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

Whether you’re a first-time car shopper or a seasoned driver, you may be wondering, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned (CPO)?” Don’t worry, we hear this question all the time here at Jaguar Richfield, and we can guide you to a firm understanding of the pre-owned auto market.

Technically, both vehicle categories fall under the “used” umbrella, but there are important differences between them. No matter which route you take, you’ll enjoy enticing savings as compared to shopping for a brand-new ride. Today, our team is here to compare CPO vs. used to help you find the right upgrade for your Minneapolis travels.

CPO vs. Used: Used Car Buying Information

Used cars are vehicles that have been previously owned and driven by at least one other driver. With that being said, they can range greatly in terms of model year, mileage, number of owners, and other factors. Some used cars may have very few miles, while others may be nearing the end of their journey. No matter where a car is at in its lifespan, a pre-owned car is almost universally going to be less expensive than its new counterpart. Another great benefit of shopping pre-owned is not having to worry about depreciation.

While a car with 100,000 miles or more may seem like a risky purchase, modern vehicles can often drive hundreds of thousands of miles without incident, especially when routine maintenance is emphasized. Regardless, when shopping pre-owned it’s important to remember:

• Traditional used vehicles do not require any OEM inspections before being sold. While dealerships like Jaguar Richfield can be counted on to offer reliable, inspected used cars, you should approach other dealers and private sellers with healthy skepticism. If you’re unsure about the quality of a vehicle, bring it to a trusted mechanic for an inspection.
• If the inspection reveals any concerns, discuss them with the seller. You’ll want to negotiate based on the cost of the repairs to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
• Many vehicles can last more than 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. So, you can confidently invest in a high-mileage used vehicle when the price is right.

CPO vs. Used: CPO Car Buying Information

While still used, CPO models are usually quite new, have low miles, and are in excellent condition. Along with that, CPO models are warranty-backed for added peace of mind. When you select a model from our Certified Pre-Owned Jaguar inventory, you’ll secure like-new benefits and pre-owned savings.

While all CPO models are used, not all used cars are up to the standards of the Approved Jaguar Certified Pre-Owned Program. Only used Jaguar models that meet our stringent requirements can be accepted into the CPO program. Here are a few of the highlight advantages of buying a CPO Jaguar for your commute from St. Paul to Edina:

• Must be 5 years old or less from the in-service date
• Must have less than 60,000 miles on the odometer
• Warranty coverage of one year/unlimited miles or two years/100,000 miles limited warranty coverage, whichever comes first
• 24-hour/ 365-day Roadside Assistance
• 165-point inspection performed by our technicians
• Vehicle history report
• And more

Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles in Richfield

Now that you can confidently answer the question, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, it’s time to visit us at Jaguar Richfield to test drive your favorite models. Our financiers are standing by to pair you with the exact pre-owned vehicle that’s right for your budget and lifestyle. With us, driving the best and making a prudent investment go hand in hand. Contact us today if you have any lingering questions about our inventory, car buying info like what to know about GAP insurance, or the services we provide.