Used vs Certified Pre-Owned

Logically, buying used tends to get you a better deal than buying brand new when it comes to the auto industry. However, you may not know that there’s more than one pathway to buying a used car. Aside from the standard used vehicle, you can also buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, most commonly found in local dealerships like Meadowland GMC in Carmel, New York.

While both options offer pre-owned vehicles at better price points than their brand-new counterparts, the standard used and CPO vehicles differ in several ways. Let’s explore CPO vehicles and the pros and cons of purchasing one as your next vehicle.

What Does GMC CPO Mean?

A CPO vehicle is a used car factory-certified by its manufacturer. Rather than your standard used car purchase, a CPO vehicle is inspected and restored, so you’re guaranteed to receive the car in its best possible condition. Meadowland’s GMC CPO vehicles, in particular, come with a scheduled maintenance program and a 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty in addition to other benefits, such as 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. In other words, a CPO vehicle is a used vehicle sold in a premium package, making it a cost-effective, trustworthy alternative to purchasing brand new.

Standard Used vs. GMC CPO Vehicles

Many factors must be considered when deciding between a standard used vehicle or a CPO vehicle, including the potential benefits and drawbacks, depending on your wants and needs. Let’s explore each option further alongside their respective pros and cons.

Standard Used

A standard used vehicle is an incredibly common purchase, attractive largely for the wide range of options available and the accessible price range. While every sale can vary, common elements should be considered when deciding whether or not to buy used.

Pros

A used vehicle remains the most affordable option when purchasing a car. While shopping for a used vehicle can be a bit unpredictable, especially from an independent seller, options are always available for any budget. Therefore, searching for a used vehicle is incredibly accessible. Not only that but there remains an infinite range of options regarding the make and model of the car you might be looking for. You can find virtually any vehicle available from an individual seller without the restraints of dealership inventories.

Cons

With seemingly limitless freedom comes a certain amount of risk that you must take on when shopping for a used vehicle. Though your options come at a reduced price, you may run into vehicles in anything from near-mint to appalling condition. It can be tough to vet your options if you don’t have enough mechanical know-how to spot small but significant issues. Therefore, if you or a friend can’t confidently ensure that a vehicle you’re looking into is in good enough shape to purchase, a supposedly great deal can quickly turn into a sinkhole of an investment.

GMC CPO

A CPO vehicle is a great option when shopping for a used car, as its premium perks are not usually available with the average used-car purchase. However, as with a standard used vehicle, certain considerations must be made when deciding if a GMC CPO vehicle is right for you.

Pros

If you’re looking for a pre-owned vehicle, buying certified offers some of the best advantages for a used purchase without needing to shop new. Not only do you avoid the risks of acquiring a used vehicle with an unknown past, but you also get extra rewards with your purchase at many dealerships, such as warranties, roadside assistance, free loan vehicles, and more. You’re also able to finance your purchase through a dealership, as opposed to purchasing from an individual. With all these benefits, buying CPO offers a high chance of purchase satisfaction.

Cons

With all of these extra benefits, such as background checks and extended warranties, CPO vehicles tend to cost more than your standard used vehicle. Thus, if you’re on a tight budget, buying CPO may not be such a feasible option. However, in addition to the options of financing or loans, you could save money on future servicing or repairs with the included factory warranty. Therefore, depending on your financial situation, this may still be a good option for you, especially if you prefer the peace of mind that a CPO vehicle offers.

How To Ensure a High-Quality Used Car Purchase

It can sometimes feel risky to purchase a pre-owned vehicle when you aren’t able to verify its past or present condition with 100% certainty. Indeed, your risk varies greatly whether you’re purchasing from an individual seller or a dealership, small or established. While you can rest assured that any GMC CPO purchase made with us at Meadowland is of high quality, there are still tried-and-true methods to gather more information on a pre-owned vehicle that you’re in the market for.

• Have the car inspected by an independent mechanic that you trust: A seller can make any claims on the vehicle they’re selling — it’s best to verify for yourself that the car is in good condition and that there are no hidden damages or serious repairs required.
• Search for the full vehicle identification number (VIN) online: Be sure to investigate thoroughly by searching the VIN in case there’s any information you may be missing.
• Check for open recalls: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website to search by VIN for any recalls.
• Purchase a vehicle history report: Though these reports don’t guarantee the vehicle’s true history, they can reveal past accidents it may have been involved in. You can find these reports via companies such as CARFAX or AutoCheck.
• Look for a used car with good ratings: Consumer Reports has an online database of the best-used cars to search for and their reliability or customer satisfaction ratings.

Shop for a CPO Vehicle With Meadowland GMC

The benefits and drawbacks vary between standard used and CPO vehicles, and much of your decision will rest on your current financial capabilities. If buying CPO interests you, we at Meadowland GMC would love to help you find the perfect GMC CPO vehicle. Contact us today at (888) 741-3918 or via our website to take advantage of our knowledgeable team and our large inventory of both standard and CPO used vehicles and finally get behind the wheel of a high-quality, new-to-you GMC.

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