it to stop quickly, even when fully loaded. It is also capable of making sharper turns than the F-350 model can, thanks to its wider design. And just like any good, new tow-capable truck, the F-450 includes a 360-degree view camera system to help you navigate trailering on your own.

Don’t get us wrong 𑁋 Chevy, GMC, and Ram all offer great, tow-capable models. However, when you want the highest possible tow capacity for a much less painful price, we recommend sticking with a 2017 Ford F-450 CPO model. You’ll get all the power you need, along with warranties and low mileage, all for a price you can justify.

The Family (and Weather) Friendly SUV: The 4th-Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee

For those of you who won’t be hauling cattle trailers, yet you plan on taking the kids camping on the weekend, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the perfect family model. The 2019 version comes in V6 and V8 engine options that offer up to 6,200 and 7,200 pounds of towing capacity. Plus, the Grand Cherokee offers up to 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down and 36.3 available cubic feet with all five seats occupied.

Just like any good Jeep, the 2019 Grand Cherokee comes with 4×4 capability, perfect for tackling rocky backroads and occasional snow and ice that comes along with Kentucky living. Whether you’re taking the kids tent camping or fishing, you can count on the Grand Cherokee to take you there safe and sound.

Speaking of safety, this Jeep doesn’t slack with driver assist features. On the 2019 Grand Cherokee, you’ll get access to available Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Collision Mitigation for the front and rear, and much more. When purchased, drivers can even use the built-in SiriusXM Guardian SOS emergency system, both for accidents and non-accident-related emergencies. Whether it’s space, capability, or safety, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great CPO SUV for Kentuckians.

What If I’m a Mix of These?

Not everything is clear-cut, and we understand that. You may fall into more than one of the categories that we talked about today. When that’s the case, then what? If you like off-roading on occasion, but your main concern is your daily commute, we still recommend the Willys Wrangler. It’s a fun model to drive, it can tackle all possible weather conditions (minus tornadoes and hurricanes, of course), and it’s much more fuel-efficient than the Wranglers you’re likely used to.

In regards to towing, some Kentuckians like to fish but not farm 𑁋 that’s okay! In this case, we recommend Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Silverado 1500 CPO models. These trucks can pull your fishing boat, but they’re built smaller and won’t burn as much fuel. They also come with many of the same fun features we talked about today, such as towing cameras and hauling capabilities.

Need something weather-capable and family-friendly, yet more fuel-efficient? The Toyota RAV4 won’t let you down. We recommend this as a commuter option for Kentucky drivers who want more space than the Civic offers and who frequent the rural areas of Kentucky rather than sticking to inner-city driving.

While we want to help you make a decision right now, we understand that this is a lot of information to process. There are many great vehicles out there for Kentucky buyers. If you still need help narrowing down your choices, please reach out to us at Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and we’ll be happy to help guide you through the buying process.