If you are in the market for a used car, you may have come across two options: certified pre-owned (CPO) cars and regular used cars. What is the difference between them, and which one should you choose? In this blog post, we will explain what CPO cars are, how they differ from regular used cars, and what are the pros and cons of each option.
What is a Certified Pre-Owned Car?
A certified pre-owned car is a used car that has undergone a thorough pre purchase inspection and refurbished by the manufacturer or an authorized dealer of the same brand. CPO cars are usually newer, have lower mileage, and come with a warranty and other benefits from the manufacturer. CPO cars are only sold by dealers of the same brand, so you can only find a CPO Honda at a Honda dealer, for example.
What is a Regular Used Car?
A regular used car is any car that has had previous owners and is being resold by anyone, such as private sellers, classified ads, or independent dealers. Regular used cars may or may not have been inspected or repaired before being sold, and they usually do not come with any warranty or benefits from the manufacturer. Regular used cars can be found anywhere, from online platforms to local dealerships.
Pros of Buying a CPO Car
- Quality: CPO cars have to meet certain standards of age, mileage, condition, and maintenance history to be certified by the manufacturer. They also have to pass a rigorous inspection process that covers various aspects of the car, such as the engine, brakes, suspension, electronics, etc. CPO cars are then refurbished to fix any issues or defects that are found during the inspection. This ensures that CPO cars are in good shape and free of major problems.
- Warranty: CPO cars come with a warranty from the manufacturer that covers certain repairs or replacements for a specified period of time or mileage. The warranty may vary depending on the brand and model, but it usually extends the original factory warranty or provides a new limited warranty. Some CPO programs also offer additional benefits, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or free maintenance.
- Peace of mind: Buying a CPO car gives you more confidence and security than buying a regular used car. You know that the car has been checked and verified by the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and that you have some protection in case something goes wrong with the car. You also have access to the service records and history reports of the car, which can help you understand its past performance and condition.
Cons of Buying a CPO Car
- Cost: CPO cars are generally more expensive than regular used cars of the same make, model, year, and condition. This is because CPO cars have undergone an inspection and refurbishment process that adds to their value and quality. They also come with a warranty and other benefits that increase their price. Depending on the brand and model, the price difference between a CPO car and a regular used car can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Availability: CPO cars are not as widely available as regular used cars. Since CPO cars have to meet certain criteria to be certified by the manufacturer, not every used car qualifies for the program. Moreover, CPO cars are only sold by dealers of the same brand, so you have fewer options to choose from compared to regular used cars that can be found anywhere.
- Choice: CPO cars may not offer as much variety and customization as regular used cars. Since CPO cars are newer and have lower mileage than regular used cars, they may not have all the features or options that you want or need in your car. For example, you may not find a CPO car with a manual transmission or a specific color that you like. You may also have to compromise on some aspects of the car, such as its performance or fuel economy.
Pros of Buying a Regular Used Car
Buying a regular used car has some advantages over buying a CPO car, such as:
- Cost: Regular used cars are generally cheaper than CPO cars of the same make, model, year, and condition. This is because regular used cars do not have to go through an inspection and refurbishment process that adds to their value and quality. They also do not come with a warranty or other benefits that increase their price. Depending on the brand and model, the price difference between a regular used car and a CPO car can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Availability: Regular used cars are more widely available than CPO cars. Since regular used cars do not have to meet any criteria to be sold by anyone, you have more options to choose from compared to CPO cars that have to be certified by the manufacturer. You can find regular used cars anywhere, from online platforms to local dealerships.
- Choice: Regular used cars may offer more variety and customization than CPO cars. Since regular used cars are older and have higher mileage than CPO cars, they may have more features or options that you want or need in your car. For example, you may find a regular used car with a manual transmission or a specific color that you like. You may also have more flexibility to negotiate the price or terms of the sale with the seller.
Cons of Buying a Regular Used Car
- Quality Concerns: Regular used cars may not be as reliable or durable as CPO cars. Since regular used cars may or may not have been inspected or repaired before being sold, they may have hidden problems or defects that could affect their performance and safety. Regular used cars may also have been poorly maintained or abused by their previous owners, which could shorten their lifespan and increase their maintenance costs.
- Warranty: Regular used cars do not come with a warranty from the manufacturer that covers certain repairs or replacements for a specified period of time or mileage. The warranty may have expired or been voided by the previous owner. Some regular used cars may come with a warranty from the seller or a third party, but they may not be as comprehensive or trustworthy as a manufacturer-backed warranty. If something goes wrong with the car, you may have to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket or deal with the hassle of filing a claim.
- Peace of mind: Buying a regular used car may involve more risk and uncertainty than buying a CPO car. You may not know the true condition or history of the car, and you may not have any protection in case something goes wrong with the car. You may also have to deal with dishonest or unprofessional sellers who may try to hide or lie about the car’s problems or history.
Conclusion
Buying a certified pre-owned car or a regular used car depends on your personal preferences, budget, and needs. Both options have their pros and cons, and you should weigh them carefully before making your decision. You should also do your research on the brand, model, year, and condition of the car you are interested in, and compare prices and features among different sellers and dealers. You should also inspect the car yourself or hire a professional mechanic to do it for you, and test drive the car before you buy it.
Buying a used car can be a smart and economical choice, as long as you do it right. Whether you choose a CPO car or a regular used car, make sure you get the best value and quality for your money.
