Used vs Certified Pre-Owned

Both used and CPO vehicles fall under the category of previously owned automobiles. Used cars are classic pre-owned vehicles that have been sold to a dealership that previously performed an inspection to ensure their quality. These cars can be of any model, year, and brand and may or may not have a clear vehicle history report.

On the other hand, CPO cars undergo a more meticulous inspection and refurbishment process, elevating them to a higher standard of quality and dependability. These are vehicles whose quality has been certified by the car’s manufacturer, typically by passing multipoint inspections performed by factory-trained technicians.

Additionally, CPO vehicles typically adhere to mileage or year model limitations to ensure you’re driving a newer model that hasn’t experienced a lot of wear and tear. Moreover, this certification often encompasses added benefits such as warranties or roadside assistance, providing additional layers of reassurance for potential buyers.

Certified pre-owned vehicles are renowned for their dedication to quality through thorough inspections. Dealers rigorously scrutinize each vehicle, refurbishing it to meet the standards outlined by the CPO program before deeming it a certified pre-owned vehicle. While the number of inspection points may vary among manufacturers, the underlying principle remains the same: passing the inspection ensures that the car's condition meets the requirements for the carmaker to offer warranty coverage to the new owner.

Used cars may also undergo inspections before being sold. However, it's essential to note that the inspection process for non-CPO cars may not be as comprehensive as that for CPO cars.

Most CPO vehicles are covered by a manufacturer warranty. These are usually honored by certified dealerships nationwide and can be immensely beneficial in providing peace of mind to buyers. Although the extent of coverage may vary among CPO programs, they all offer a level of protection.

Used cars aren’t usually covered by warranties, or they may come with additional costs. These warranties aim to cover issues within the vehicle's original limited warranty.

CPO warranties may, however, offer more limited coverage compared to the comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty provided for new cars.

CPO cars, with their added warranties and inspection processes, generally come with a higher price tag than used ones. This premium is justified by the assurance of quality and the peace of mind that accompanies a CPO purchase. It's also worth noting that CPO cars are exclusively available at franchised new car dealerships, which tend to have higher prices for used cars than independent used car lots and private-party sellers.

By contrast, used cars usually have a lower price tag that depends a lot on the car’s mileage, model year, and overall condition. However, maintenance and repair costs tend to be higher, as used vehicles are not covered by warranties, and their quality is not as highly inspected as CPO cars.