Advantages of Buying Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Cars in Chapmanville, WV

You'll need a substantial investment to purchase a vehicle, especially if you purchase the latest model. The average price tag for a car these days is just shy of $50,000. Thus, people are increasingly buying used cars, where the average transaction price is around $27,000. In the long run, pre-owned vehicles will be more cost-effective, allowing you to maintain financial stability.

For those looking to save money on used cars but are worried about reliability, certified pre-owned (CPO) cars may be the best option. Manufacturers cover these cars under warranty, and they must pass a multi-point inspection before hitting dealer lots. The price is higher than that of non-certified used cars, but it's still a lot less than buying a new car.

At Thornhill Auto Group, you can explore the difference between certified pre-owned and used vehicles. Learn more about what suits you best with the help of our team, and get into the model that is right for you.

Comparing Certified Pre-Owned and Used

New cars aren't always the best option for shoppers. A new model will generally have a higher monthly payment, and it's not likely to fit into your budget. A new car also depreciates steeply and quickly. It is important to compare certified pre-owned and used vehicles when choosing a pre-owned vehicle. Certified pre-owned vehicles are usually not older than six years and have no more than 75,000 miles on them. In contrast, a used car may have any mileage and even be over a decade old. Certified pre-owned vehicles must also meet higher standards.

These CPO models are subjected to intense scrutiny. Certified technicians will inspect multiple aspects of the vehicle during the inspection. The inspection will include testing each component, system, and part of the vehicle. We can ensure that the car is road-ready by thoroughly inspecting it. You will unlikely receive such a detailed inspection when you buy a non-certified used car.

There is also the option of getting an extended warranty with certified pre-owned vehicles. It protects you against costly vehicle repairs if something goes wrong. However, these benefits make a certified pre-owned vehicle more expensive than a used one.

How Do Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Work?

Not every used vehicle qualifies for a CPO program. Manufacturers have different eligibility requirements, but typically vehicles must meet the following:

• The vehicle must be a fairly recent model. The CPO program is not available for older vehicles, although brand-specific rules may apply.
• The vehicle must have a low mileage. You won't find vehicles with a lot of mileage in CPO programs. Automakers usually exclude high-mileage vehicles from their lineups.
• A well-maintained vehicle is essential. Before a vehicle can be included in a CPO program, the previous owner must be able to provide documentation that proves the car got regular maintenance and servicing from day one. Additionally, these vehicles are usually in mint condition and have never been in a collision.

Refurbishing and Inspection

Upon determining an eligible vehicle for the CPO fleet, the dealer inspects and refurbishes it, if necessary, according to the program's standards. While the inspection points vary from one carmaker to another, they are all fairly comprehensive. After passing the inspection, a vehicle becomes a certified pre-owned vehicle and is covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

In comparison, when you purchase a vehicle not part of a CPO program, there is no guarantee that the dealer has previously inspected it. Additionally, even if an inspection is conducted, it is impossible to determine whether the problems are addressed during refurbishment.

Non-certified pre-owned vehicles do not have warranties. Because of this, there are no incentives to repair or improve the vehicle. The majority of used cars are sold "as is, where is."

Warranty Coverage

In addition to warranty protection, a CPO vehicle comes with insurance and roadside assistance. It is common for CPO cars to come with a manufacturer's warranty. The level of coverage varies between automakers. All CPO cars, however, come with protection that is lacking in non-CPO cars. CPO warranties generally provide limited coverage compared to bumper-to-bumper new car warranties. A deductible may be required depending on the CPO warranty.

In some cases, the dealership will back the warranty. Thornhill Auto Group offers the Thornhill Value+Plus Warranty, for example. It covers used vehicles for 10 years/150,000 miles.

Buy Certified Pre-Owned and Used Vehicles in Chapmanville, WV

Whether you're looking for a pre-owned or used vehicle in Chapmanville, WV, Thornhill Auto Group can help. With the help of our team, you can learn the differences between the two and how they can benefit you. You can look up the model you're interested in online and check their specs. If you're in the area, stop by the dealership and test-drive a few models. Don't hesitate to contact us and find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget.