What is the Difference Between Used & Certified Pre-Owned?

When you’re searching for your next used car, you might see the term “CPO” pop up. What does CPO mean? And what’s the difference between CPO vs. used cars? And more importantly, why buy a certified used car? Peterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to answer those questions so that you can stay informed while buying your next pre-owned car. Read on to learn the differences between used and  CPO cars then browse our inventory of both near Meridian to find the right car for your lifestyle and budget!

CPO vs. Used: What Does CPO Mean?

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are used vehicles that have passed certain tests and inspections laid out by the manufacturer. Vehicles that pass these rigorous standards are considered the gold standard of used cars and often come with warranties, mileage caps, and other bonuses for the next owner. For instance, all of the CPO vehicles on Peterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s lot must meet the standards of the FCA US LLC Certified Pre-Owned Program, which requires:

• The model year of the vehicle to be less than five years old
• Less than 75,000 miles on the odometer
• No frame damage
• A clean title
• A 125-point inspection

When you choose to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle from our lot near Boise, you’ll receive benefits such as:

• 7-Year / 100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty (from the date the vehicle was originally sold)
• 3-Month / 3,000-Mile Maximum Care Warranty (starts the date of your purchase of the vehicle)
• A Certified CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™
• 3-Month Subscription to SiriusXM®
• 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
• Car Rental Allowance

Why Buy a Factory Certified Pre-Owned Model?

Now that you know all the benefits of certified pre-owned cars, it begs the question: why buy a factory-certified pre-owned model over a standard used model? Used cars, like CPO vehicles, have also had a previous owner but have not met the requirements listed above to become certified pre-owned. Used cars can be any model from any model year and be in almost any condition, especially if you choose to buy from a private seller.

That said, used cars don’t have to be risky. When you buy a used car from Peterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you can rest assured that it has been thoroughly inspected by our qualified service department. We also offer a 90-Day No Worries Warranty on select vehicles, letting you drive home to Caldwell with confidence.

Shop for Used or Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles at Peterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is the difference between used and CPO vehicles?”, you’re ready to explore your options! Take a look through our CPO and used car inventory and, once you’ve found a vehicle that you love, contact us online or at 208-606-4957 to set up a test drive in Nampa!