What’s the Difference Between Certified Pre-Owned and Used Cars?

Many car buyers prefer the value that comes with purchasing a used car. Pre-owned vehicles allow you to get a better model than you may be able to afford if you bought it new, and you won’t take the depreciation hit you’ll get with a new car. But when you buy a used car, you don’t always know what you’re getting. The money you save might be spent paying for repairs.

To provide an extra level of confidence, most automakers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program. Certified pre-owned cars help take the worry out of buying a used car. While CPO cars are more expensive than used vehicles, CPO buyers may save money in the long run. We’ll explain the differences between certified pre-owned vehicles and used cars so you can decide which one is best for you.

Dealerships that sell used and certified pre-owned cars will only sell CPO vehicles manufactured by that dealer’s brand. So, when you visit CardinaleWay Mazda in Las Vegas, you’ll only find Mazda CPO cars on our lot.

Certified pre-owned vehicles have low mileage and must be less than a certain age, which varies by the manufacturer. Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicles must be no more than than six years old and under 80,000 miles. Cars that are older or have too much mileage can be sold as used vehicles, but they can’t become CPO models. Major damage or mechanical problems are other factors that will disqualify a car from being eligible to be sold under the CPO program.

CPO cars must undergo a thorough inspection. Mazda vehicles must pass a 160-point inspection before being factory-certified as a certified pre-owned model. Then it goes through a reconditioning procedure, which can include mechanical repairs, paint repair, interior repair and new tires.

Another difference between CPO cars and used models is the certified pre-owned vehicle warranty. A CPO vehicle includes a factory warranty that extends the warranty currently covering the vehicle. If the car is out of warranty, coverage starts from the day the buyer purchases it. Mazda CPO vehicles come with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Mazda CPO buyers also get complimentary roadside assistance for seven years or 100,000 miles.

Certified pre-owned warranties are supported by the automaker, which means a CPO car owner can drive to any of the manufacturer’s franchised dealerships for warranty service. Non-CPO vehicles don’t have factory warranty coverage, so buyers must take care of their own repairs if a problem arises.

CPO vehicles may come with other extras that used-car buyers don’t get. In addition to roadside assistance, Mazda provides CPO buyers with a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Radio.

CardinaleWay Mazda Las Vegas is located at 6950 West Sahara Ave. in Las Vegas. Visit our dealership to learn more about the Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Program. You can also discover our inventory of certified pre-owned Mazda cars and SUVs. Or view our selection of Mazda CPO models on our website.