What is the Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned?

What to Know About Buying a Used Car

Comparing CPO vs. used vehicles, the first thing that you should note is that both varieties have spent time in the hands of previous owners. However, used vehicles tend to vary more widely in terms of age, mileage, and history. For this reason, a standard used vehicle is almost always the cheaper option, compared to both certified pre-owned and brand new models. It’s possible to find plenty of used cars priced under $10K for sale in Stuart, but if you’d like to purchase a CPO model, you should expect to pay more.

If you’ve determined that a standard used car is right for you, remember that modern vehicles can last for well over 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. Even so, you should inspect and test drive any vehicle that catches your eye. You should also question the seller and learn as much as you can about the vehicle’s history.

What to Know About Buying a CPO Car

Certified pre-owned vehicles must meet certain requirements in order to earn the designation. These requirements are determined by the manufacturer, so you can feel more confident in your choice. Here are the requirements that Toyota uses:

• A CPO vehicle can be no more than six years old.
• A CPO Toyota can have no more than 85,000 miles on the odometer.
• In order to be certified, a vehicle must pass a 160-point quality assurance inspection.

Drivers who opt for a certified pre-owned Toyota will receive each of the following benefits with their purchase:

• 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty
• 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 1 year of Toyota roadside assistance
• One free CarFax® vehicle history report