What Is the Difference Between Used & Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles?

Are you on the car hunt in Burlington and wondering “What is the difference between used & certified pre-owned?” There are many driver’s that ask that same question. There are crucial distinctions to understand when you are on the hunt, but our experts at Shottenkirk Chevrolet Fort Madison are here to answer your questions on used vehicles. We will help you make the best decision for your dives around Fort Madison, so keep reading to explore CPO vs. used cars. 

Used Car Buying: What You Need to Know

The make, model, year, mileage, and use of used cars generally has a lot of variation. The variation and being previously owned makes used cars more affordable than new and certified pre-owned vehicles. Burlington and Mt. Pleasant drivers looking for a used car can check out under-$10k used models at Shottenkirk Chevrolet Fort Madison that provide a bunch of budget-friendly choices.

When you are looking at used cars, you will probably notice that there is a vast difference between mileage. Many buyers find it risky to purchase a used car with 100,000 miles, but many vehicles can drive well over 100,000 miles if they are regularly serviced. So, when you are shopping for a used car, don’t forget:

• Navigate private sales with more caution than usual. Private sellers may not have as much experience as an established dealership. OEMs don’t require used cars to be inspected before sale, but our staff at Shottenkirk Chevrolet Fort Madison wants our customers to get the best vehicle they can, and we will make sure they are getting the best value for their money. 
• If you notice an issue, you should discuss it with the dealership or private seller you are purchasing from. If you are aware of the problems a vehicle has and still decide to purchase it, make sure you are considering the repair costs in your budget.
• If a vehicle has had proper maintenance on a regular basis, it can last more than 200,000 miles. So, choosing a high-mileage vehicle may be a great choice for Mt. Pleasant buyers on a budget.

Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle: What You Need to Know

When you purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle, you know you are getting a thoroughly inspected vehicle that is still backed by the manufacturer warranties. The inspections are rigorous and performed by a certified technician. Certified pre-owned vehicles are the highest standard of used cars and meet the OEM’s CPO program standards to receive a gold standard title. Here are some of the requirements for a CPO car:

• The model year is within five years of the current model year
• Usually have less than 80,000 miles, sometimes up to 100,000 miles 
• Multi-point inspection
• Has extended warranties and/or limited powertrain warranties

CPO vehicles are generally new vehicles with limited mileage, and the price point will match that standard. They are more affordable than a new car but pricier than a used car. If you want features that are up-to-date, then a CPO vehicle may be the best choice for you. 

Shop Our Pre-Owned Vehicle Selection at Shottenkirk Chevrolet Fort Madison

Now that you know the answer to the question “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, come shop with us at Shottenkirk Chevrolet Fort Madison. You can explore our CPO vs. used collection to see the differences between our vehicles. Come for a test drive today! When you are ready to get behind the wheel, contact our finance department to get the process moving.