Nowadays, car dealerships sell certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles instead of secondhand cars. This is primarily because compared to used vehicles, a CPO car is considered a more reliable choice as it has to pass a thorough inspection in order to meet certain requirements. Moreover, unlike other pre-owned vehicles, certified pre-owned cars are reconditioned by the manufacturer using genuine OEM parts. Although the cost of a CPO vehicle is less than a new one, it is more expensive compared to a typical non-certified pre-owned car.

When you are shopping for used cars in Austin, the biggest confusion is in choosing between a traditional used car and a CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicle. To help you in the decision-making process, here are the key differences between a pre-owned vehicle and a certified pre-owned vehicle. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to know which used vehicle type suits your needs the best.

What Is a Non-Certified Pre-Owned Car?

A non-certified pre-owned vehicle can be any used car that has had one or more than one previous owner. These cars do not come with any certified badge or “seal of trust” as they are being sold in their original state and may not have been thoroughly inspected by a certified dealer or technician. However, compared to new or CPO vehicles, the cost of a non-certified pre-owned car is a whole lot cheaper. They often get you the best deals within a limited budget range, especially if they are only a few years old with low miles under the hood.

What Is a Certified Pre-Owned Car?

Unlike standard used cars, a certified pre-owned vehicle is backed by the vehicle’s original warranty and is sold by a reputed dealer and even the brand’s certified dealership sometimes. Note that the warranties that come with a certified pre-owned car extend beyond the initial coverage of the vehicle. As soon as a used vehicle comes to a dealership, a certified sales technician conducts a comprehensive multi-point inspection to thoroughly check the vehicle for faults or malfunctions. Everything from the used cars in Austin’s performance to their fuel mileage is tested.

The manufacturer usually provides the dealership with a checklist to ensure the vehicle is worth certifying. Once the vehicle passes the test, the dealership awards it with a “seal of trust” or certified badge and updated limited warranty coverage. Most CPO vehicles come with a detailed history report, a new filter, fresh oil, upgraded components, and even a full gas tank at times.

Used Cars in Austin | Certified Pre-Owned Vs. Pre-Owned

The key differences between a pre-owned car and a certified pre-owned car are mentioned below:

1.      Cost

Aside from the rigorous inspection process, the main difference between a certified pre-owned car and a pre-owned car is its cost. Even though both fall under the category of used vehicles and are the perfect alternatives to a new one, a non-certified used car will save you a good amount of money compared to its certified counterpart. Hence, most of the time, a non-certified used car gives you a great value for your money, especially if it’s a first-owner, new model car.

2.      Extended Warranty

Compared to a standard used vehicle, a certified pre-owned car is backed by a limited warranty which is offered by the dealership. Not only a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty, but some CPO vehicles also come with a detailed history report and added benefits such as manufacturer-backed warranties and roadside assistance.

3.      Multi-Point Inspection

In order to make sure that the used vehicle isn’t stolen, unlike a standard secondhand car, a certified pre-owned vehicle goes through a strict, multi-point inspection. During the inspection, the manufacturer-certified dealership checks the brakes, transmission, suspension, steering, engine, and all other components of the car. If the vehicle passes the test, it is awarded a certification badge, marking it as a CPO vehicle.

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In a nutshell, all secondhand cars are pre-owned. However, not all pre-owned vehicles are certified. Since used cars in Austin are cheaper, you do not need to invest extra money as you would for a brand new vehicle. This means that used cars, both non-certified and certified, offer great deals on savings. However, the downside of buying a non-certified pre-owned vehicle is the uncertainty about its condition, meaning that even though a standard used car might look good on the outside, it may be faulty from the inside and give low mileage. On the flip side, a certified used car is fault-free as it goes through a comprehensive multi-point inspection and is backed by an original manufacturer warranty.

Therefore, if you have to choose between the two, we recommend investing in a certified pre-owned vehicle as it offers a better ride and peace of mind!