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

If you’ve ever been looking at purchasing a used car, and saw the many selections available you might have found yourself wondering “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles?” The good news is that you aren’t alone in this! There are some distinct differences between the two categories that may affect your car-buying decision. Learn more about the differences between CPO vs. used vehicles with Temecula Valley Toyota and decide what option best suits your Murrieta driving needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions that you still have, and let our finance team help you make the best choice for your next vehicle. 

Buying a Used Vehicle

Any car that has been owned previously is considered a used car. Due to that broad definition, used cars vary widely in make, model, year, and condition. So what is the difference between certified pre-owned vs used? Their status as used cars drops their price considerably, making them more affordable than new or certified pre-owned vehicles. With so many different variables going into how a used car is priced, there are a variety of used car options for every budget, including vehicles priced under $25k. 

Mileage is important when buying a used car. It used to be that cars over a certain mileage were considered a risk but, with regular, documented maintenance, many vehicles over 100,000 miles may be good to drive on the Menifee roads for another couple hundred thousand miles. Keep that in mind, as well as some of these tips:

• When buying from a reputable dealership like Temecula Valley Toyota, the service department generally inspects all used cars before they’re sold to properly price them. If you choose to buy from a private seller, there’s no guarantee that they’ve performed any inspection whatsoever. 
• Should you notice any issues with the vehicle on the lot or during the test drive, discuss them with the seller before taking the car. If the issues are small enough that you don’t mind buying the car, factor in the repair and maintenance costs into the take-home price. 
• Proper and routine maintenance goes a long way, even on used vehicles. Some vehicles can last upwards of 200,000 miles so long as they are carefully maintained. High-mileage cars are usually less expensive as well, making staying within your budget easier. 

Buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle

When it comes to certified pre-owned vs used, it’s important to know that CPO are still used vehicle vehicles, but they have some special qualities that make them different from the other used cars on the market. They’re typically used cars that have been thoroughly inspected by a certified technician and meet all the standards for the manufacturer to provide warranties. CPO vehicles are considered the cream of the crop when it comes to the used car market. For our certified pre-owned vs used selection, each CPO vehicle has to meet the following criteria: 

• Model must be less than six years old from the new car’s in-service date
• Have less than 80,000 miles on the odometer
• Title must be clean and non-branded
• Pass a comprehensive 167-point inspection by a certified technician

All these benefits add up, giving you the peace of mind that the car you’re driving around Lake Elsinore will keep you on the road for years to come. 

Find Your Next Used or CPO Vehicle at Temecula Valley Toyota

Now that we’ve answered, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned,” it’s time to find your next new-to-you car in Temecula!