Are Certified Pre-Owned Cars Worth It?

We know that shopping for a used car can be overwhelming, in no small part due to the number of options available to you when you’re browsing our inventory. But have you ever taken a look at our selection of certified pre-owned cars? You may find yourself wondering, “What are certified pre-owned cars?” as well as “what is a certified pre-owned car?” 

Certified pre-owned cars are considered the gold standard of used cars; they’re technically used cars, but offer a number of benefits you can’t get with a standard used car. Jumping off of that, you might be asking, “Are certified pre-owned cars worth it?” We certainly think so! Learn more about certified pre-owned vehicles below from our dealership near Prescott, and if you think you’ve found the model that you love, simply apply for financing online!

What Is a Certified Pre-Owned Car? 

What are certified pre-owned cars? Every certified pre-owned vehicle is used, but not every used vehicle is certified pre-owned. This sub-category of previously-owned vehicles is reserved for defining various used cars with extraordinary characteristics. A certified pre-owned vehicle exhibits the following qualities: 

• Is under six years old
• Has under 75,000 miles
• Has a clean title attached
• Includes a detailed vehicle report

The detailed vehicle report provides proof of the previous owner’s attention to care and maintenance, providing further evidence of the quality you’re receiving with your purchase. 

Are Certified Pre-Owned Cars Worth It Compared to Used? 

Are certified pre-owned cars worth it? Advantages exist for both certified pre-owned cars and standard used cars. A standard used car might be a better option if you’re on a tighter budget or your credit isn’t quite where you’d like it to be. You’ll have a smaller loan amount to pay off, and your credit will jump when you do. However, if you’re comfortable with the rate your credit fetches, paying the additional amount for a certified pre-owned vehicle is absolutely worth it. 

The difference between a certified pre-owned and used car is much less than the gap between a certified pre-owned and a new vehicle. You receive similar warranty benefits with a certified pre-owned as you do with a new car, so if you experience issues, you’re likely to pay little out of pocket. Most of the depreciation has taken place, so the certified pre-owned won’t lose as much value as a new car, and it has a much higher value than a standard used car. The bottom line: If you want a vehicle with the same warranty advantages for a much better price than a new car that will hold its value during all of your Zumbrota commuting, the smart move is a certified-pre-owned. 

What to Consider About a CPO 

Because certified pre-owned cars are late-model vehicles, they tend to be pricier than your average used car. Inspections and road tests are part of the CPO vetting process, and these steps cost money as well. However, they’re still significantly more affordable than brand-new models.

Test Drive a CPO Model at Red Wing Chevrolet

Now that you know more about what a certified pre-owned vehicle is, are you ready to explore our CPO lineup for yourself? Contact us today and you’ll be able to find that our inventory near Cannon Falls make it easier than ever to find the vehicle that works best for you.