Certified Pre-Owned: Benefits and Drawbacks




A used car that satisfies stringent standards—manufacturer-determined requirements—is certified pre-owned. See whether purchasing a certified pre-owned automobile is worth it for you by learning more about the benefits and drawbacks.

 

Before purchasing a used car, there are a number of things you should be aware of, but with any luck, you can choose one that offers exceptional value. A new category has emerged over time, one that gives car buyers excellent value and inspires trust. It is certified pre-owned (CPO), not new or used.

 

A higher threshold is applied to these CPO vehicles, and not all of them pass. The purchase of a certified pre-owned vehicle has benefits and drawbacks. What you should know about them is as follows.

 

A Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle: What Is It?

 

A used car that satisfies stringent standards—manufacturer-determined requirements—is certified pre-owned. Every program has its own rules, and most of them center around odometer miles, age, and condition. Off-lease vehicles from recent models are frequently seen, and they are probably kept in better condition at the dealership. All of this combines to provide a more assured ownership experience.

 

Most certified pre-owned programs call for a multipoint inspection, frequently carried out by technicians with factory training. They will inspect the entire car for wear and damage in addition to doing a road test. If a part fails inspection, it can be fixed or replaced. Furthermore, you are not required to accept the dealer’s word for it. You get access to both the vehicle history record and the multipoint inspection report for a CPO car.

 

Even when you drive a certified pre-owned car off the lot, there are still advantages to purchasing one. Limited CPO warranties typically offer powertrain coverage for seven years or 100,000 miles, which is the industry norm. It’s critical to understand that the vehicle’s age and mileage—rather than your date of purchase—determine this. It’s also possible to get non-powertrain coverage, usually for a period of 12 months or 12,000 miles for non-luxury vehicles.

 

What Benefits Come with Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Car?

 

The value of a used automobile with the added assurance of a manufacturer’s limited warranty can be found in certified pre-owned autos. Additionally, you’ll be able to assess the vehicle’s condition better thanks to the free inspection and history reports. This implies that you won’t need to bother having a pre-purchase inspection done on the car.

 

Should a mechanical issue arise with the car at the beginning of ownership, the CPO warranties can provide coverage for it. Major automakers’ CPO programs come with a limited powertrain warranty that covers crucial parts like the engine and transmission. This can assist you avoid paying as much for a repair that might otherwise be necessary. Furthermore, a powertrain warranty and a bumper-to-bumper guarantee are included with almost all CPO warranties. Certain purchases can be eligible for extended warranties.

 

In addition, a lot of certified pre-owned programs offer extra benefits like roadside assistance. There are even some that offer free maintenance. You might also take advantage of perks like trip protection and concierge services when looking for a premium car. So, having a certified pre-owned car might make you feel like a VIP, whether you’re driving or just at the showroom.

 

What Drawbacks Are There to Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Car?

 

Owning a certified pre-owned car has few disadvantages, so purchasing one can be a wise choice. It can be difficult to decide between certified, used, and new cars. Usually, the first thing to think about is cost. You must consider the program’s benefits against the greater cost of CPO vehicles compared to their used counterparts. You might not need to take your car in for repairs very often if you choose a car with a good reputation for dependability.

 

It could be more difficult to locate the precise CPO automobile you’re looking for if you’re hunting for a low-volume vehicle like a sports car or a certain trim and color. If you’re determined to become qualified, you might need to exercise patience in light of the current global microprocessor scarcity. In need of a car soon? Inform your dealer of your preferences so they can let you know when they locate a match.

 

For some car buyers, a certified pre-owned vehicle might not be the best option. If you’re purchasing on a tight budget, you could have fewer options because certification is only valid for recent model years. Additionally, you might be able to discover a dependable automobile without using a CPO program if you can find a technician who knows what to look for when purchasing a used car.

 

Do I Need to Buy a Certified Pre-Owned Car?

 

Consider looking for a certified pre-owned car if you want to get a great deal and have a secure ownership experience. You might be able to upgrade to a higher trim level or save money compared to buying a brand-new car. Leasing a CPO car could also be an option for you, which would provide you more flexibility.

 

Luxury automobiles might be a particularly alluring choice when looking for a certified pre-owned car. Many of them suffer considerable depreciation in comparison to their original MSRP after a few years. Additionally, even though luxury car repairs are more expensive, the manufacturer’s limited warranty helps keep expenses down while the vehicle is under warranty.

 

Are you looking to buy an electric or plug-in hybrid car? Although all automakers offer a battery guarantee of at least eight years or 100,000 miles, CPO cars can be a wonderful option (see more about EV battery longevity here). You might not have to worry about purchasing secondhand as opposed to certified because the warranty might be transferable. Check out our electric vehicle buyers guide for more advice on EVs.

 

Which Automakers Provide Pre-Owned Certification Programs?

 

Almost all of the big automakers have a scheme for certified pre-owned cars. Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen are examples of non-luxury brands.

 

Additionally, luxury carmakers have certified pre-owned programs, usually with additional incentives. Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Buick, Chrysler, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Tesla, and Volvo are some of these brands.

 

Are you trying to find a Certified Pre-Owned car?

 

With SimpSocial, you can always locate the best offers on vehicles, whether you’re looking for a used or certified pre-owned car. When the time comes to make a purchase, you can utilize SimpSocial to shop, tailor your offer, and receive a direct, customized offer from a Certified Dealer.