Why Buying A Certified Pre-Owned Car Is A Complete No-Brainer

If you’re in the market for a used car, you might think that words like ‘compromise’ or ‘settle’ factor into the equation. You may also worry about getting stuck with a lemon. You’re right to be cautious; the internet is loaded with online classifieds that are filled with used cars and trucks for sale, and the photos always look great, but who knows what lurks below those shiny exteriors? Sure, you can pull a Carfax report, but even a vehicle history report won’t tell the whole story. Luckily there’s a better way: certified pre-owned cars.

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are used cars and trucks that are subjected to multi-point inspections by qualified dealers. They’ve been scrutinized from bumper-to-bumper and determined to be in excellent mechanical condition, thus earning a coveted spot on the dealership’s showroom floor. CPO vehicles can be more expensive than other used vehicles you might find listed for sale on an online classified site but trust us; it’s worth it to get a CPO vehicle.

In fact, the main question we at DePaula Chevy are going to answer today is: What makes it worth it to get a CPO vehicle if you’re in the market for a used car? Peace-of-mind is the headline, but there are a lot of other benefits that carry over throughout the entire ownership experience that can potentially save you money, time, and headaches. We’ll explain the ins and outs of CPO vehicles, where to find them, and why dealers handle their used inventory this way. So read on to learn more about certified pre-owned vehicles and why buying one might be right for you.

Earning Certification

What are the characteristics of a typical CPO vehicle? Generally, CPO cars are newer models, as certifying a newer model is less risky. These late models tend to have fewer miles as well, making them easier to cover under an extended warranty. They’re often returned lease vehicles, which is great because a lease restricts the number of miles and holds lessors accountable for any excessive damage. It’s likely the vehicle was driven with care, which means it gets to you in better condition.

A CPO vehicle is inspected and reconditioned, fully detailed and cleaned, and includes a comprehensive vehicle history report. It’s quite simply the best quality used car you can buy. And let’s not forget the warranty. Generally, these multi-point inspection processes are dictated by the automaker and adopted by each dealer. Once again, knowing the original manufacturer is guiding the process creates peace-of-mind and confidence.

If we take a closer look at the inspection process itself, we’ll find that a vehicle undergoes roughly a 100-item inspection on average. Every auto manufacturer’s criteria are different, but most require a clean Carfax report and mileage thresholds. For example, Chevrolet only accepts vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles that are no more than six years old, and their process requires that the vehicle pass a 172-item inspection and reconditioning check. That’s a rigorous process and a strict guideline for accepting a vehicle into the CPO category.

The specific areas for inspection include all safety equipment, general mechanical, the braking system, transmission, and all individual components. Inspectors will also pay close attention to the exterior, ensuring there is no damage or significant scratches. This includes all bumpers and areas of the vehicle that would typically show additional wear and tear.

Buying a CPO Vehicle: The Pros

One of the most significant benefits to buying a CPO vehicle is that most dealers include a limited warranty with your purchase. This acts as a buffer of protection once you drive the car off the dealer’s lot, so if something was missed during the inspection, your purchase is protected. You also have the comfort of knowing that a dealer isn’t going to provide a warranty for a vehicle they’re not confident about, meaning CPO cars have extra reassurance behind them.

Additionally, if you’re considering a CPO vehicle vs a new vehicle, think about depreciation. According to J.D. Power and Associates, a new vehicle will depreciate roughly 10% between the time you drive off the dealer’s lot and when you pull into your garage. That 10% is enormous. And it gets worse after the first year, with an average of $7,222.66 in lost value. A CPO vehicle is at least a year old, which means that the first big hit of lost value has already happened and is reflected in its price.

Maybe the most significant forgotten benefit of buying a CPO vehicle is the simplicity that comes with buying from a dealership. There is no meeting in a dark parking lot, worrying about vehicle quality, obtaining financing from a third party, or dealing with writing up your own paperwork. When you go the private party sale route, the whole process becomes significantly more stressful and risky. Why not coordinate your purchase through a legitimate automobile dealership and eliminate these risks?

Other Perks

One other interesting fact that most don’t know about CPO vehicles: they may be eligible for lease terms. That’s right! You might have the option of leasing your certified pre-owned vehicle, which gives you more options to explore for financing. Since you’re buying the vehicle from a dealership, you’ll have the benefit of working with the finance department to find the very best solution for your particular needs.

Chevrolet sets the bar high with its CPO vehicle warranty. In addition to a 6 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, you’ll receive roadside assistance and a 12 month/12,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty with zero deductible. Chevy also completes all safety recalls before certifying a used vehicle, which is another reason to feel less stress about buying a used car.

Sticking with Chevy’s comprehensive CPO program, the 3 day/150 mile vehicle exchange program allows buyers to exchange their CPO vehicle for a different one within 3 days or 150 miles from purchase. That’s a bold offering that certainly calms even the most cautious buyer. Also, Chevy’s program includes two free maintenance visits within 2 years/24,000 miles. The visits include oil and filter changes, tire rotation, and a multi-point inspection.

The Benefits Are Great

Overall, the benefits of buying a certified pre-owned vehicle are numerous and justify the higher price point you may find when comparing a CPO vehicle listing with a private party seller’s listing. It’s important to remember, however, that these vehicles are not the same. Even if they’re similar in the year, make, model, and mileage, with a private party seller, you have no guarantees. A quick inspection at a local body shop is a poor substitute for the 172-point inspection the CPO vehicle received from the dealer’s qualified staff.

It may seem like a good idea to shop price, but just because you might save a few bucks at the time of purchase doesn’t guarantee you won’t end up spending a lot more on maintenance and repairs. The total cost of ownership is something you need to factor in when purchasing a used car, not just the purchase price. We think certified pre-owned makes more sense. There’s less stress, way less uncertainty, and you’ll get the backing of the automaker, and a comprehensive certification process that guarantees your CPO vehicle is the cream of the crop. So, if you are in the market for a used vehicle, consider purchasing one that is certified pre-owned.