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

Unsure of what the difference is between used and certified pre-owned? You’re in good company. Many Sartell Mazda shoppers are curious to hear what differentiates buying CPO from buying used. While both terms denote a class of used vehicles, there are some major differences between them. Learn more below with Eich Mazda, or contact us for additional information!

CPO vs. Used: The Basics

Used vehicles, or pre-owned vehicles as they’re sometimes called, have had previous owners when you go to purchase them. Certified pre-owned vehicles have also had previous owners, but they usually offer the added assurance of having been thoroughly inspected, and they’re usually backed by some degree of added warranty protection. The Mazda Certified Pre-Owned program is especially notable for its warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and transferable benefits.

Tips for Buying a Used Car

Since used vehicles have had previous owners, they vary widely in condition. They also vary when it comes to things like how much mileage they have on their odometer and their model year. Generally speaking, a used car that offers no certification or warranty coverage is cheaper than both a comparable new car and certified pre-owned car. Take our used cars under $10,000 as an example. Vehicles like these have already depreciated so they make a fantastic value.

You may be wondering if it’s wise to choose a used vehicle with higher-mileage, though. While traditional wisdom used to dictate that you should avoid cars with more than 100,000 miles, that’s no longer the case. Still, when buying a used car, always be sure to follow these helpful tips:

• Always get a pre-purchase inspection completed on any used vehicle you plan to buy.
• Always test-drive any used or certified pre-owned vehicle you plan to buy.
• Make sure you discuss any concerns you have regarding potential vehicle issues with Eich Mazda. 
• Know that a majority of late-model used vehicles have been built to last hundreds of thousands of miles, so take their mileage into account, but also weigh it against other factors like vehicle history and maintenance. 

What to Know About Buying a CPO Car

Certified pre-owned vehicles like the many Mazda CPO models for sale in Saint Cloud here at Eich Mazda are usually:

• Less than five years old
• Have less than 80,000 miles on the odometer
• Undergo a multi-point inspection
• Are available with additional extended lifetime or powertrain warranty coverage

So, what’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned? As you can see, both terms refer to a type of used cars, but certified pre-owned vehicles offer more peace-of-mind via having gone through a rigorous quality assurance process, and as a result, offer warranty protection for a slight premium.

Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles at Eich Mazda

Here at Eich Mazda, we have plenty of quality used cars and Certified Pre-Owned Mazda models available! Still unsure which works better for your unique needs? Don’t hesitate to give us a call to further discuss your situation, needs, and budget. We’ll be more than happy to help!