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

If you’re looking to make an affordable upgrade to your Raleigh travels, you can’t go wrong with a used vehicle or a certified pre-owned vehicle. But, what is the difference between used and certified pre-owned? Both are going to save you money on your next vehicle purchase, but certified pre-owned vehicles come with added benefits like warranty coverage and roadside assistance. If you’re struggling to determine which type of pre-owned vehicle is right for you, read on to compare CPO vs. used with BMW of Southpoint.

CPO vs. Used: What to Know About Used Cars

When you’re exploring used car inventories around Cary, you’ll find a lot of variety in make, model, year, mileage, and features. These variances, coupled with the fact that used vehicles have had previous owners, typically make used cars more affordable than certified pre-owned vehicles. If you’re on a budget, you can even find used cars under $25k.

While shopping for used cars, shoppers often focus on mileage as the key area of concern. What is good mileage for a used car? The answer depends on several factors, including how the vehicle was maintained. A well-maintained vehicle with as many as 100,000 miles can very well be a good purchase!

While you shop for a standard used car, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• There are no OEM requirements or inspections associated with the sales of used cars. However, you can rest assured that reputable dealerships like BMW of Southpoint hand-select, test, inspect, and recondition all of our used vehicles. If it’s not good enough for us, it’s not good enough for you.
• With the above point made, it’s worth noting that you should practice extra caution when considering a private used car sale. Insist on a test drive, and get the car inspected by a trusted technician.
• If you uncover any issues with the used vehicle you’re considering and you still intend to move forward, don’t hesitate to discuss the problem with the seller. You will want to factor the cost of repair into your offer.
• High-mileage used cars can be a great low-cost option if you have a tight budget. If a car has a clean maintenance history and you continue to maintain it yourself, it can easily last upwards of 200,000 miles.

CPO vs. Used: What to Know About Certified Pre-Owned Cars

Just like used vehicles, certified pre-owned vehicles have had previous owners. Unlike used vehicles, however, certified pre-owned vehicles are held to certain standards set by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). For example, a used BMW vehicle must meet all of BMW’s requirements before it can be given the Certified Pre-Owned designation.

Here is what it takes for a used BMW to become a Certified Pre-Owned BMW:

• Less than 60,000 miles on the odometer
• Comes with CARFAX™ or AutoCheck® report
• Must pass BMW’s 360° vehicle inspection and be reconditioned and approved by a BMW Certified Technician
• Any repairs must be done with genuine BMW parts
• Must pass BMW road test

You’ll pay a little more for a Certified Pre-Owned BMW than a standard used vehicle, but you’re paying for the peace of mind that comes with the above guarantees. Additionally, a BMW CPO model comes backed by the following protection:

• Any remaining coverage of the original 4-year/50,000-mile BMW New Vehicle/SAV® Limited Warranty is transferred to you
• Once the original warranty expires, the vehicle is backed by the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty for 1 year/unlimited miles

Compare CPO vs. Used at BMW of Southpoint

Whether you want to save with a standard used vehicle or you’re drawn to the benefits of the BMW CPO program, you can find a high-quality model to love at BMW of Southpoint. We offer ongoing pre-owned specials to take your savings even further, and our expert financiers can pair you with a flexible used vehicle financing plan. With any additional questions before visiting us near Chapel Hill, contact us and we’ll be happy to provide more information!