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

Lawrenceville drivers often ask us, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles?”. They are quite different, and we explain the differences below in detail. Remember, our helpful team is always happy to answer your questions. Here, we answer the question, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles?”, so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next vehicle at Haldeman Lexus of Princeton. 

What You Should Know About Buying a Used Car

Used cars are previously owned by other Princeton, NJ drivers, and vary in the year, make, model, amount of mileage, and more. They are more affordable than new and certified pre-owned vehicles, also called CPO vehicles. Did you know that Haldeman Lexus of Princeton has a great selection of used vehicles priced under $10k? Now, you have even more affordable options for your Hamilton, NJ commute! Keep these used cars buying tips in mind:

• Pay attention to the odometer reading on a used car. Some cars can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular service, but always verify the service records.
• When buying a used car, you should have the mechanical condition checked by a professional auto mechanic. At Haldeman Lexus of Princeton, we hand-pick our used models and only offer them for sale if we are confident they are in good condition.
• Discuss any vehicle issues you discover about the used car you’re considering with the private seller or dealership. Make sure that you budget money for any unexpected repairs.
• With proper care and routine maintenance, some cars can last up to 200,000 miles or more. 

What You Should Know About Buying a CPO Vehicle?

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are also used cars, but they aren’t the typical used cars that you’ll find on a Yardley, PA used car lot. They must pass a rigorous inspection completed by a certified technician and are backed by a manufacturer warranty. A CPO is the gold standard of used cars. A CPO Lexus, or L Certified, must meet all the following criteria:

• The model year is within five years of the current model year
• Have less than 70,000 miles on the odometer
• Must pass a 161-point inspection
• Offered with extended warranties and/or a limited powertrain warranty

Certified used cars are typically recent-year models with less mileage than a standard used car, but they usually cost more than a used car. Still, they are more affordable than a new car. If you want more current features and a manufacturer’s warranty without having to pay the higher price for a new vehicle, then, a CPO is probably a good choice.

Shop for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles at Haldeman Lexus of Princeton

Now that we’ve answered the common question, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned cars?”, are you ready to explore our CPO vehicles for sale? If so, just give us a call at (609) 454-2358 book your test drives! In the meantime, take a moment to explore our car buying tips for other informative reads, like our comparison between FWD and AWD!