The Benefits of Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

When shopping for your next car, you have a couple of options. You can either buy a new car or a used one, depending on your needs and financial situation. However, if you decide to buy a used car, you may come across something called a Certified Pre-Owned car. A CPO car is a type of used car that comes with some significant advantages over other used vehicles, but they aren’t right for everyone. In this guide, we discuss some of the benefits of buying a pre-owned vehicle to help you decide if it is right for you.

What Is the Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-owned Cars?

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The main difference between a used and a certified pre-owned car is the process it goes through before being re-sold. Typically, when someone trades in or sells a vehicle to a dealership, the dealership does not do much before selling it again. It ensures that the car is running and then places the car on the lot for sale.

In addition, used cars can be in any kind of condition. When shopping for a used car, you may find one with 1,000 miles, 100,000 miles, or anything in between. You are essentially paying for the car as-is, with the price being determined by the condition of the car.

This is not the case with a CPO vehicle. A CPO vehicle is lightly used and must go through a series of inspections, and possibly repairs, before becoming certified. After becoming certified for quality, the CPO car then receives an additional manufacturer’s warranty to provide extra cover for the next owner.

Dealers choose which of their used cars they want to become certified. They analyze the car based on its condition and the current number of miles. If a car has been well taken care of, and has minimal use, the dealer may decide it is worth the extra cost to certify it, as many buyers prefer the peace of mind that comes with a CPO vehicle.

The Benefits of Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

The benefits of a certified pre-owned vehicle can vary from program to program. However, regardless of who is selling or certifying the vehicle, the primary benefit of any CPO is increased reliability. CPO vehicles must go through an extensive inspection, ensuring that everything is in proper working condition. The inspection process for Ford vehicles is so extensive that all cars must go through a 172-point inspection. It is one of the most stringent processes in the United States, ensuring not only a comfortable ride but a safe ride for you and your family.

If anything is found wrong, or any worn parts, a certified mechanic completes any necessary repairs before certification. This means you can trust that any CPO vehicle you’re considering is in good condition. Buying a used car can sometimes feel like a risk but you don’t have to worry about this with a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Compared to a new vehicle, CPO vehicles offer a more affordable alternative. Cars lose most of their value in the first year, allowing you to buy older vehicles at a significantly reduced cost. And with the inspection process for a certified pre-owned vehicle, you’re still getting a vehicle that’s in guaranteed great shape.

Some CPO programs also provide additional benefits. For example, the limited warranty provided by Ford at Oxmoor Ford Lincoln covers you for up to 12 months or 12,000 miles. This is a nice luxury if your car breaks down unexpectedly and you need to pay for some repairs. 

Other CPO programs, including the Ford CPO program, offer roadside assistance, another nice luxury should you find yourself stuck on the side of the road. With a certified pre-owned vehicle, you’ll have 24/7 roadside assistance at your service, should you get into an accident or experience a flat tire.

Finally, certified pre-owned vehicles come with a comprehensive vehicle report. This means that you don’t have to take our word for it that the car passed certification, you’ll get a detailed report about the entire history of the car. With this report, you can learn whether the car experienced any accidents, had flood or fire damage, or if there are any reported issues with the odometer. Between the certification process and the detailed car report, you can rest easy knowing everything there is to know about the pre-owned car you’re considering.

Is Buying a Pre-owned Car Worth It?

Whether a pre-owned car is worth it depends on your specific situation. Certified cars cost more than used vehicles, but are also safer and likely to last longer. You may even end up saving money when you factor in the costs of future repairs or having to buy a new car sooner rather than later.

However, certified pre-owned cars are also typically more affordable than newer ones. Certified pre-owned vehicles do have some miles on them, but due to the inspection process, you are essentially assured that the car still drives like new. This can make them a great, more affordable, alternative option over new cars.

Generally speaking, however, a CPO vehicle is worth the investment. You get some great benefits at only a relatively small increase in price over used vehicles and get to save money compared to a new one. If you want to save some money on buying a new car, but still want a long-lasting, reliable purchase, CPOs are a great way to go.

Shopping for Certified Pre-owned Ford Vehicles in Louisville, KY

If you decide that you want to get a certified pre-owned vehicle, and the peace of mind that comes with it, look no further than Oxmoor Ford. We offer a wide variety of certified pre-owned Ford vehicles, each of which has passed through the exhaustive Ford certification process. To start, you can view our collection of certified pre-owned Ford vehicles online today and see what we have in stock.

Once you find something you like, contact Oxmoor Ford today to set up a test drive. We are always here to answer any questions you may have and to help you find the perfect certified pre-owned Ford vehicle for your needs.