Certified Pre-Owned – What's The Real Saving Deal About These Cars?

Whether you're a first-time automobile buyer or simply looking to switch it up and go for a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, you may wonder if it's really worth the extra money. After all, CPO cars can sometimes be more expensive than regular used cars – but is that really such a bad thing? 

Here, Nissan of Cape Coral will look at some pros and cons of buying a CPO car to help you decide whether or not it's the right choice.

An Overview Of CPOs

In layman's terms, a certified pre-owned (CPO) car is a used vehicle that's been inspected, reconditioned, and certified by its manufacturer to meet certain standards. To be eligible for certification, the car must usually be no more than five years old and have fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer.

CPO Cars Are Not NEW – But They Aren’t That OLD Either!

This is probably the biggest con of buying a CPO car. It's still a used vehicle, meaning it's been driven by somebody else and has mileage. Even if the car has been reconditioned, there's no guarantee that everything is perfect – or that something won't go wrong down the road.

Benefits You Get With A CPO Purchase!

CPO programs vary from one automaker to another, but they all typically offer some combination of the following benefits:

1. A Thorough Inspection Process Conducted By Trained Technicians: 

Most CPO programs have strict guidelines that the vehicle must meet to qualify for certification. This usually includes a detailed inspection of the car's condition inside and out.

2. A Warranty That Extends Beyond The Original Factory Warranty:

Many CPO programs offer an extended warranty that covers the car for a certain time or mileage, whichever comes first. This can give you a lot of peace of mind in knowing that you're covered if something does go wrong.

3. Special Financing Rates: 

Some CPO programs offer special financing rates for qualified buyers. This can make it easier to afford a nicer, higher-end vehicle.

Added perks and benefits: In addition to the above benefits, some CPO programs offer other perks, such as free roadside assistance or complimentary oil changes and car washes.

What You Need to Watch Out For

Of course, there're also some potential downsides to consider before buying a certified pre-owned car, including:

1. Higher Prices: 

In general, CPO cars will cost more than their non-certified counterparts. This is because dealers need to recoup the costs of putting the vehicles through their stringent inspection and certification process.

2. Less Negotiating Power: 

Because CPO cars are in such high demand, you may have less negotiating power regarding haggling over price.

3. Mileage Limits: 

Most CPO programs put mileage limits on their vehicles, typically capping them at around 100,000 miles. This means you may have fewer options to choose from if you're looking for a higher-mileage car.

Should I Buy It?

So, is it worth buying a certified pre-owned car? Ultimately, that decision comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for a high-quality, late-model car with low mileage and the peace of mind that comes with an extended warranty, then a CPO car may be right. On the other hand, if you're more concerned about getting the best bang for your buck or don't mind doing a little extra work to find a great used car, then buying a non-CPO vehicle may be the way to go.

Hunting For Your Next Car in Cape Coral? We Can Help!

Nissan of Cape Coral, serving Cape Coral, FL, is your source for all things automotive. We have something for everyone, from new Nissan models to quality used cars. We even have a huge selection of certified pre-owned vehicles if that's what you're looking for. 

No matter what your budget & needs may be, we'll work with you to find the perfect car, truck, or SUV.