Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Cars in Gainesville, FL

When it’s time to buy or lease a used car, you’ll typically have two options: a certified pre-owned or a regular used model. While both vehicles carry a cheaper sticker price than their new-car counterparts, there’s so much that separates them.

If you’re contemplating choosing a certified or used vehicle for your next Gainesville adventure, this used vs. certified pre-owned vehicles comparison guide will help you make an informed decision. Please feel free to chat with us online or visit us onsite at Volkswagen of Gainesville, Gainesville, FL, for more information.

Buying a Used Car: Benefits & Risks

A used car is a vehicle that has been registered and driven previously. It can vary by model year, mileage, number of owners, etc. As a result of being used by unknown previous owners, used cars are significantly less expensive than their certified pre-owned counterparts, needless to say, new vehicles.

Aside from their significantly lower price, used cars are often less expensive to insure and register than certified pre-owned models. Another advantage of buying a non-CPO-used vehicle is the variety of options you can choose from, as there are more used vehicles available for sale than certified pre-owned models.

Despite the numerous benefits of used cars, it stands to reason that used vehicles generally will be less reliable than certified pre-owned models. Also, you risk buying a lemon, which could end up costing you more than what you paid for, as these cars often have issues that present high costs to fix down the road.

Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Model: Benefits & Risks

Unlike a regular used car, certified pre-owned vehicles undergo a thorough and rigorous inspection to help ensure reliability and dependability. The inspection process may include service validation, engine compartment check, interior check, exterior inspection, underbody inspection, road test, etc. Any required repairs or maintenance work necessary to bring the car up to the high standard required is undertaken before being offered for sale.

As a result of the comprehensive inspection and necessary reconditioning, CPO vehicles offer many clear advantages vs. used models and give peace of mind. One of the primary benefits of taking home a certified pre-owned car is that it offers some warranty perks. 2018 model year and newer VW CPO vehicles, for instance, offer manufacturer protection for one year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your preferred CPO car is a hybrid, EV, or gas-powered 2017 model or earlier, you’ll receive protection for up to two years or 24,000 miles. 2016 model year TDI vehicles or earlier receive protection for two years or unlimited miles.

Beyond the factory warranty coverage, choosing a CPO VW vehicle lets you drive with confidence thanks to two years of 24-hour roadside assistance. Vehicles under VW’s CPO programs also offer CARFAX^® vehicle history report, 3-Month SiriusXM^® all-access trial subscription, and the advantage of newer and more advanced technologies and comfort features.

On the downside, you’ll pay more for a CPO vehicle than if you bought a used model. Also, CPO cars may cost you more to insure since they are higher in value than a used VW.

Learn More About the CPO vs. Used Cars at Volkswagen of Gainesville

Do you still have questions about the differences between a certified pre-owned vehicle and a regular used model? Are you interested in learning more about what you need to know when buying a used car? We would be more than happy to answer you questions. Please feel free to visit us at Volkswagen of Gainesville, Gainesville, FL, for more information.