When a student buys a standard used car from a typical pre-owned lot or an online classified ad, they are taking on a massive financial risk. If the transmission fails or the engine develops a major leak two weeks after purchase, the entire financial burden falls on the student or their family. Subaru's Certified Pre-Owned program completely eliminates this gamble. To even be considered for the program, a Subaru must be under 5 years old, have fewer than 80,000 miles, and possess a clean CARFAX® vehicle history report.

Once a vehicle qualifies, it undergoes a grueling 152-point safety and mechanical inspection performed by factory-trained Subaru technicians. Every major system is scrutinized—from the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and engine performance to the brake pads, seatbelts, and active safety cameras. Any component that does not meet Subaru's strict standards is either fully reconditioned or replaced with genuine OEM Subaru parts. This ensures that your CPO Subaru drives, feels, and protects like a brand-new vehicle from the moment you leave our lot.

The crowning jewel of the Subaru CPO program is the factory-backed 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty with a $0 deductible. This coverage begins from the vehicle's original in-service date, providing long-term protection that easily spans a student's entire undergraduate and graduate career. Furthermore, every CPO Subaru includes 24/7 Roadside Assistance. If you experience a flat tire on the tollway, lock your keys inside while parked at the campus library, run out of fuel, or need a tow, help is just a phone call away.

Additionally, CPO buyers receive a complimentary 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM® satellite radio and a 1-year trial subscription to Subaru STARLINK® Safety Plus Package, which includes Automatic Collision Notification and Enhanced Roadside Assistance. This complete suite of safety nets ensures that parents can sleep soundly at night knowing their student is backed by one of the most comprehensive protection plans in the automotive industry.

A common misconception among first-time car buyers is that any used Subaru can be referred to as 'Certified Pre-Owned,' or that a private seller can transfer CPO status directly during a private sale. This is flatly incorrect. A genuine Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicle can only be inspected, certified, and sold by an authorized Subaru dealership, such as Hawk Subaru in Plainfield.

While a private seller may claim their vehicle is in 'certified condition' or that they have taken excellent care of it, they cannot offer the official factory-backed powertrain warranty, the documented 152-point inspection checklist, or the 24/7 roadside assistance coverage. Private sales are almost always conducted 'as-is,' meaning once money changes hands, any mechanical failure that occurs is entirely your responsibility. By choosing Hawk Subaru, you bypass the anxiety and hidden dangers of private market transactions.

Our dealership offers physical safety, verified vehicle histories, transparent pricing, and the ability to test drive multiple models side-by-side to find the absolute best fit. If you're ready to start exploring certified options, you can Browse Used Inventory online right now to find your perfect vehicle.

Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is a highly fuel-efficient compact hatchback or sedan that is tailor-made for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into small campus parking spaces in downtown Chicago or Joliet. Standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Impreza provides incredible stability during rain, sleet, and snow while maintaining outstanding fuel economy. The hatchback variant offers an exceptionally flexible cargo area, perfect for packing up laundry bags, dorm decor, or grocery hauls.

Subaru Legacy

For students who prefer a traditional sedan with premium comfort and ample passenger room, the mid-size Subaru Legacy is an exceptional choice. The Legacy features a remarkably quiet and spacious cabin, advanced active safety systems, and a smooth ride that takes the stress out of long commutes along I-55 or the Tri-State Tollway. It offers an elegant look combined with the rugged, all-weather capability that Subaru is famous for, making it ideal for young professionals transitioning from college to their first careers.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a compact crossover that has exploded in popularity among students, outdoor enthusiasts, and urban adventurers alike. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Crosstrek easily clears deep snow drifts, curbs, and potholes that can damage lesser vehicles. It combines the nimble handling and easy parking of a hatchback with the elevated driving position and rugged utility of an SUV. It is the ultimate go-anywhere vehicle for weekend road trips or daily commutes.

When shopping for a vehicle, managing the overall budget is usually the top priority for students and their parents. A brand-new Subaru Crosstrek is a fantastic vehicle, but when you factor in destination fees, taxes, and initial depreciation, buying new may stretch a student's budget to its absolute limit. Selecting a Certified Pre-Owned Crosstrek allows you to take advantage of substantial savings while still enjoying many of the exact same modern features, safety technologies, and factory-backed warranties as a new model.

Typically, late-model CPO Subaru Crosstreks (ranging from 1 to 4 years old) are priced thousands of dollars below their original MSRP, depending on the model year, mileage, trim level, and specific features. This lower purchase price directly translates into more affordable monthly payments. Furthermore, because CPO vehicles are backed by the manufacturer's program, they often qualify for special low-interest financing rates from Subaru Motors Finance that are not available on standard used cars. This can save you hundreds of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.

In addition to lower monthly payments and reduced finance charges, pre-owned vehicles generally cost less to register and insure in the state of Illinois. Insurance premiums for younger drivers can be high, so choosing a CPO Crosstrek—which is loaded with advanced safety features that insurance companies love—can help keep your recurring monthly expenses manageable. Our specialized finance department at Hawk Subaru works with a vast network of local and national lenders to secure the absolute best rates and terms tailored to your unique financial situation.

If you are ready to explore your buying power, you can easily Get Pre-Approved for Financing online before visiting our showroom. This secure, simple application allows you to shop with complete confidence, knowing exactly what payment options fit your college budget. You can also view our current selection of vehicles by clicking Browse New Inventory if you want to compare CPO pricing with the latest models.

While the Toyota RAV4 is a highly respectable vehicle with a competitive cargo volume on paper, the Subaru Forester holds a distinct advantage in terms of real-world, usable space. The Forester is engineered with a boxier, more vertical rear silhouette and a significantly wider rear gate opening than the RAV4. This design choice makes a massive difference when attempting to load bulky items like a pre-assembled bookshelf, a bicycle, or large storage tubs. You do not have to angle or force items through a narrow opening; the Forester's cavernous rear entry accommodates large objects with ease.

With the rear seats folded down, the Forester offers up to 74 cubic feet of cargo volume (depending on the model year and sunroof configuration), outclassing the RAV4's maximum capacity of approximately 70 cubic feet. Additionally, the Forester features a lower liftover height, which reduces strain on your back when loading heavy boxes or luggage. This unmatched cargo versatility makes the Forester the ultimate vehicle for move-in day at your Plainfield, Joliet, or Chicago dorm.

The 6,000-Mile Interval

To maintain optimal performance and protect your CPO warranty, most modern Subaru models require a synthetic oil and filter change every 6,000 miles or 6 months(whichever comes first). Regular oil changes prevent engine wear, maintain fuel efficiency, and ensure your Boxer engine runs smoothly throughout your college years.

Why Synthetic Oil?

Subaru engines utilize advanced 0W-20 synthetic oil, which is specially formulated to flow easily in extreme cold temperatures. This ensures immediate lubrication during freezing Chicago winter mornings, reducing engine friction and wear at startup. Always use high-quality oil and filters from our authorized service center.

Expert Service at Hawk

Routine maintenance is the single best way to avoid costly repairs. At Hawk Subaru, our certified technicians can perform oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and more. Keeping up with your maintenance schedule is incredibly easy—simply Schedule Your Service Today using our convenient online portal.

For many college students, purchasing a CPO Subaru represents their very first major financial transaction. Building credit is a vital part of entering adulthood, and auto financing is one of the most effective ways to establish a strong credit profile. If you have limited credit history, do not worry. Having a parent or trusted relative act as a co-signer on your auto loan can help you qualify for competitive interest rates and terms that might otherwise be unavailable.

Another highly effective strategy for lowering your monthly payment is trading in your old high school vehicle. At Hawk Subaru, we make this process completely seamless. You can use our secure online trade-in evaluation tool to receive a quick, highly accurate estimate of your vehicle's current market value from the comfort of your home. Applying this trade-in equity directly toward your CPO purchase serves as a substantial down payment, reducing your overall loan balance.

We highly recommend getting pre-approved for financing before you step foot in the dealership. This allows you to set a clear, realistic budget and understand your purchasing options in advance. When you are ready to get started, you can easily Get Pre-Approved for Financing online. Our finance team is fully committed to finding creative, flexible solutions for students and first-time buyers alike.