What's the Difference Between Used & Certified Pre-Owned?
If you're like many Virginia drivers, you might be asking yourself, "What's the difference between used and certified pre-owned?" The answer is simple! The team at BMW of Sterling doesn't just specialize in BMW; we're familiar with a lot of different types of cars — new and used alike. To answer your questions about used cars, we've put together the following CPO vs. used car comparison. Read on to learn more about the benefits to both types of used cars, as well as aspects you should consider before buying.
What to Keep in Mind About Used Cars
Used cars have previous owners, and are incredibly diverse when it comes to make, model, year, and mileage. For the most part, used cars are sold as is by dealerships, used-car-only lots, and private sellers. This is why they're more affordable than new cars and CPO vehicles. In fact, you can browse our under-$15k used car inventory, and find plenty of used models below that price point.
As mentioned above, used cars have a lot of different readings on their odometers. New cars have little to no miles traveled, but depending on the used car you're considering, you may see upwards of 100,000 miles. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't necessarily a bad thing; with proper maintenance, some cars can run for 100,000+ miles. The main points to keep in mind when used car shopping include the following:
- Navigate used car sales with caution. First, OEMs don't require that standard used cars be inspected before they're sold. Second, not all dealers are as dedicated as BMW of Sterling when it comes to making sure customers get the highest value for their money.
- Call attention to any issues you notice with a used car you're considering and discuss them with the seller. If you still decide to purchase the car, make sure you factor enough money into your budget to cover any necessary repairs.
- High-mileage used cars can be good options if you're on a tight budget. Make sure the car runs well, has a well-documented service history, and has no glaring issues that'll end up costing you more in the long run.
What to Keep in Mind About CPO Cars
Certified pre-owned cars are used cars, but not all used cars are certified pre-owned. CPO is a distinction that a standard pre-owned car earns, based on its grade during a multi-point inspection that's performed by a certified service technician. Additionally, they meet other stipulations laid out by the OEM's CPO program. For example, if you're considering a CPO BMW, you can bet that it'll meet the following standards:
- Is a late-model car
- Has 300+ miles but fewer than 60,000 miles on its odometer
- Passes a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
- Passes a 360-degree multi-point inspection
- Meets all body and mechanical requirements set by BMW
- Includes a BMW Certified Pre-Owned Warranty
Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles at BMW of Sterling!
Now, if someone ever asks you, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned," you can answer confidently! BMW of Sterling is a go-to for new BMW, as well as high-quality used and CPO BMW cars. We hand-pick our pre-owned cars for dependability and value, ensuring nothing but the best for our customers. If you're ready to shop our used cars, contact us online or call us at 571-789-2306.