The Pros and Cons of Certified Pre-Owned

February 10th, 2022 by

When you’re shopping for a vehicle, you have two choices: You can buy a brand-new model or a pre-owned model. Some of the factors that may impact your decision include your budget and desired features. If you’re concerned about the condition of the vehicle you purchase, you may want to consider another option: a certified pre-owned model. By choosing a certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV, you may be able to save a bundle of cash without sacrificing the quality of the ride.

All About Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

If you’ve ever purchased a pre-owned vehicle and discovered that it’s not quite in the condition the seller claimed it was, you know how much frustration this situation can cause. Car repairs are costly, but continuing to drive a car that needs extensive repairs can put you in a dangerous situation. Fear of buying a “lemon,” or a car with severe defects that impact its safety, functionality, and/or value, is a real concern among pre-owned car shoppers. The concern can be so great that it pushes people to buy new models, rather than taking a chance on a used car.

In order to combat the fear that some buyers felt when shopping for pre-owned cars, automotive manufacturers created the certified pre-owned designation. Also referred to as CPO, a certified pre-owned vehicle has undergone an extensive inspection and has been determined to be in good condition. A vehicle that qualifies under a manufacturer’s CPO program must meet strict qualifications and requirements. These vehicles are newer and have lower miles than other pre-owned models.

Depending on the manufacturer, a certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV may also qualify for additional benefits afforded to the buyer. Some of the benefits offered include emergency roadside assistance, free loaner vehicles when the car is at the dealership for service, and a complimentary subscription to a satellite radio service. When buying a CPO vehicle, a customer may also qualify for a discount on financing rates.

Pros of Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet Models

At Applegate Chevrolet, we offer a selection of certified pre-owned Chevrolet models for buyers located in the Flint, Michigan area. You can shop for a sleek and stylish vehicle at a great price with the confidence that your pre-owned ride has passed a detailed inspection. There are many pros to buying a certified pre-owned Chevrolet model:

Cheaper Than a New Model

One of the key reasons to consider a certified pre-owned Chevrolet is to save money. The bulk of the depreciation of a vehicle’s value occurs within the first year. In order to qualify under Chevy’s CPO program, a vehicle can only be a few years old. By choosing a car that is at least a year old, you won’t bear the brunt of the initial depreciation hit. You can save money on a car that’s still in great condition but won’t drop in value as soon as you drive off the lot.

Extended Warranty Coverage

Chevrolet’s certified pre-owned program offers buyers a range of benefits, one of which is extended warranty coverage. Every vehicle in the program qualifies for a six-year/100,000-mile extended powertrain limited warranty. The coverage includes a $0 deductible, so you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket for any covered repairs. Additionally, a CPO Chevy comes with a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. Some exclusions apply, but having extended coverage on your ride can give you peace of mind when you choose a pre-owned model.

Extensive Inspection and Reconditioning Process

Before a pre-owned vehicle becomes a certified pre-owned Chevrolet, it must go through an extensive inspection and reconditioning process. A trained technician performs a 172-point inspection on every model that may qualify for the program. The inspection includes:

  • An investigation into the vehicle’s history.
  • A thorough check of the brake system and tires.
  • A detailed check of the engine compartment.
  • A full road test.
  • An inspection of the cosmetic elements of the vehicle.
  • An assessment of the maintenance history.

By following a strict process to check all aspects and components of the vehicle, Chevrolet technicians can state with confidence that it qualifies as a certified pre-owned model.

Additional Benefits in the CPO Program

Along with the extensive warranty coverage and lower price, a certified pre-owned Chevrolet comes with a few additional benefits. During the extended powertrain limited warranty coverage period, you’ll qualify for emergency roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. If you’re stuck on the side of the road or in need of urgent service, simply contact Chevy’s dedicated roadside assistance team for help. They’ll take care of your needs, whether it involves towing your car to a dealership for service or performing a jump start on a dead battery.

Courtesy transportation is available at the dealership when you bring your vehicle in for repair or maintenance. You’ll get a loaner vehicle that you can drive until your CPO model is ready for pickup. Additionally, Chevrolet offers a subscription to OnStar Safety & Security and connected services on qualifying vehicles. Some vehicles may qualify for up to three months of satellite radio at no cost.

Cons of Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet Models

There aren’t many cons to buying a certified pre-owned Chevrolet. One of the few potential drawbacks is that the cost may be slightly higher than a vehicle that doesn’t qualify under the CPO program. However, the higher cost comes with benefits that can protect you if anything goes wrong with the CPO model after you take it home. For most buyers, the added protection is worth the slightly higher purchase price.

Shop the Selection of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles at Applegate Chevrolet

At Applegate Chevrolet, we can help you get behind the wheel of a certified pre-owned Chevrolet that has the features you want. Many of the vehicles include premium interior features, advanced active driver aids, and convenience features that improve your driving experience. We also offer competitive financing options to our valued customers. If you’re ready to browse our selection, visit our location or take a closer look at some of the available models.

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