If you're looking to gift yourself with a new or used car this holiday season, a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle might be a great option to consider. CPO cars offer buyers the best of both worlds.

They're pre-owned, so they're less expensive than the brand new versions. And they are fully inspected, refurbished and come with manufacturer-backed warranties. This adds up to more peace of mind than you might normally get with a "regular" used car purchase.

And, right now, there are some very attractive CPO deals out there.

The Top Certified Pre-Owned Deals from Affordable Brands

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Recently, Autotrader published a list of the top CPO deals for December. These deals are from manufacturers that offer good warranty coverage and competitive incentives. From that list, here are three of the top-ranking brands that produce affordably priced vehicles.

Buick:

Any certified pre-owned Buick model already comes with a six-year/100,000- mile powertrain warranty. This month, however, they are adding an additional year of bumper-to-bumper coverage. Also, right now, qualified buyers can purchase any CPO model at 1.9% interest for up to 36 months.

The Buick Encore is a good option for shoppers looking for a highly-rated subcompact SUV. With its "luxurious" cabin and high safety and reliability scores, it would make an excellent family vehicle. Single drivers might want to take a look at the Buick Verano. It's a sporty compact car that offers a comfortable ride and an "upscale" interior.

GMC:

With the purchase of a GMC certified pre-owned vehicle, you get one year or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. This is in addition to a six-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Through the rest of December, shoppers who qualify can get 1.9% interest for up to 36 months.

If you're looking for a modestly priced compact pickup truck, the GMC Canyon is a nice pick. Critics have praised the Canyon for its "user-friendly" tech features. They have also noted that both available engine types offer decent power and acceleration. Or, if a compact SUV is more your speed, the GMC Terrain will transport you in style with its roomy seats and "high-end" interior.

Nissan:

Nissan backs up its CPO vehicles with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, if you qualify, you can get interest rates as low as 1.95% for up to 36 months. Need to finance for a longer term? You might qualify to receive 2.95% interest for up to 72 months. Finally, for their December CPO promotion, Nissan is offering $400 cash back on select certified pre-owned models.

If you want to feel super cool when you go to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, consider buying a CPO Nissan Rogue. In addition to feeling more connected to the film, you'll enjoy good (EPA-estimated) fuel economy and a ton of available cargo space. This popular compact SUV also boasts an "elegant, high-end" interior. Or, if you want to go super-small and highly affordable, the compact Nissan Sentra offers more room than you might expect. The Sentra will also save you money at the pump with its "great" (EPA-estimated) gas mileage.

Whether you're in the market for a new, used or certified pre-owned car, the end of December is considered to be a great time to buy. Right now, dealerships are advertising excellent deals on all types of vehicles. Even if you have less than perfect credit, you can still take advantage of end-of-the-year offers.

Auto Loan Assistance for Bad Credit Car Buyers

Here at Drivers Lane, we want you to ring in the New Year with a good, reliable vehicle that fits your needs and budget. And we can help make this possible even if you have bad credit or no credit.

We can match you with a dealership in your area that can work with your situation. Because dealers in our network are connected to the right kinds of lenders, you'll have a better chance at auto loan approval. You may even be able to buy your car with little or no money down.

It's free to apply and you'll be under no obligation when you fill out our simple and secure online application. Go ahead and get started today.