What Are Certified Pre-Owned Cars?

Sometimes the team at Great Lakes Volkswagen of Canton gets questions about certified pre-owned cars. What are certified pre-owned cars? Are certified pre-owned cars worth it? Here we answer all of your questions about CPOs and discuss important distinctions between used and certified pre-owned vehicles. We want you to make a wise purchasing decision for your Canton lifestyle, so keep reading about certified pre-owned cars below, and contact us with any questions or to start shopping for your next vehicle today.

What to Know About Used Cars

Used cars are previously owned by another North Canton driver and vary significantly by make, model, trim level, age, total miles, condition, and more. They are more affordable than new cars and certified pre-owned vehicles. We at Great Lakes Volkswagen of Canton have a vast selection of used cars under $25K available on our lot right now! When shopping for a pre-owned car, remember these things:

• Auto manufacturers don’t require regular used cars to be inspected before sale, but Great Lakes Volkswagen of Canton has strict guidelines on quality, so we selectively hand-pick our used car inventory. Suppose you are thinking of buying a used car from a private party. In that case, we suggest you be very careful because private sellers don’t have a public reputation to keep and are sometimes dishonest.
• Look the car over thoroughly and openly discuss any issues you notice. Whether you’re working with another dealership in Akron or a private seller in Alliance, don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns you have. Be sure you’re prepared to pay for any needed repairs.
• Many modern vehicles can last over 200,000 miles or more with good care and maintenance. A high-mileage car can still be a viable option if it has been taken care of.

What to Know About Certified Pre-Owned Cars

There is technically no difference between pre-owned vs. used vehicles. But there is a significant difference between used and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. CPOs undergo a stringent inspection conducted by a certified technician and are guaranteed by a manufacturer warranty. They’re the best of the best in used cars. Only those models that meet the manufacturer requirements for their CPO program can earn the designation of a CPO vehicle. For most CPO programs, these are some of the requirements:

• The model year is six years old or newer
• It includes an extended warranty and/or limited powertrain warranty
• It must pass a multi-point inspection (over one hundred different things are checked)
• Typically it must have under 80,000 miles on the odometer

To summarize, CPOs are recent-year models with low mileage and warranty coverage, and that’s why they usually cost more than standard pre-owned cars. Still, they are more affordable than a brand new car. A certified pre-owned vehicle is ideal if you want state-of-the-art features for your Canton commute but at an affordable price.

Shop for a CPO Vehicle at Great Lakes Volkswagen of Canton Today

So, are certified pre-owned cars worth it? We think so! Why not head to Great Lakes Volkswagen of Canton in Canton to find out for yourself? We invite you to explore our certified pre-owned Volkswagen models and used vehicle inventory online or at the dealership. You may apply for financing online, so reach out to us now!