The used car vs. certified pre-owned (CPO) argument can typically be summed up with the phrase "you get what you pay for.” Both are technically used vehicles, but CPO cars have a few advantages that may be worth their price tag.
Why CPOs Cost More Than Regular Used Cars
A CPO vehicle is commonly called the cream of the crop of used cars, and its price tag often reflects this. CPO vehicles tend to be more expensive than standard used ones.
But, why?
One of the biggest reasons why CPO cars are more expensive than their used counterparts is that CPOs are inspected by a manufacturer-certified mechanic. This means that every CPO vehicle must meet certain standards before it's labeled as such. A true CPO is sold at a franchised dealership. Mom-and-pop dealers don’t have these vehicle options (and “dealer-certified” is not the same thing as a manufacturer-certified car).
Another reason for the higher price tag is that many CPO vehicles have just come off-lease. When a lessee returns a lease, the manufacturer's likely to inspect to see if it qualifies for their CPO program. Since most auto lease terms are around two to three years, many off-lease cars make the cut when they're returned clean and meet the low-mileage requirements. CPO cars are also refurbished, unlike regular used vehicles.
Each auto manufacturer has its own set of standards for their CPO cars, but the guidelines are usually in this ballpark:
- Vehicles typically must have less than 80,000 miles
- Some luxury brands require less than 50,000 miles
- Typically must be less than ten years old, sometimes newer
- Only one previous owner
Regular used cars don’t go through these rigorous manufacturer inspections before they’re sold. A used vehicle may be inspected in-house at the dealership before it’s sold, but likely not through the manufacturer like a CPO.
CPOs Are Covered
All CPO vehicles come with some sort of warranty, which adds to the overall cost, but offers peace of mind. Being on the newer side, many CPO cars may still be covered under their original manufacturer’s warranty and often include an extended warranty once that expires.
Some perks manufacturers may include in their CPO warranties include:
12-months of 24-hour roadside assistance- A 12-month warranty after the manufacturer’s warranty expires
- A vehicle history report
- Powertrain coverage
- Car rental coverage
- Trip interruption benefits
Of course, manufacturers vary in what their warranties include when you purchase a CPO vehicle. Be sure to read through the exclusions of the warranty so you know what the terms are, how long you’re covered, and if there are any limitations.
Can Bad Credit Borrowers Finance a CPO?
Generally, bad credit borrowers are told to finance a used vehicle over a brand new one because used cars come with a lower sticker price, usually. However, while CPO vehicles tend to be a little more expensive than regular used vehicles, a CPO’s selling price is still likely less than a new car due to initial depreciation. Depreciation is loss of value over time due to mileage, age, and normal wear and tear.
Brand new vehicles lose a lot of value in the first two or three years of ownership, possibly up to 20% in that time, and it’s usually the steepest drop in value over the life of the vehicle. However, after those first couple of years, depreciation tends to slow down. If you opt for a CPO car, it’s usually much less expensive than its brand new equivalent, and very likely has already seen its steepest drop in value.
A CPO car is likely a more attainable option for bad credit borrowers than a brand new one. And if a borrower with credit challenges works with a special finance dealership that’s signed up with subprime lenders, CPO vehicles can be an option if they meet lender requirements.
Ready to Stop Looking and Start Shopping?
Sometimes the toughest part of car shopping is figuring out which dealership you can work with. There are so many dealers out there, and it can be tough for bad credit borrowers to tell which ones are signed up with subprime lenders that can assist with credit challenges.
At Auto Credit Express, we’ve crafted a nationwide network of special finance dealerships that are able and willing to help bad credit borrowers get the vehicle they need. Skip the search for a dealer with bad credit resources and let us do the legwork for you.
Starting is simple: complete our free auto loan request form and we’ll look for a dealership in your local area with no obligation.
