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

One of the most common questions North Canton shoppers ask us here at Kempthorn Motors is, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” We have the answers! Keep reading to learn the difference between CPO vs. used Land Rover so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Used Car vs. CPO: What You Need to Know

Buying a Used Vehicle

Upon walking through a standard used car inventory in Canton, you’ll find vehicles of varying make, model, year, mileage, and more. Given these variances and the fact that they were previously owned by other people, used cars cost a lot less than new and CPO vehicles. In fact, Kempthorn Motors offers a selection of used vehicles under $10K, a great option for shoppers on a budget!

While you may feel that it isn’t worth purchasing a used car with 100,000 miles, it’s worth noting that many vehicles are capable of lasting over 200,000 miles with a proper maintenance routine. If you’re considering purchasing a used car, it’s also important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Exercise caution with private sellers in the Massillon area, as they don’t have an established reputation like a dealership does.
• If you notice any issues with the vehicle you’re potentially purchasing, be sure to discuss them with the dealership or private seller. If you choose to purchase a car with problems, you’ll have to factor repair costs into your budget.
• OEMs technically don’t require standard used cars to be inspected before they’re sold. However, Kempthorn Motors is committed to providing you with the most bang for your buck. We carefully hand-pick our used models and ensure they meet our high-quality standards before being sold.

Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

Those concerned about buying a standard used car will be pleased to know certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles offer a higher level of security. The main difference between CPO vs. used vehicles is that CPO vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection performed by a certified technician. Additionally, CPOs are backed by manufacturer warranties and must meet the OEM’s strict standards to be certified. Below are some of the requirements for a Mercedes-BenzCPO model:

• The vehicle must pass a multi-point inspection process.
• The model year must be within five years of the current model year.
• The vehicle should have less than 80,000 miles, sometimes up to 100,000 miles.
• The vehicle must include an extended warranty and/or limited powertrain warranty.

Generally, you can expect CPOs to be newer models with less mileage, which is why they are usually priced higher than used cars. However, you’ll still save money buying a CPO instead of a new car. What’s better? You’ll still get to enjoy the most recent innovative features that keep you safe and connected on Columbus roads!

Learn More at Kempthorn Motors!

Now that you know the answer to, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, you’re one step closer to climbing into your dream vehicle. Browse our impressive used and certified pre-owned inventories, then schedule a test drive of your favorite model in Canton! Do you still have questions about used cars vs. CPO or about how to trade in a car that is not paid off? Contact us today!