Is certified pre owned worth the extra money?

I'd say no... I've had cars that were recertified and things weren't covered (read my review about the Jag XK8)... also, if they are telling you they can recertify, they have already done the inspection, so they know it is up to the standards they would require to recertify, which means the car is in pretty decent shape... also, you need to pay attention to the miles and what you really have left... in the long run, I have always seen the numbers play out where you're better to take the deduction and roll the dice - unless it was something major, you'll be ahead of the game and the larger ticket items are normally already covered under the manufacturers power train warrenty which normally goes to 100k miles and that is what the recerts normally target as well... so pocket the 1500...