What is the Difference Between Used & Certified Pre-Owned?

Wondering, “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” You’re not the first or only driver to ask that question. There are important distinctions between both. The experts at Susanville Ford are happy to answer your questions about used cars, so that you can make a purchase decision that’s right for you. Read on to learn more about CPO vs. used and decide which option makes more sense for you.

Used Car Buying: What You Need to Know

Used cars have been owned previously, and vary considerably in make, model, year, mileage, and more. Because of these variances, and the fact that they’ve had previous owners, they’re more affordable than new and CPO vehicles. 

Another area where used cars vary is mileage. Although it may seem like a used car with 100,000 miles is a risk you shouldn’t take, the truth is many vehicles can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular (documented) service. In any case, when you’re shopping for a new-to-you car, keep the following in mind: 

• Although OEMs don’t require that standard used cars be inspected before sale, Susanville Ford wants to make sure our customers get the highest value for their dollar. We hand-pick our used models. That being said, you should navigate a private sale with extra caution. Private sellers don’t have the reputation of a well-established dealership. 
• You should discuss any vehicle issues that you notice — either with the dealership or private seller. If you plan to purchase the car, even though it has a few problems, that’s 100% your choice — just make sure you factor money for the repairs into your shopping budget. 
• With proper care and maintenance, some vehicles can last upwards of 200,000 miles. High-mileage used cars aren’t always bad options, especially if you’re on a strict budget. 

Buying a CPO Car: What You Need to Know

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles have had previous owners, but they aren’t your standard used cars that you see on used car lots. They’re thoroughly inspected pre-owned vehicles that are backed by manufacturer warranties and have passed a rigorous inspection completed by a certified technician. They’re a gold standard of used cars and only models that meet the OEM’s CPO program standards earn the title. For example, the requirements for a Ford CPO model include the following: 

• Model year is within five years of the current model year
• Generally less than 80,000 miles, sometimes up to 100,000 miles 
• A multi-point inspection
• Offered with extended warranties and/or limited powertrain warranties

Certified used cars are usually newer models with less mileage. They typically come at a higher price than used cars, but they’re still more affordable than a new car. If you’re looking for more updated features for your Janesville commutes, then you might want to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles at Susanville Ford

Now that we’ve answered, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, it’s time to explore our CPO and used vehicle for sale, then schedule a visit to our showroom, not far from Standish, for some test drives.