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

If you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles,” you’re not alone. 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 Fred Martin Nissan and decide what option best suits your Canton driving needs.

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. 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 $20k.

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 Massillon 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 Fred Martin Nissan, 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

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are still used cars, 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 Nissan Certified pre-owned program, all models must meet these standards to qualify for the certification:

• 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

If the used vehicle meets all these criteria, the car is allowed to be considered a CPO vehicle and will be backed by Nissan’s limited 7-year / 100,000-mile warranty. All these benefits add up, giving you the peace of mind that the car you’re driving around Medina will keep you on the road for years to come.

Find Your Next Used or CPO Vehicle at Fred Martin Nissan

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 Akron! Check out our CPO and used vehicle inventory, then contact us to set up a test drive for your favorite model.