Why You Should Consider Buying a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle Over a Conventional Pre-owed One

Are you planning to buy a used car but on a tight budget? Well, there are two options. You can buy a certified preowned (CPO) car or a pre-owned one. But which is the better alternative? Read on to discover the pros and cons of each option and make the right decision. 

Certified Pre-owned Vehicles

You can buy a factory-certified used vehicle at a dealership of the same brand. For example, if you’re a Honda enthusiast in Georgia, you can contact Honda dealerships in GA to purchase a CPO vehicle. 

A CPO car usually comes with its original manufacturer’s warranty, giving you an extended range of trouble-free miles. Here are more reasons why buying a CPO vehicle could be the best idea: 

• Thoroughly inspected: CPO cars are strictly repaired and inspected, making them highly reliable and giving you a ‘like-new’ experience.
• Low-risk purchase: a CPO car ensures that you travel without worrying about a breakdown or the cost of any significant repairs. 
• Lower mileage vehicle: Low mileage gives you great value for your money, and the car will serve you longer, depending on your maintenance. 
• Current production model at low cost: a CPO vehicle offers the latest features at a lower price than a brand-new model, which might be expensive.
• Additional perks: In case of challenges during trips, you could get roadside assistance or other valuable perks. 

Disadvantages of CPO vehicles

• Expensive purchase cost: Manufacturers put a lot of effort into the inspection and repair and offer warranty for future damage expenses to certified used vehicles. All this effort is transferred to the buyer, increasing the cost of CPO cars. According to the U.S. Today, certified pre-owned adds between 6% and 8% to the vehicle’s price.
• There might be less choice: You’re likely to have fewer options of vehicle brands to choose from, as few used vehicles pass the certified used vehicle grade. 
• Certified used vehicle deals vary widely: If you’re looking to buy a Honda certified used car, you will have different terms and conditions from other manufacturers.  

Pre-owned Vehicle

When buying a used car, you aren’t guaranteed if the previous owner took it for inspection or if it has any warranty. 

Advantages 

• Lower prices: pre-owned vehicles can be cheaper than certified used vehicles depending on the vehicle’s make, model, year, and condition. According to the Cox Automotive Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, the price of a used car averages $26,752 as of October 2023.
• More options: It’s likely to find more pre-owned cars than CPO vehicles due to the less strict inspections.

Disadvantages

• No warranties: You might end up paying for repairs if the vehicle’s manufacturer warranty has already expired. 
• Higher risk: Due to a lack of inspection, you might purchase a car with various problems. 
• Higher financing rate: You are more likely to pay higher interest rates when purchasing a pre-owned car. The challenge of evaluating the value of these vehicles later leads to high financing.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, buying CPO vehicles may be the best idea if you’re looking for a reliable and durable car. You’ll get a certified car with a warranty to guarantee stress-free driving. Once you get your car, enjoy your ride and keep safe. 

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