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

Many Carrboro drivers ask, “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” Find comfort in knowing it’s okay to wonder, many people do! When it comes to CPO vs. used, there are many distinct differences. Learn more with our finance team to find out the biggest differences between CPO vs. used vehicles. 

CPO vs. Used: Used Vehicles 

The main difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles is that used cars have been previously owned and range in model, year, mileage, and more. Certified pre-owned vehicles have also been previously owned, but they have to stay within a set of parameters and they have a smaller range of model years and mileage. Used cars are typically more affordable for Chapel Hill drivers who are looking to stay within a budget. 

For used vehicles, mileage is a big difference. Some people might be nervous if a vehicle has 100,000 miles or more, but vehicles with good maintenance histories can last well over 100,000 miles. Keep the following in mind when shopping around Apex for a used car: 

• OEMs don’t require inspection before sale, but at Hendrick Dodge Cary, we ensure our customers are getting the best value for their dollar. We recommend navigating any private vehicle sale with caution. 
• Discuss and point out any issue you notice with a vehicle whether it’s private or at a dealership. If any vehicle has issues, be sure to factor in the cost for repairs. 

CPO vs. Used: CPO Vehicles

Certified pre-owned (CPO) models have undergone a thorough inspection by a certified technician and abide by a set of standards such as year, mileage, and model. CPO models are considered the “gold standard” of used vehicles because they meet the OEM’s standards. Here are just a few requirements to show the difference of CPO vs. used models:

• Model year is within five years of the current model year
• Generally less than 75,000 miles
• Passes a multi-point inspection
• Offered with extended warranties and/or limited powertrain warranties

CPO vehicles are typically newer used models with lower mileage. Their prices are not as high as a new car, but higher than a standard used vehicle given the added protection and certifications they come with.

Purchase a Used or CPO Vehicle at Hendrick Dodge Cary

Since you now have your answers for, “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, contact us today with any additional questions about our inventories, or to ask about used vehicle financing options!