The Difference Between Used and Certified Cars

What is the Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned Cars?

Curious about what the difference is between used and certified pre-owned cars? You’re not the first to ask that question! When it comes to CPO vs. used vehicles, both categories of vehicles are technically considered “used” models. However, there are important differences between used and certified pre-owned cars that shoppers in the Devine region will want to know about before purchasing their next SUV, truck, or sedan.

Buying a Used Car

Used vehicles are cars that have had previous owners before your purchase. Used vehicles are also priced at a lower cost than new and certified pre-owned vehicles based on factors, such as the vehicle’s model year, mileage, and the number of previous owners. Here at Brown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we carry an inventory of used models priced under $10,000. Since these vehicles have undergone much of their initial depreciation, they make for an affordable purchase for Castroville shoppers.

A vehicle with 100,000 miles or more may understandably seem like a risky investment, however, many vehicles can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care and routine maintenance. It’s also important for Uvalde vehicles owners to keep in mind that:

• Some cars and SUVs can last more than 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance, so a high-mileage used car could well be a good option if you’re on a tight budget.
• Discuss any issues in terms of vehicle condition or performance that arise, to ensure the vehicle is fit for your needs and safe to drive. If you plan to purchase it despite any problems, make sure you factor the cost of repairs into your budget.
• Standard used vehicles are not required by the OEM to be inspected before being sold. Dealerships like Brown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram can be counted on to still inspect the vehicle for safety and quality, but you should approach private sales with greater caution. Any privately sold used vehicle you’re considering should be inspected by a trusted technician and taken for a test drive before you make an offer.

Buying a CPO Car

The major difference between CPO vs. used vehicles is that certified pre-owned vehicles are used vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected by a factory-trained technician at Brown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. The inspection follows a strict list of points laid out by the manufacturer and only if the vehicle passes inspection can it be considered part of the manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.

The requirements for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram CPO program include the following:

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

Shop for Pre-Owned and Used Vehicles at Brown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

Now that we’ve answered, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, it’s time to explore our CPO and used vehicles for sale at Brown Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram! Contact us today to schedule a visit to our showroom in Devine for a test drive.