Is a Certified Pre-Owned Car Better than a Used Car?

At one time or another, a car shopper will ask, “Which is better, a certified pre-owned car or a regular used car? What’s the difference?”

A certified pre-owned (CPO) car is a gently used vehicle sold by a franchised car dealer of the same brand. They are vehicles that are typically well-maintained, collision free, low-mileage, that are only a few years old and pass a rigorous inspection process.

Certified pre-owned vehicles usually come with warranty coverage backed by their original manufacturer. Many such warranties cover a car’s major drivetrain components for up to 100,000 miles, or even have unlimited mileage during the warranty period. Some auto manufacturers even include extra incentives, such as special financing rates, 24-hour roadside assistance, loaner cars, and more.

Certified pre-owned cars can be a big attraction to a used car shopper. They provide the extra assurance that the vehicle has been thoroughly inspected, giving a car buyer the perception that such a car will not cause them headaches down the road.
With all the benefits the “certified pre-owned” stamp provides, certified pre-owned cars naturally cost more than traditional used cars. Car buyers can pay a premium price for these vehicles. Their extra cost can range from $500 to $1,700 and anywhere from $2,000 - $3,000 for a luxury vehicle.
While you can only find certified pre-owned vehicles at dealerships of the same brand, some auto dealerships will offer certified used cars not backed by the automaker to entice buyers to purchase a car. This could mean an extended warranty from a third party. They may even include attractive financing terms to round out the package.
It is important to note that a certified pre-owned car is not a new car; it is still a used car. It may have gone through an inspection, but that does not mean all the vehicle’s parts have been replaced. Even with the benefits certified pre-owned vehicles offer over non-certified used vehicles, there is no guarantee that a used vehicle that is certified won’t have problems in the future.
Auto experts say if a car buyer does their due diligence by running the VIN on their vehicle of choice, obtaining a vehicle history report, comparing car prices and having the car inspected by an independent mechanic, they can’t go wrong buying a non-certified used vehicle, and they’ll be able to save thousands of dollars to boot!
When in the market for a used car, stop by Carousel Preowned. CarouselPreowned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA, is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.