When shopping for a used vehicle, trust is one of the biggest concerns you’ll have. Can you rely on your car to be reliable, safe, and long-lasting even if it’s not brand new? If you have your heart set on a Subaru, you already know that reliability, safety, and adventure come standard.
Subaru remains one of the most trusted names on the road, thanks to its consistent IIHS recognition and top NHTSA crash-test ratings. But if you’re exploring the Certified Pre-Owned Subaru route, the rigorous 152-point inspection can make your decision easier.
So, what exactly is included in this certified pre owned program inspection process at Rimrock Subaru? Let’s break it down so you can drive away with more peace of mind and zero surprises.
Also Read: Subaru CPO Warranty: Benefits & Coverage Explained
What Is the Subaru Certified Pre-Owned Program?
Budget can be tight at times. Regardless, any driver would want their next Subaru vehicle to be in top-top shape—even if it’s pre-owned.
That is why Subaru has made it a point to continue delivering the legendary experience even on pre-owned vehicles. Since 97% of their vehicles are still found on the road even 10 years after, they created a system that will thoroughly inspect them: the 152-point inspection of the Subaru Certified Pre-Owned Program.
However, not all used vehicles will get the CPO badge from Subaru. Before a vehicle will be deemed qualified for the program, there are three checks that it should pass
Eligibility Check
Before going through the inspection process, the used vehicle should pass these eligibility criteria first:
- The model year is within the past 5 years
- Have a mileage lower than 80,000 miles
- A clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report (No frame damage, major accident history, or title issues)
- Preferably has records of genuine Subaru parts and service
If the vehicle fails any of these initial criteria, it is disqualified from the CPO program. Otherwise, it will move on to the next step of the process: the 152-Point Inspection.
CPO Subaru 152-Point Inspection: A Closer Look
For your Subaru vehicle to gain the CPO label, it will have to go through a rigorous check. But what key areas are covered in this 152-point inspection process?
The inspection process starts with a battery of static checks. From mechanical health to safety systems to its cosmetic condition, here’s a breakdown of what the dedicated factory-trained technicians at Rimrock Subaru check.
Exterior Condition and Body Integrity
While looks aren’t everything when owning a car, Subaru makes it a point to check the car’s exterior. This ensures that your vehicle isn’t hiding any issues that can affect its resale value.
First, scratches, dings, or paint inconsistencies are checked on the vehicle’s paint and body panels. Even signs of previous damage or bodywork are also noted during the inspection.
Next, windshields and windows are checked for their clarity and, presence of any cracks or chips. Wheels must meet the minimum tread 5/32 of an inch depth requirement. Aside from being a critical factor in the Subaru vehicle’s safety and reliability, tread depth is important for traction and preventing drivetrain issues in AWD systems.
Lastly, the undercarriage is checked for its integrity. Other than that, it is also checked for corrosion and for any damaged or loose parts that could compromise the car’s performance.
Mechanical Systems
Once the technicians have checked the Subaru car’s exterior, what’s under the hood is next in line. After all, this is where a Subaru vehicle’s reliability starts.
The top item on the list is the engine and transmission check. In here, leaks, signs of wear, or abnormal noises are checked by the technicians. Fluid levels and filter conditions are also checked at this point.
Next in line is the cooling system. The radiator, hoses, connections, and belts are tested to see if they still work properly and if there are signs of overheating in any of them.
Then comes the drivetrain component check. In here, technicians check the CV joints, transfer cases, axles, and differentials. Any damage or subpar condition on these parts will affect the all-wheel drive performance of your Subaru.
Lastly, the suspension’s shock absorbers, springs, and struts are checked for ride quality and smooth handling.
From here, the technicians will move on to checking the Subaru vehicle’s interior.
Interior Functionality and Comfort
The Subaru car may ace the exterior and mechanical checks. However, what makes for a good or bad driving experience is how good the inside still functions.
First is the climate control system check. All components (air conditioning vents to defrost systems) are tested for their ability to provide comfort and efficiency.
Next up are the infotainment and connectivity features of the Subaru vehicle. Technicians will check whether the radios, touchscreen interfaces, Bluetooth, navigation, and USB ports are all in working order.
Then the seats and their upholstery are the next to be inspected for any tears and stains. If they have heating, ventilation, and power adjustment functionalities, they’re also checked at this stage.
Last, but not least on the list, are the seat belts. Each seat belt in the car will be tested for its latching security, tension, and retraction speed. Fraying is also checked because its presence will affect the seat belt’s overall performance.
Safety Features
Safety is the hallmark of the Subaru brand. Hence, it is but right to inspect the exceptional features that ensure that every Subaru vehicle is safe.
First off, the braking system is checked for its effectiveness. Brake pads are checked for their thickness. Anything less than 4 mm is flagged or replaced. Brake lines and their hoses are checked for cracks, leaks, or signs of degradation.
Rotors are also examined for excessive wear, warping, or scoring, which can lead to ineffective performance or vibrations. Calipers are then checked for proper movement, if they aren’t stuck or have any leaks or corrosion that could affect their function. The parking brake is also checked to ensure it engages and releases properly.
​Airbags and restraints are then scanned using diagnostic tools for trouble codes or faults. Covers and sensors are then checked visually for any sign of damage or tampering, including the integrity of the pretensioners.
Another key factor that should be inspected is the steering responsiveness. While a test drive today shows the alignment, on-road feedback, or the presence of vibrations, visual inspection is also important for the steering rack, linkage, and the level of the power steering fluid.
Lastly, the exterior lighting and signals are checked for their function. The CPO inspection confirms whether any of the lighting fixtures of the pre-owned Subaru meet the functionality and brightness standards.
For the vehicle to pass this 152-point inspection, each item on the checklist must either be:
- Pass with no issues, or
- Be replaced or repaired using genuine Subaru parts
The technician then signs off on the completed checklist before endorsing the vehicle to the final step, the on-road testing.
On-Road Testing
Static checks, done. Your pre-owned Subaru may pass the 152-point inspection, but it is in the on-the-road test where its “true” behavior can be seen.
During the drive, the technician will check the vehicle for the following:
- Steering response for its smoothness and alignment
- Braking performance under normal and moderate conditions
- Suspension feel for the presence of imbalance, noise, or bounce
- Smoothness of the transmission shift (manual or automatic)
- Engine response and acceleration under different conditions
- Real-time NVH (Noise, vibration, and harshness) levels observation, and
- Functionality of the driver-assist features in real-time driving conditions
Once the vehicle passes this last step of the inspection process, it’s on the road to becoming one of the many certified pre owned vehicles of Subaru.
What Comes with a Certified Pre-Owned Subaru Vehicle?
Now that your pre-owned Subaru vehicle is already certified, what comes next?
First, a CPO inspection report is completed and stored. The CARFAX® report, which has been initially checked, will be verified again. Rimrock Subaru will then submit the vehicle’s information to Subaru of America for confirmation.
The vehicle is then eligible for the following perks:
- 7-Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty coverage (factory-backed)
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance
- CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
- 3-Month Trial Subscription to SiriusXM® (where applicable)
- 1-year Trial subscription to STARLINK Safety Plus Package (comes with Automatic Collision Notification)
​​Optional coverage upgrade with Gold Plus Subaru Certified Pre Owned Warranty Plan
​Final Check: Why The 152 Points Matter
The 152-point certified pre-owned Subaru inspection exists so used-car buying is stress-free. It isn’t just about ticking off the boxes. It’s about delivering a near-new driving experience in a pre-owned vehicle.
With 152 reasons to trust what’s under the hood, it’s no wonder a lot of drivers won’t hesitate to drive with Subaru again and again. If you’re ready to explore our CPO Subaru inventory, stop by Rimrock Subaru Billings MT, and let our team help you schedule a test drive and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
