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

pre-owned and certified pre-owned vehicles give you the opportunity to own a reliable vehicle at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new model. But just what is the difference between pre-owned and certified pre-owned? Several important distinctions set these two types of vehicles apart from one another. To ensure you find the right option for your Ballantyne and Waxhaw driving needs, as well as your budget, Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte breaks down the differences between CPO vs. pre-owned vehicles below.

CPO vs. Pre-Owned: Pre-Owned Vehicles

Like certified pre-owned vehicles, pre-owned cars have had at least one previous owner. However, they can include a wide range of makes, models, and model years. This typically makes them a more budget-friendly choice.

There are also no mileage limitations on what qualifies as a pre-owned vehicle. Modern vehicles are built to last, so, while a high-mileage pre-owned car might seem like a risky purchase, keep in mind that today’s automotive technology can often keep a pre-owned vehicle running for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Here are some other factors to bear in mind when asking the question: What is the difference between pre-owned and certified pre-owned?:

• While automakers don’t require traditional pre-owned cars to undergo comprehensive inspections, every pre-owned model on our Pineville lot has been thoroughly evaluated and tested so you can have maximum confidence in your purchase. You can’t get this assurance when buying from a private seller. 
• If you spot any problems with a pre-owned car you’re considering, discuss it with the dealer or seller, and plan to include the cost of repairs in your budget.
• Always stick to the automaker’s recommended maintenance schedule. This way, you can get the longest, most dependable life out of your pre-owned car investment.

CPO vs. Pre-Owned: Certified Pre-Owned

Certified pre-owned vehicles have also had prior owners, but they include a number of benefits that you can’t get with a traditional pre-owned car. They are required to undergo rigorous inspections and meet specific quality standards. To qualify as a Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned vehicle, a pre-owned car must: 

• Be less than six years old
• Have less than 75,000 miles on the odometer
• Have been serviced according to the automaker’s recommended maintenance schedule
• Pass a 165+ point inspection and road test

Every Mercedes-Benz CPO model comes with a CARFAX® vehicle history report and is backed by the remaining four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. When this warranty expires, the Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty kicks in, giving you an added 12 months of coverage and unlimited miles. Upon expiration, you have the option of buying the Certified Pre-Owned Extended Limited Warranty, which protects your vehicle for one or two years, also with unlimited miles during that time.

Your Next Pre-Owned Vehicle Awaits at Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte!

What is the difference between pre-owned and certified pre-owned? Now that you can answer that question, it’s time to start shopping for your next pre-owned vehicle. Check out our inventory, including our CPO specials, and stop in for a test drive today. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Enjoy ultimate peace of mind on Fort Mill, SC roads and beyond when you buy a pre-owned model from Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte!