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

What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned? You’re not the only Providence-area driver to ask that question. There are quite a few crucial distinctions between the certified pre-owned meaning and your typical used vehicle. The experts at INFINITI of Warwick are happy to answer your questions about used cars, so you can get behind the wheel of the best INFINITI model for you. Keep reading to learn more about CPO vs. used and make the best decision for your Coventry lifestyle.

CPO vs. Used: What to Know When Used Car Buying

Used cars have previous owners and lots of variability in make, model, year, mileage, condition and more. The wide variety, and the fact that they’ve had previous owners make them more affordable than new and CPO vehicles. Many Cranston car shoppers will be pleased to learn that we have a selection of under-$20k used models, giving drivers plenty of budget-friendly options.

Mileage is an area where used cars vary greatly. Although it may seem like a used car with 100,000 miles is a risk you shouldn’t take, the truth is many vehicles can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular (documented) service. Either way, keep these ideas in mind when shopping for a used car:

• OEMs don’t require that standard used cars are inspected before sale, however, INFINITI of Warwick wants to make sure our customers get the highest value for their dollar. We carefully choose our used models. If you are shopping privately, you should navigate the sale with extra caution. Private sellers don’t have the reputation of a well-established dealership.
• Discuss any vehicle issues that you notice before purchase — either with the dealership or private seller. If you plan to purchase the car, even though it has a few problems, that’s 100% your choice — just make sure you factor money for the repairs into your shopping budget.
• Proper care and maintenance goes a long way, and some vehicles can last upwards of 200,000 miles. High-mileage used cars aren’t always bad options, especially if you’re on a strict budget.

CPO vs. Used: What to Know When Buying a CPO Car

What does certified pre-owned mean? Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles have had previous owners, but they aren’t your standard used cars. They’ve gone through thorough inspection processes by expert technicians and are backed by manufacturer warranties. They’re the gold standard of used cars and only models that meet the OEM’s CPO program standards earn the title. For example, the requirements for an INFINITI CPO model include the following:

• 5 years/60k miles
• 167-point inspection
• 6yr/75k mile or 6yr/unlimited mile comprehensive warranty
• 1 year prepaid maintenance (included within the first year of ownership)

So, what does certified pre-owned mean in practical terms? Certified used cars are usually newer models with less mileage. This means that they typically come at a higher price than used cars, but are still more affordable than a new car. If you’re looking for more updated features for your Cumberland commutes, then you might want to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Explore Pre-Owned Vehicles at INFINITI of Warwick!

Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned,” it’s time to explore our CPO and used vehicles for sale. Then, schedule a visit to our showroom in Warwick for some test drives. Explore our car buying tips so you can save even more on your new-to-you vehicle.