5 Advantages Of Buying A Certified Pre-Owned Car


August 12, 2021
Advice, Automotive
Editorial


If you’re shopping for a car, there are three options to consider depending on your budget. These options include a new car, a used one, or a certified pre-owned car (CPO). The CPO cars are used cars that have undergone a thorough inspection and have all the necessary qualifications wanted by a certifying party.

When looking to get the best of both worlds, CPO vehicles are, no doubt, an ideal choice. This is because you don’t spend a lot when buying these cars compared to new vehicles, and you don’t have to deal with the uncertainty associated with used vehicles. If you’re unsure whether or not a CPO vehicle is the right choice for you, below is an overview of some of the advantages of owning one.

They’ve Been Thoroughly Inspected

Cars need to pass the 100 to 200 specific item checks to qualify for the certified pre-owned program. If any item doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s standards, it’s replaced and examined again. This process is repeated for all the individual items before the car gets qualified for the CPO program. Manufacturers make sure CPO cars pass all these inspections because such vehicles come with extended car warranties. Therefore, they’re highly motivated to confirm that everything in the car is working correctly.

For example, if you want to buy Honda cars, knowing that they passed through comprehensive inspection is, no doubt, comforting.  This is because you’re sure that the car’s exterior and interior parts have been confirmed to be working as expected. If there’s a need to replace any component, this expense will fall on the dealer.

Extended Warranty Protection

CPO cars come with a manufacturer-backed warranty covering repairs for a particular duration, even after the expiry of the vehicle’s original warranty. The CPO vehicle’s warranty comprises a combination of a limited powertrain warranty and a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Getting this extended warranty protection from the manufacturer is easy as they’re fully aware of the car’s condition. Having a warranty means you enjoy certainty and peace of mind during the years your car is under warranty protection.

Some warranties include roadside assistance 24/7 in the event you run out of gas or experience any other vehicle-related incident that needs instant help. Roadside assistance plans will include part replacement and exhaustive inspection. It also includes unlocking, jumping, towing, and going to the manufacturer’s shop for maintenance.

While you should be excited about having a warranty, make sure to go through the warranty details. This includes specifics, such as deductibles, coverage lengths, and covered components and systems, as these differ from one car to another.

It Will Cost Less

When you buy a CPO car, you’ll be paying less for a vehicle that incorporates the same features and systems as a brand-new car. This is because the current generation of cars for many manufacturers remain in production for a period of between five to eight years. Therefore, buying a two-year old CPO vehicle means you’ll get to use the car for a couple of years before a newer version comes to replace it.

Buying a CPO car can also prove to be an intelligent investment as it doesn’t depreciate quite as fast compared to brand new vehicles with identical trims and options. In addition, most of the CPO financing programs give you lower interest rates than those offered on new cars. Due to this, your monthly interest payments will be lower. Therefore, you can buy the car you’ve always desired without breaking the bank.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Another advantage of CPO cars is that you’re allowed to return them and get a different one. But, this only applies under specific mileage limits and specific time frames. The purpose of a satisfaction guarantee is to ensure you’re satisfied with the choice of car chosen.

You shouldn’t confuse a satisfaction guarantee with a money-back guarantee as these two are entirely different.

Enjoy Peace Of Mind

The last thing you’d want is to deal with vehicle breakdown constantly, which eventually ends up being expensive. This is another reason why it’s recommended you buy a CPO car. Such a vehicle, before its inspection, undergoes exhaustive inspection to make sure it doesn’t have any problems. Therefore, you can use this car without needing to worry that it might malfunction. With this peace of mind, you end up having a much better experience owning the vehicle.

Takeaway

Before you even decide which car brand to buy, you’ll need first to decide whether to buy a new, used, or CPO vehicle. This can be a tough decision, especially if you’re buying your first car. If you had some reservations about whether or not purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle is a worthwhile investment, reading this guide has helped dispel all these fears. Therefore, you should go ahead and buy a CPO car, knowing it provides you with the desired value.