On Friday, Autotrader released its list of eight brands it says offer the best deals on certified pre-owned vehicles this holiday season.

"CPO vehicles are perfect for qualified shoppers who don't want to spend a fortune on a new car, but who are concerned about the repair bills that can accompany used vehicles," said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. "CPO vehicles come with a long manufacturer-backed warranty for increased peace of mind, and often include deals and incentives to lower already-discounted costs even more."

Autotrader editors' top December CPO deals

• In December, Acura's CPO program covers up to seven years or 100,000 miles from the sale date and provides shoppers an extra year of bumper-to-bumper coverage. Qualified shoppers also get 1.9 percent interest for up to 36 months on most CPO models such as the MDX and RDX crossovers.
   
• Autotrader recognizes BMW for its warranty offer, which totes six years or 100,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. BMW also has a deal on 2013 or 2014 CPO 3 Series models this month. Shoppers who qualify can purchase them at 0.9 percent interest for up to 72 months. Autotrader said it’s a new-car incentive on a used model.
   
• This month, Buick has added to its six-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty an additional year of bumper-to-bumper coverage and qualified shoppers can purchase any CPO model at 1.9 percent interest for up to 36 months.
   
• Autorader says GMC’s program is perfect for CPO shoppers looking for deals on lower priced trucks and SUV’s. GMC provides one year or 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus a six-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. And qualified shoppers can receive 1.9 percent interest for up to 36 months.
   
• Lexus is offering a great deal on the Lexus IS, which Autotrader describes as a sporty rear- or all-wheel-drive sedan with sharp styling and a modern interior. Shoppers who qualify can receive just 0.9 percent interest for up to 60 months. Additionally, when the original warranty expires shoppers get an added two years of bumper-to-bumper coverage no matter the mileage.
   
• All Lincoln CPO shoppers get six years or 100,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. Also in December, buyers who qualify can receive 2.9 percent interest for up to 66 months, a deal Autotrader says is compelling.
   
• At no charge, Mercedes-Benz's offers one year of bumper-to-bumper coverage with no mileage limit and will extend shoppers' warranties. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz CPO program extends to qualified E-Class sedan buyers a 1.99-percent interest rate for up to 48 months, as well as to two years of complimentary pre-paid maintenance.
   
• Nissan has an attractive seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. And on all CPO models qualified shoppers can get interest rates as low as 1.95 percent for up to 36 months and 2.95 percent for up to 72 months. Nissan is also offering $400 cash back on select CPO vehicles.