At Ray Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have many drivers in the Mount Pocono, Scranton, and East Stroudsburg areas ask us about how certified pre-owned vs. used cars compare. To answer that question, we created this guide for our customers around Stroudsburg and Tobyhanna who are beginning the search for their next car.
CPO vs Used Cars: What's the Difference?
We've mentioned the term "CPO" a few times already, but what does it mean? CPO stands for Certified Pre-Owned and refers to a segment of used cars that are growing in popularity.
These are cars that are usually less than five years old and have less than 80,000 miles in their rearview mirrors. Of course, this can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but generally, they're gently used cars that are a more recent model year.
CPO cars have been subjected to a rigorous multi-point inspection by a factory-certified technician to ensure they meet certain standards. They've also been repaired to factory specifications and often shine from a recent detailing. In many cases, these cars may look, drive, and even smell like new.
In addition to their detailed inspection, they also come with a factory-backed limited warranty and 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. While you're shopping, you can also ask to see the AutoCheck® vehicle history report for free in most cases, so you know exactly where the car's been.
Why Buy a Used Car?
Whether you decide to shop from the CPO or used inventory, buying a used car is a great choice for many drivers.
If there's a dream car you've always imagined yourself behind the wheel of, shopping used can make that dream a reality. For one, used cars tend to carry a lower price tag than their newer counterparts, meaning you can usually take the wheel for a lower monthly payment than you'd have if you bought the car new.
So, you'll most likely have some extra budgetary wiggle room to shop for your dream car in a higher trim level or one with neat features, such as heated seats or a sunroof.
As icing on the cake, used cars are also likely to retain more of their initial value should you decide to trade it in again in the future. This is because the previous owner will have already absorbed the majority of the car's depreciation.
Feel free to reach out to our finance center with any questions about the advantages of buying a CPO or used car.
CPO or Used Car: Which Is Right for You?
Of course, the benefits of buying a certified pre-owned vs. a used car are completely dependent on what your needs for your drives around Mount Pocono, Scranton, and Stroudsburg. If you need advice on how these two inventories compare, contact the team at Ray Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram near Tobyhanna and East Stroudsburg.
Our finance center team will happily help you weigh your options and our sales team can show you the CPO and used inventories on our lot. We'll even get you out for a test drive in any cars that catch your eye.