You don't have to buy a new car to have a high-quality, safe, and long-lasting vehicle that suits your lifestyle. As more and more drivers look for budget-friendly replacements for their vehicles, the used and certified pre-owned car markets are growing. But before you visit a car lot to explore your options, it's important to fully understand certified pre-owned vs. used cars so you can make your next purchase with more confidence.
Blog Highlights
- Certified Pre-Owned vehicles undergo manufacturer inspections and reconditioning and have more robust manufacturer-backed warranties than pre-owned cars.
- Used or pre-owned vehicles are typically cheaper than a certified CPO vehicle, but don't have the same quality and safety guarantees.
- Real Certified Pre-Owned vehicles will have a manufacturer CPO certificate, and you can verify the VIN on the manufacturer's website.
What Defines a Used Car?
The term "used car" is very broad. It includes any car that a previous owner has owned or operated. Most of the used car market was previously owned by consumers, though some cars may have previously been owned by rental businesses or other commercial entities. Dealerships may also sell demonstrator vehicles—cars used for customer demos—as used vehicles once a model is old enough.
While used cars include any car that's been previously owned, you'll find a wide range of mileages, ages, and conditions. Once a car has been categorized as a used vehicle, it sees an immediate depreciation in value. If you're interested in owning a used vehicle, you can use this to your advantage—you can find very low-mileage vehicles that are significantly lower in cost than new vehicles that are the same make and model.
Within the wider category of used cars, you'll also find a special category: Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars.
What Sets Certified Pre-Owned Cars Apart?
Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are a special class of used cars that meet higher standards. Manufacturers can certify used cars as CPOs if the vehicles meet stringent inspections, fit within certain mileage and age criteria, and are in good or excellent condition. This classification tells consumers that the vehicles meet certain clear standards for safety, performance, and "newness." There are additional benefits of considering CPOs instead of used cars, as manufacturers usually offer extended warranties.
Used cars, on the other hand, aren't required to meet similar standards. You might have some insight into their performance and specifications if they have a report and a clear history tied to their VIN, and if you have the car thoroughly inspected. But used cars can have higher mileage, less efficient performance, and older parts.
Comparing Value, Benefits, and Risks
When you're comparing Certified Pre-Owned vs. used cars, it's extremely unlikely that you'll find virtually identical vehicles in each category. Instead, you'll need to weigh the potential advantages of pre-owned vs. certified pre-owned cars in general to decide the right fit for you. Consider factors like:
- Upfront price: Used cars are typically cheaper than Certified Pre-Owned cars.
- Maintenance over time: Because CPO vehicles must pass stringent inspections and tend to be newer, they're less likely to need expensive repairs soon after purchase.
- Peace of mind: If you're nervous about buying a pre-owned car, CPOs can be a great middle ground because they've been owned before, but the manufacturer stands behind their continued safety and performance.
Explore Your Next Vehicle With Visalia Ford
At Visalia Ford, we offer a wide range of CPO and used vehicles. Visit our dealership to learn more about Certified Pre-Owned vs. used cars and to explore different options. You can see the differences for yourself and take your favorite out for a test drive. Just starting your car search? You can also explore our inventory online.Â
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