Is Investing In A Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle The Right Choice?
Most major vehicle brands use the phrase “certified pre-owned” in their advertisements and their showrooms. When you’re ready to make one of the greatest purchases of your life, “certified” sounds comforting, and “pre-owned” definitely has a better ring to it than “used.” But what does CPO entail, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
To help you understand, experts at Arlington Toyota Jacksonvillebring you the basics on certified pre-owned vehicles.
What Does “CPO” Mean?
Certified pre-owned or CPO vehicles are used cars that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the original manufacturer as almost brand new. Certified pre-owned programs vary by manufacturer, but all include an extensive inspection of the vehicle, a thorough reconditioning process, and a warranty.
Advantages Of CPO Vehicles:
- Certified pre-owned programs put each vehicle through a rigorous inspection process. Certified technicians check the car’s engine, transmission, brakes, tires, and everything else to ensure it’s up to the manufacturer’s standards. Before purchasing the car, the consumer may ask for copies of the signed inspection report, warranty, and vehicle history.
- CPO vehicles also come with an extensive warranty, which gives you peace of mind if something goes wrong. The warranty length varies by manufacturer, but it’s not uncommon for it to last up to six years from when the car was initially bought and cover the parts for up to 100,000 miles.
- To be certified, most CPO vehicles must fall under specific mileage and age restrictions. Most must be under six years old and have fewer than 70,000 miles. However, this varies; several manufacturer programs have significantly lower age and mile requirements. It’s simple to discover nearly any model on the market with low mileage, like-new, because many new cars are leased for only two or three years.
- These vehicles often have better financing options than their non-certified used counterparts. This is likely because the CPO designation reassures lenders that the vehicle has been well-maintained and is less likely to need repairs. They also hold their value better, so you’re less likely to find yourself “upside down” on your loan i.e. when you end up owing more than the car’s worth.
Disadvantages Of CPO Vehicles:
- They usually cost more than non-certified used cars. This is because the CPO designation has certain benefits, like extended warranties and roadside assistance, that add to the bottom line.
- In addition, certified pre-owned vehicles often have less negotiating room than non-certified used cars. So if you’re looking for the best deal, a CPO vehicle might not be the way to go.
- These vehicles must meet certain criteria the manufacturer sets to qualify for certification. This means that you might have fewer choices when shopping for a CPO vehicle than you would for a non-certified used car. And if you’re looking for a specific make or model, you might not be able to find it in the CPO inventory.
Certified pre-owned vehicles might be the best choice if you want a used car with extended warranty coverage. But if you’re not worried about repairs, you might be able to find a cheaper option.
Visit Arlington Toyota Jacksonville, offering CPO cars in Middleburg, FL. When purchasing a pre-owned car with us, most drivers know they are dealing with a name they can trust – and so shall you!
