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

A used car can be a smart choice for some buyers. You can get a better car with a used vehicle than you can afford if it was bought new. Used cars allow you to let someone else take the depreciation hit that comes with a new car. But buying a used car has some drawbacks, including the worry of not knowing what you’re getting. You might save some money buying the car, but you could end up spending the money you save on repair work. Certified pre-owned cars help remove the worry from the equation. Although they cost more than used vehicles, you could save money in the long run. We’ll go over the difference between certified pre-owned cars and used cars so you can determine which one is right for you.

A dealer that sells used and certified pre-owned cars will only sell certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles by the same brand as the dealership. They are low-mileage vehicles that must be less than a specific age. For example, Acura Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles must be less than six years old and have under 80,000 miles on the odometer. If a car is too old or has too many miles, a dealer may sell it as a used vehicle, but it won’t qualify for the certified pre-owned program. Vehicles that have major damage or mechanical problems aren’t considered as a certified pre-owned model.

The car must also go through a reconditioning process, which can include repairs to the paint, body, interior and mechanical components such as brakes. The car may get new tires. Then the vehicle must go through a comprehensive inspection. Acura vehicles must pass a 182-point inspection before being factory-certified.

Another difference is the certified pre-owned vehicle warranty. A CPO vehicle comes with a warranty that extends the one the vehicle has remaining. For example, Acura’s CPO warranty begins after the vehicle’s original warranty expires and lasts for 24 months/100,000 miles. Acura also provides roadside assistance for seven years or 100,000 miles.