(September 19, 2018) ATLANTA — This time of year the automotive market is dominated by the arrival of new models, but savvy car shoppers shouldn't focus solely on the latest vehicles at dealer showrooms. New cars also mean more trade-ins and recent off-lease vehicles, which translates into attractive certified pre-owned options.

"The comprehensive inspection process, incentives and warranties for certified pre-owned vehicles changes the game for how car shoppers should look for their next vehicle," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "With cars less than a few years old back on the market, you could even end up with a certified pre-owned vehicle that's part of the 2018 model year."

The editors at Autotrader have rounded up some of the best CPO deals to help shoppers find that perfect certified pre-owned vehicle this month.

Autotrader Editors' Top Picks for Certified Pre-Owned Deals for September

BMW's certified pre-owned program offers a year of comprehensive warranty coverage, while shoppers can extend coverage at an extra cost. This month, BMW is offering excellent incentives on certified pre-owned i3 models to qualified buyers. Through the end of the month, BMW is touting 1.99 percent interest on all certified pre-owned 2015 and 2016 i3 models for up to 24 months — an enticing deal on a car whose values are already highly alluring on the used market.

Cadillac's certified pre-owned program is even more alluring this month thanks to special incentives offered on the ATS entry-level luxury car, the Escalade SUV and the SRX crossover.

Ford's certified pre-owned program offers excellent coverage, touting seven years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection, in addition to an additional year of comprehensive coverage. Through the end of September, Ford is touting low interest rates for qualified shoppers, boasting 1.9 percent interest for up to 36 months, 2.9 percent for up to 60 months or 3.9 percent for up to 72 months — all excellent terms on used vehicles.

The Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned program is offering a great incentive for qualified shoppers. Through the end of September, drivers can get 1.99 percent interest for up to 48 months on most CPO models, including the CLA, the C-Class, the E-Class, the GLK, the GLC and more.

Nissan's certified pre-owned program offers seven years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage from the car's original sale date. Although Nissan's CPO program doesn't include any additional comprehensive coverage over the factory warranty, it offers an excellent incentive this month on the Altima and Rogue: Through the end of the month, qualified shoppers can get a certified pre-owned Altima or Rogue with 2.99 percent interest for up to 60 months.

Subaru's certified pre-owned program touts additional powertrain coverage over the factory warranty, boasting coverage for seven years or 100,000 miles from the original sale date. Through the end of the month, qualified buyers interested in a certified pre-owned Subaru can get 1.99 percent interest for up to 36 months, which is an appealing deal — especially when you consider the discounted pricing of a CPO model compared to a new one, and the longer powertrain warranty.