IMO, you aren't paying 3K on CPO for the inspection. It's about the extended warranty. You get an extended warranty elsewhere, and it will be at LEAST that much.

To cover all bases, what's an extra $150 for a PPI on top of a CPO vehicle. A PPI could point out extra issues that the dealer can fix prior to delivery.

I have access to dealer auctions too, and thought about buying a vehicle and putting money in the bank instead of the dealer/CPO premium. What turns me off? PPI will not tell you if you have a potential tranny / air suspension / electrical issue. Basic and surface engine / drivetrain / suspension / electrical functionality, sure. Checklist looks very similar to a CPO inspection (minus computer checks).

There's no right or wrong here. Some people will pocket the 3-5K saved buying by themselves over CPO. However, with the history of these vehicles and their trans, vanos, air suspension, HVAC system, etc..., $3000 will fix one of these problems. Put on top of this the finance options of buying CPO (0.9 can save an additional 2-3K), it's a great program.

Are you a gambling man? Or are you willing to buy insurance for a dealer showing an Ace?