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

The used car market is packed with great options for savvy shoppers in Golden Valley and Dolan Springs drivers, and many find themselves torn between the CPO vs. used inventories at Anderson Ford Kingman. So, what is the difference between used and certified pre-owned (CPO) models? While all CPO models are used, not all used models are CPOs. Get to know the key differences between CPO vs. used models at Anderson Ford Kingman, and test drive a few options in Kingman today!

Used Car Buying: What You Need to Know

The definition of a “used car” is simply a car that has had a previous owner. As a result, this is an incredibly broad category with considerable differences in make, model, year, mileage, and more across the board. These vehicles are often the most budget-friendly because they’ve gone through the bulk of their deprecation already. In fact, you can find models priced under 10k!

Because there’s such diversity within the used car market, it’s important to do your research. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your used car:

• Mileage: Cars are more durable than they used to be, so a used car with 100,000 miles on it may still have plenty of life left at a rock-bottom price. If low mileage is important, consider CPO options.
• Inspections: These are especially important to consider when buying from private sellers. However, dealerships often take extra care because they have service centers onsite.
• Condition: If you notice any issues, whether mechanical or cosmetic, be sure to bring them up with the seller. Sometimes you can negotiate the cost of repairs into your final price.

Buying a CPO Car: What You Need to Know

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are the gold standard of used cars that are backed by the original manufacturer. These vehicles are hand-picked for quality, and each vehicle goes through a rigorous inspection process completed by a certified technician. The certification process includes the following criteria:

• The 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

Due to the lengthy certification process, CPO models are typically priced higher than used models – but lower than new models. If you want a used car with additional reassurances, a certified model will give you extra peace of mind on the Hackberryroads.

Compare CPO vs. Used Cars at Anderson Ford Kingman

Now that we’ve answered, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, why not compare these models in person? Contact us at Anderson Ford Kingman to learn more about the differences between CPO vs. used cars, and don’t hesitate to drop by the dealership in Kingman. We’d love to answer any questions in person!