Pros and Cons of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles - Kunes Auto and RV Group

Feb 21, 2023

If you’re shopping for a car, truck, or SUV right now, have you considered ALL of your options? Let’s talk about dealership Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles.

You can rest assured when it comes to purchasing these slightly used vehicles. Our specific program is called No Fear. To become certified, the vehicles have to pass a rigorous 125-point inspection that meets our quality standards. The inspection reviews the vehicle’s interior and exterior condition, as well as the mechanical and electrical systems.

A few key components that are required to pass inspection are the tires, brakes, suspension, transmission, safety features, and interior and exterior systems. Then, one of our ASE certified mechanics takes it for a final road test to make sure that all the issues have been addressed.

These CPOs come with even more perks after making the cut!  New owners can choose from exclusive CPO financing options through the manufacturer.  Since CPOs are usually sold at a lower price than brand new vehicles, adding this exclusive financing definitely sweetens the deal.

But wait – there’s more!  Many CPOs come with a manufacturer-backed warranty, plus access to a complete vehicle history report.  There are so many pros to buying a certified pre-owned vehicle that it’s almost hard to justify buying brand new.

• Warranty: CPOs usually come with a manufacturer-backed warranty, which can provide protection against unexpected repairs.
• History: CPO vehicles typically come with a detailed vehicle history report that provides valuable information about the vehicle’s past ownership and maintenance.
• Lower cost than buying new: CPO vehicles are often less expensive than buying a new vehicle, providing a cost-effective way to own a late-model vehicle.
• Better Value: CPO vehicles often come with many of the features and options as new cars but at a lower cost.

This sounds too good to be true and you may be wondering, “What’s the catch?”

Even though CPOs are a great deal compared to the price of new vehicles, they can be significantly more expensive than used ones.  What’s more is that the price of being certified might not be worth it if there are hidden damages that were not included in the inspection, leaving you with costly repairs later on..

“But doesn’t the warranty cover the repairs?’ – Some repairs might be covered by the limited warranty, however, it is a LIMITED warranty.  Many warranties expire after a certain period of time, or when they reach a specific mileage.  If you’re wondering about the details on your CPO’s warranty, ask your sales representative for more information.

• Cost: While CPO vehicles are typically less expensive than buying new, they may still be more expensive than buying a non-CPO used vehicle.
• Limited selection: The selection of CPO vehicles may be limited, as not all used vehicles qualify for certification.
• Hidden damage: While CPO vehicles have undergone a rigorous inspection process, it’s still possible for hidden damage or mechanical issues to go unnoticed.
• Limited warranty: While CPO vehicles come with a manufacturer-backed warranty, it may still be limited in terms of length and coverage compared to a new car warranty.
• Maintenance Cost: Even though the vehicle may have been inspected, it may still require some maintenance and repairs, which can be costly.

To sum up, if you’re considering a CPO vehicle, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. While CPOs can offer great quality and extra benefits, they may also come with a higher price tag and hidden issues. It’s crucial to speak with a sales representative and do your research before making a final decision. By taking the time to carefully consider all the factors, you can make an informed decision that will best suit your needs and budget.