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

If you’ve asked yourself, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” while shopping for a car, you’re not alone! These two types of vehicles are often confused with each other, because they both refer to cars that have been pre-owned. However, there are some important distinctions between the two that you’ll want to know so your search is as informed as possible. The team at Tate Branch Carlsbad Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram has put together a comparison guide detailing the differences between CPO vs. used vehicles below. Check it out, then head to our inventory to see what used vehicles we currently have available!

Used Car Buying: What You Need to Know

Used cars are typically the most affordable option when looking for a vehicle in the Las Cruces area. They’ve been owned before, and they tend to vary quite a bit when it comes to make, model, year, and mileage.

Some drivers see high-mileage used cars as an unnecessary liability, but there really isn’t any need to worry. The level of care given to the vehicle is more important than its mileage—a used car with 100,000 miles on its odometer can be a great choice as long as it’s been treated to regular maintenance. Conversely, a car with fewer miles but an incomplete or missing service record can be a riskier choice.

When shopping for a used car, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• OEMs don’t require inspection of used vehicles before they’re put up for sale. While we at Tate Branch Carlsbad Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram hand-pick our used models and inspect them anyway, private sellers may not necessarily have vetted their vehicles as thoroughly. Be sure to navigate a private sale with extra caution.
• Look for any visible issues with the car before you make a commitment to buy, and disclose them to the seller. If you purchase the car and find a problem later, you’ll be on the hook to pay for the repairs.
• As stated above, high-mileage cars can be an ideal choice for some drivers if they’ve been properly cared for, especially because they tend to be more affordable than their low-mileage counterparts.

Buying a CPO Car: What You Need to Know

While certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles have also had previous owners, they’re held to much higher standards than traditional used cars. CPO vehicles are subjected to rigorous inspection processes before they’re allowed onto the showroom floor, and are backed by manufacturer warranties. For example, every certified pre-owned Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM must past an intricate 125-point inspection and comes with a 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

CPO vehicles also tend to be newer than standard used cars, with less mileage, which makes them pricier than their used counterparts. Manufacturers often describe CPO vehicles as having the features of a new vehicle without the hefty price tag. If you want to save money on your next El Paso ride but still want like-new quality, consider buying certified pre-owned!

Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles at Tate Branch Carlsbad Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

If you have any questions about the difference between CPO vs. used vehicles, feel free to contact our office or stop by our dealership to talk to an expert in person! You can also come to the dealership to set up a test drive of a used model around Pecos. And don’t forget to check out our pre-owned vehicle specials if you’re looking to save on your next ride!