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

If you’re shopping for a used car, you might be wondering, “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” The team at Leman's Chevrolet City can answer your questions. The main difference between used vs. CPO cars is the fact that CPO cars meet a number of criteria laid out by the OEM. There are no standards set by OEMs for standard used cars. Below, you can learn more about CPO vs. used, and which pre-owned option makes more sense for your lifestyle and budget. 

What You Should Know About Used Car Buying 

Used cars have previous owners, and offer a selection of different makes, models, years, mileages, and more. These differences, coupled with the fact they’ve been owned previously, make them more affordable than new and CPO cars. Many Decatur car shoppers can also browse our under-$10k used models for high-quality pre-owned cars that won’t break the bank. 

When shopping for a used car, keep the following points in mind: 

• Private sellers don’t have the reputation that dealers do, and if you want a CPO car, you won’t be able to purchase one from a private seller. Only a Chevy dealer, for example, is authorized to sell Certified Pre-Owned Chevy vehicles. 
• If you notice any issues with the car you’re considering, be sure to discuss them with the seller or dealership before buying. 
• With routine maintenance, many vehicles can last for 200,000+ miles. 

What You Should Know About CPO Car Buying 

While it’s true that certified pre-owned vehicles have had previous owners as well, these cars aren’t your garden-variety used vehicles. They’ve been comprehensively inspected by certified technicians to ensure they meet the manufacturer’s quality standards. General Motors (which owns Chevy), for example, has the following requirements for used cars that are candidates for “certified” status: 

• Factory-Backed 6-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
• Factory-Backed 12-month/12,000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
• Vehicle History Report
• 172-Point Inspection

General Motors also guarantees the following benefits for shoppers who choose a Certified Pre-Owned Chevy: 

• Roadside Assistance
• Courtesy Transportation
• 3-Day/150-Mile Exchange Policy
• Scheduled Maintenance Program
• Limited OnStar® Trial
• SiriusXM® 3-Month Trial Subscription

Find a New-to-You Vehicle at Leman's Chevrolet City in Bloomington! 

Now that you’ve compared CPO vs. used vehicles, it’s time to start shopping for the model for you! You can explore reliable and cost-effective used and Certified Pre-Owned Chevy vehicles right here at Leman's Chevrolet City. Contact us online or call us at 309-433-0243 to schedule a test drive with one of our pre-owned cars for sale today!