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

You’ve no doubt seen lots of ads from Greenwich dealers for both used cars and certified pre-owned (CPO) cars. What’s the difference? Is there a difference? Which is better? We sell both at BMW of Greenwich, and we believe that all of our pre-owned cars are high-quality, reliable vehicles. But there is a difference. We want you to make an informed choice when you try to decide between CPO vs used, so let’s talk about the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles in depth!

CPO vs. Used: The Reliability of Certification

So, what is the difference between used and certified pre-owned? It’s not hard to understand. Everyone knows what a used car is. It was owned and driven by somebody before ending up back at a Stamford dealership. Certified pre-owned vehicles are also used, but they have gone through a rigorous inspection process and must meet strict qualifications. Here’s what qualifies a pre-owned BMW as certified:

• Must be thoroughly inspected, reconditioned, and approved by a BMW inspection team of BMW trained technicians, Service Managers, and Pre-Owned Managers.
• Maintenance record must be up-to-date
• Must have genuine BMW parts
• Must have CARFAX and AutoCheck report
• Must have no more than 60,000 miles on the odometer
• Must pass an extensive examination and inspection by BMW factory-trained technicians.
• If there is a problem that can not be fixed, the vehicle cannot be certified

Certified pre-owned vehicles also tend to be newer than the average new vehicle. That means you can get more of the latest BMW X5 interior features, or expect a more efficient drive.

CPO vs Used: Warranties and Protection

Generally, used cars are protected if they are still under the new car warranty. BMW adds extra protection to certified pre-owned vehicles. This is an important difference between used and certified pre-owned. Some of the BMW CPO benefits include:

• A complete vehicle maintenance history report is provided at time of purchase
• BMW Certified Protection Plan – this plan adds 1 year and unlimited miles of protection after the expiration of the 4 year/50,000 mile Limited Warranty that comes with new BMW vehicles.
• 24 hour, 365 day a year complimentary roadside assistance (for peace of mind while traveling along White Plains roads)
• Complimentary service loaners or alternative transportation for the duration of the protection plan anytime you service your vehicle with a BMW dealership.

Still not sure of why you should buy BMW? We’ve got you covered.

CPO vs Used: Price

CPO vehicles usually cost a little more than other used vehicles. But when you factor in the extra protection and our CPO offers, buying certified pre-owned is often the better deal. That goes double if you’re searching for a model that you can own for years to come!

Test Drive One of Our Quality Pre-Owned BMW Vehicles

Now that you know what the difference is between used and certified pre-owned vehicles, you’re all set to come in and check out the reliable pre-owned cars and used SUVs on our lot. We make it easy for you to get behind the wheel of your next car. You can even apply for financing online! We’re just a short drive away from Darien. So drop by or contact us today.