When you’re buying a car, there are a ton of decisions to make — from color and body style to safety features and entertainment options. But before you can get into the year, make, and model, you have to decide on one of three categories: new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO).
While the definition of a new car is pretty much a given, the difference between used and CPO isn’t so cut and dry. That’s why we’re diving deep into the subject with an in-depth look into what separates the two below.
Keep reading to learn more.
4 Key Differences Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned
Criteria
The biggest difference between used and CPO vehicles is a matter of standards. To be established as certified pre-owned, a vehicle must undergo a rigorous, multi-point inspection to meet specifications set by the manufacturer. Each manufacturer has its own expectations, but if deemed worthy, a certified pre-owned vehicle earns a stamp of approval for like-new quality. Used cars, on the other hand, are not subject to such exhaustive requirements.
Cost
Prices vary from car to car, but the cost of a CPO vehicle is substantially different from that of a regular used vehicle. In fact, certified pre-owned vehicles are $1,500 more expensive than non-certified used cars on average. Both, however, are more cost-effective than new vehicles for shoppers on a tighter budget.
Warranty
Because CPO vehicles are subject to several manufacturer requirements, such as model year restrictions, many of them still offer the benefits of their original warranties. As a result, you might find special features like services and financing options that you won’t get in just any used vehicle. But make sure you do your homework. Many CPO vehicles are close to the end of their warranties.
Usage
There aren’t any particular limitations for what condition a used car might be in, but that’s not the case for a CPO vehicle. Manufacturer-trained professionals must check a pre-owned vehicle to ensure that there isn’t too much wear and tear. That’s why most CPO vehicles will have significantly less mileage than their used counterparts.
Choose a Great Used or CPO Vehicle in Madison, WI
At Zimbrick, we don’t show favoritism — we offer a vast inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles across any of our 16 locations. Contact us for any questions you might have. Regardless of what type of car fits your needs, we’re here to help.
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