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

Budget-oriented car shoppers in Corona understand the cost benefits of buying a used vehicle, but what about certified used options? If you’re unclear about the answer to “what is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, BMW of Murrieta helps to clear up any confusion by comparing CPO vs. used in the guide below! Find out if a standard used car will suit your needs, or if you’d do better with a certified pre-owned BMW.

CPO vs. Used: Explaining Used Vehicles

A standard used vehicle has had one or more previous owners driving it. Used car inventories will have a lot of variety in terms of brands, mileage, and model years, which can be an advantage for shoppers who desire an abundance of options. Because used vehicles have had previous owners and sometimes have high mileage, they’re priced lower than new vehicles and certified pre-owned vehicles. If you’re shopping for a car under $10,000, you’ll be most successful in searching through a standard used inventory.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind while perusing used cars for sale in Riverside:

• An added advantage of used vehicles is that they depreciate at a slower rate.
• Standard used vehicles are not required by the OEM to be inspected before being sold. Dealerships like BMW of Murrieta can be counted on to still inspect the vehicle for safety and quality, but you should approach private sales with greater caution. Any privately sold used vehicle you’re considering should be inspected by a trusted technician and taken for a test drive before making an offer.
• Any issues discovered during the inspection or test drive should be talked about with your technician so you know whether it’s going to be safe to drive. If you plan to purchase it despite any problems, make sure you factor the cost of repairs into your budget.

• If a used car has upwards of 100,000 miles logged, you might be inclined to turn it down immediately. However, many vehicles these days are capable of going beyond 200,000 miles with routine maintenance. So, a high-mileage used car could very well be a good option if you’re on a tight budget.

CPO vs. Used: Explaining Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Certified pre-owned vehicles are used vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected by a factory-trained technician at the dealership. The inspection follows a stringent list of points laid out by the manufacturer. If the vehicle passes inspection, only then can it be considered part of the manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program.

The requirements and benefits for the BMW CPO program are as follows:

• Must be a late-model BMW with less than 60,000 miles on the odometer
• Comes with CARFAX™ or AutoCheck® report
• Must pass BMW’s 360° vehicle inspection and be reconditioned and approved by a BMW certified technician
• Any repairs must be done with genuine BMW parts
• Must pass BMW road test
• Protected by what remains of the original 4-year/50,000-mile BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty
• Once the original warranty expires, the vehicle is backed by the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty for 1 year/unlimited miles

The reason CPO vehicles are priced higher than standard used vehicles is because of all the benefits laid out above. Because they’re late-model cars with guaranteed low mileage, they’re like-new but are still more affordable than brand-new vehicles. A BMW certified pre-owned car is a great way to access the modern luxuries you desire at a lower price!

Find a Luxury CPO or Used Vehicle at BMW of Murrieta

Whether the lower cost of used vehicles or the added advantages of certified pre-owned vehicles appeal to you, you’ll find an extensive range of options at BMW of Murrieta! Contact us or stop by on your way home from Ontario to inquire about trading in your current vehicle.