What Are the Differences Between a Certified Pre-Owned and Standard Used Chevy Colorado?

With the popularity of used trucks like the Chevy Colorado in the North American market, you have many options to choose from, which could seem overwhelming. When you throw in the fact that there are different types of used trucks, such as standard used trucks and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) trucks, it can add an extra layer of complexity when it comes to shopping for a used Chevy Colorado for sale. However, we’re here to help remove the confusion, simplify the shopping process, and give you the necessary information you need to shop smart for the kind of used Colorado that you want to drive. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between a standard used Colorado and a Certified Pre-Owned one to help you make the smartest choice for your budget, lifestyle, and peace of mind.

What Do You Get When You Buy a Used Chevy Colorado?

Shopping for a standard used Chevy Colorado mostly boils down to what you see is what you get. Typically, the dealer will outline what the features and content are for the used Colorado, and you can determine if that’s what you want to pay for it. A standard used Chevy Colorado also does not come with any kind of additional warranty benefits, packages, or any additional incentives. There are some exceptions to this rule, however.

Buying a used Chevy Colorado may entitle you to some rollover perks from an existing warranty that is transferable. This can be a huge benefit if you buy a used Chevy Colorado that is still within the manufacturer’s warranty coverage. But if you opt for an older Colorado from a previous generation or outside the standard coverage of the new vehicle, then buying a standard used Chevy Colorado will not include any additional coverage or warranty protection.

What Do You Get When You Buy a CPO Chevy Colorado?

A CPO Chevy Colorado means it’s Certified Pre-Owned. It isn’t just a used truck; all CPO Chevy Colorado models come with added warranty protection. You’re getting everything the dealer provides with the used truck, but you also have guaranteed limited protection for the powertrain, a 6-year/100,000-mile coverage, and 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage. This also includes courtesy transportation support, as well as roadside assistance in case of breakdowns or when you need to tow the vehicle.

All CPO Chevy Colorado models also come with a three-day exchange policy, as well as a scheduled maintenance program, a free vehicle history report, and a 172-point multi-point inspection. These are features that come standard for every CPO Chevy Colorado as part of GM’s Certified Pre-Owned program. So if you wanted the extra protection, warranty benefits, and coverage provided to the Chevy Colorado that you would not get with a standard used one, then opting for a CPO Colorado is definitely the way to go.

What Are the Benefits of Buying a Used Chevy Colorado?

• Lower price point – Save thousands upfront
• Wider selection – Access to older trims, discontinued packages
• Less restriction – No limits on age, mileage, or condition
• Ideal for specific use cases – Great for occasional hauling or as a secondary vehicle

You might think that any used Chevy Colorado that isn’t certified may not have any benefits, but that isn’t true. The benefit of shopping for a regular used Colorado is that you can shop through available older models and older generations as you please. This enables you to find older used models of the Colorado for extremely low prices. That’s definitely a benefit, since you will have to pay more for a CPO Colorado over a standard used model, so that’s another consideration you’ll have to make.

You also have the benefit of shopping for a used Colorado across a wide model year selection, with various packages, some of which may not be available as a CPO. You’re also not limited to the year or mileage of the Colorado. So if you just wanted a work truck with very high mileage on it, but it was going to be something you occasionally use around the house or to do light hauling and trailering, you can find a very low-cost used Chevy Colorado, even if it’s high mileage. You get that added flexibility when shopping for a regular used Colorado, which you may not have when shopping solely for a CPO Colorado.

What Are the Benefits of Buying a CPO Chevy Colorado?

• Factory-backed coverage – Two warranties plus roadside assistance
• Guaranteed quality – Inspected, reconditioned, and clean title
• Newer models – Must be less than six years old
• Financing incentives – Benefits and lower APR for qualifying models

Shopping for a CPO Chevy Colorado comes with multiple benefits, including the fact that there are hard limits on what can be classified as a certified used vehicle. All CPO Chevy Colorado models must be less than six years old, and all of them must have less than 75,000 miles on them. So you’re guaranteed a certain level of quality when you shop for a certified pre-owned Colorado. If the quality of a standard used truck and the reliability of some features may prove to be a concern for you—especially if you’re looking for a truck that you plan on keeping for years and using for a lot of hauling and trailering—then a Certified Pre-Owned truck adds a lot more value proposition to the table since you’re guaranteed a level of quality that you don’t get with a standard used truck.

The added multi-point inspections also guarantee a certain level of quality when it comes to the components, interior, features, and functionality. All CPO Colorado trucks have also gone through reconditioning, which is not something that standard used trucks go through. So there are added safeguards when it comes to the reliability and functionality of the truck. Plus, all certified Colorado trucks come with a clean title, so you never have to worry about the history of the truck or it potentially being a problem when it comes to ownership.

Common Questions and Info About Buying Used or CPO

• What disqualifies a Colorado from becoming a CPO? Any vehicle with excessive damage, or excessive wear is ineligible for being considered certified. It must also pass a vehicle history report and GM inspection.
• Can I get financing on a used or CPO Colorado? Yes! Both certified and standard used Chevy Colorado models are eligible for financing.

Both a standard used Colorado and a CPO Colorado have their place and benefits on the market. If price is your biggest motivating factor for owning a used Colorado, you can definitely find a regular used model for an extremely low price. On the flip side, a Certified Pre-Owned Colorado provides you with plenty of extra protection and safeguards, giving you a lot of added confidence in what you shop for and the longevity of your purchase thanks to the multi-point inspection, the warranty coverage, and the return policy guarantees.

Additionally, some CPO models may net you better loan rates compared to standard used models. Depending on the lender and the age of the vehicle, you may find that the financing rates for a standard used Colorado may be higher than if you opt for a Certified Pre-Owned Colorado. It’s something to consider when thinking about the overall cost-benefit ratio between a CPO Colorado and a regular used Colorado.

Let Us Help You Make the Right Choice for a Pre-Owned Chevy Colorado

Conditioning, features, guarantees, and protection are all things you have to consider when shopping for a used Chevy Colorado. It can be difficult when your budget is limited or you’re considering a certain truck but struggling with availability. However, if you’re having trouble choosing which model is right for you and need more information or help shopping for the right kind of Chevy Colorado, feel free to reach out so we can help you find the perfect match. We have complete informational resources and staff on hand who are willing to help answer any difficult questions about shopping for a used Chevy Colorado, as well as help you find the right trim and configuration that fits your needs and budget.