(March 20, 2018) ATLANTA  — Spring is just around the corner and car shoppers are finding it might be the right time to score deals this month on certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. Dealers and automakers are offering unique and optimized sales to further entice customers.

"With the average transaction price of new cars topping $35,000, many shoppers might be surprised how expensive it can be to simply get a new version of their existing car," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader.

"Certified pre-owned vehicles are the perfect solution. You get the peace of mind a factory backed warranty brings, a car that's been thoroughly inspected prior to purchase, new-car-like financing deals and a more budget-friendly price."

The editors at Autotrader announce their list of the best certified pre-owned deals offered for March.

BMW's certified pre-owned program was recently retooled and now offers one year of additional coverage, beyond the factory warranty period. They are also offering incentives on the 4 Series and 5 Series through the end of April to qualified buyers, with 0 percent interest for up to 24 months on those models and two payment credits.

Buick's certified pre-owned program is giving a special offer on the Buick Enclave and Buick Encore models. The warranty provides powertrain coverage for up to 6 years or 100,000 miles and bumper-to-bumper coverage for up to 1 year or 12,000 miles. The offer is for qualified shoppers and boasts a 1.9 percent interest rate for up to 36 months.

Ford's certified pre-owned program provides two warranties. One is a 7-year 100,000 powertrain warranty, while the other is 1 year at 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that begins at the end of the original new-car warranty. To further entice these warranties, Ford is offering 1.9 percent interest for up to 36 months; 2.9 percent for 48 months and 3.9 percent for 60 months in March to qualified shoppers.

Infiniti's certified pre-owned program brings 6 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage without a mileage limit, which few automakers offer. In March, Infiniti is sweetening the offer for qualified buyers by getting 1.25 percent interest for up to 36 months.

The Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned program offers one year of bumper-to-bumper coverage, beginning at the end of the brand's standard warranty coverage. They will also extend this coverage for a fee. Through the end of March, Mercedes-Benz is also offering a unique deal to qualified shoppers with 1.99 percent interest for the CLA and C-Class, the brand's entry level car models.

Nissan's certified pre-owned program offers excellent coverage, touting 7 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain warranty protection from the original sale date. Through the end of March, qualified shoppers interested in a certified pre-owned Nissan can get 1.95 percent interest for up to 36 months, or 3.99 percent for up to 72 months.

Subaru's certified pre-owned program provides powertrain coverage of up to 7 years or 100,000 miles from the original date of sale. Subaru's program is enticing, as it offers interest rates from 1.49 percent for up to 36 months, which is a great deal for qualified buyers looking for an excellent used vehicle.

Volvo's certified pre-owned program touts 7 years or 100,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage from the original sale date. In March, Volvo is offering the chance to pair that offer with a certified pre-owned 2015 S60 with 0 percent interest for up to 24 months to qualified buyers.