Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned

Is a Used or CPO Car Right For You?

If you're looking for a used car, you've probably seen something of the debate between regular used vs. certified pre-owned, also known as CPO. The latter type of used car is for used vehicles that the manufacturer has reconditioned. Irwin Auto Group breaks down the differences.  

What Makes a CPO Car Certified?

The main difference between a CPO car and a regular used car is the Certified designation. What goes into that? The answer is that any car in a CPO program goes through a meticulous inspection and reconditioning process before being certified. Generally, any vehicle that goes into this process must also be first eligible for the program. There's usually a limit on the number of miles the vehicle can have and its age. The primary reason for the extra care and the Certified designation is that CPO cars come with a manufacturer's warranty.

How Does a Regular Used Car Compare?

A standard used car might go through some type of inspection depending on the dealership, or it might not have any at all if you're buying from a private seller. There's no warranty, unless it's new enough that the original warranty is transferable. Sometimes, the selling dealership will offer a warranty on certain used vehicles. Because there isn't anything extra going into the average used car, you can typically expect a lower price range and more selection compared to CPO vehicles.

Why Choose One Over the Other?

When it comes to used vs. certified pre-owned cars, choosing one over the other may depend on your needs and budget. Buyers usually lean toward CPO cars when reliability and peace of mind are the most important to them. CPO cars still cost less than a new vehicle, but they're almost like new thanks to the refurbishing process. On the other hand, if you have a tight budget or are looking for a specific vehicle, you might not find the selection of CPO cars varied enough for your needs. To sum up, CPO cars are like new, but they typically cost more and have a more limited selection than regular used cars.

Is CPO Always Better Than Used?

The important thing to understand is that you usually have a better chance of getting a reliable and mechanically sound vehicle when you choose a CPO vehicle. You'll also get the additional peace of mind from a manufacturer's warranty. However, that doesn't mean that all regular used cars are unsound or risky. The average price of a CPO car is around $35,000, but the average price of a regular used vehicle is about $10,000 less. If you're on a budget and shopping used, it's simply important to have your own inspection process to ensure that you're getting a good vehicle.