What is the Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned?

Looking for a way to upgrade your Tyler commutes, without breaking the bank? There are a number of options available for both new and used vehicles out there, but you might have heard used vs. CPO, and never known what the difference was. At Peters Chevrolet Buick Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat we understand that the car buying process can be confusing, and so we work to make sure you get home in your new-to-you ride with ease by taking advantage of our many used vehicles. But what is the difference between used and certified pre-owned? Read on below with our team to find out more about CPO vs. used, to discover which option is the best for you and how you can maximize your savings. 

CPO vs. Used: Used Car Shopping Facts

Used vehicles are cars that have had at least one previous owner, which is a bit of a given. From there, used cars can range significantly in terms of mileage, the number of previous owners, and condition. Because of this, used cars are more affordable than new ones. They’ve already undergone depreciation, so their value will hardly lower after you drive it off the lot, and they come with benefits such as lower monthly payments, lower insurance payments, and more.

While you may have steered away from a high-mileage car in the past, the truth is that many vehicles can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with routine maintenance and proper care. It’s still important to remember:

• Standard used cars are not required to be inspected before they are sold. While dealer groups like Peters Chevrolet Buick Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat can be trusted to vet each model we sell, other dealerships and private sellers should be met with honest skepticism. Make sure to have a trusted mechanic inspect any vehicle you intend to buy on the private market around Longview!
• If your inspection uncovers issues, make sure you factor the repairs into your budget. From there, you’ll want to negotiate based on those new costs. 
• Many cars can last 200,000 miles or more, so a high-mileage option can be great if you’re on a tight budget.

CPO vs. Used: CPO Shopping Facts

Now that we’ve firmly established the basics of shopping used, the time is right to answer the question, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” While technically used, CPO models are held to higher standards and must meet certain requirements that are set by the OEM themselves. Only the best of the best can become certified since all CPO cars are used, but not all used cars are CPO! If a vehicle doesn’t match the original manufacturer requirements, it cannot be listed as CPO. 

Each manufacturer that offers a CPO program has a unique list of requirements for vehicles and various benefits for drivers to enjoy. While each OEM will differ, the following offers a general overview of what to expect from your CPO vehicle:

• Model year is within five years of the current model year
• Often less than 80,000 miles, sometimes up to 100,000 miles 
• A multi-point inspection
• Offered with extended warranties and/or limited powertrain warranties

Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles at Peters Chevrolet Buick Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat

Now that you know the difference between shopping for a used car and a certified pre-owned vehicle, it’s time to take home your favorite by contacting us to schedule a test drive around Marshall. The car buying process starts by applying for financing today so that you can enjoy your new-to-you vehicle that much sooner.