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

Used vehicles fall into one of two categories; CPO or used. What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles? Age, mileage, and condition can all play a factor. If you’re looking for a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz near Indian Hill, review our CPO vs. used guide below before making any final decisions. 

Basics of Buying Used

Buying a used car means you’re getting a vehicle that has had a previous owner. Details like age, condition, features, and mileage can vary greatly depending on how much the vehicle was used and how well it was cared for. Some buyers may be shy of driving home a vehicle with 100,000 miles or more, but these vehicles can be reliable if well cared for. Whatever the mileage, make sure you consider the following when looking at a used model:

• Inspect the vehicle in detail for signs of wear or damage
• Take the vehicle for a test drive to see how it performs
• If you notice any issues, be sure to discuss them with the dealership
• With proper care, you can get 200,000 miles or more out of some vehicles

Basics of Buying Certified Pre-Owned

To be sold as a certified pre-owned vehicle, this vehicle must first be part of a CPO Program. These programs offer warranty protection for their vehicles, which must meet strict standards in age, mileage, and more. To be eligible for the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Program, vehicles must: 

• Pass 165+ point inspection 
• Include a clean CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
• Be new that 6 years old and have less than 75,000 miles
• Have been serviced according to the OEM maintenance schedule

Since it’s held to a higher standard and comes with warranty protection, a certified pre-owned vehicle often costs more than a standard used model. Still, it’s less expensive than buying a brand-new model. 

CPO vs. Used: Which Should I Buy?

If you prioritize peace of mind, the additional checks and warranty coverage included with certified pre-owned models may be worth the added expense. Tech junkies will also find these vehicles are more likely to include the latest features. On the other hand, if pricing is more of a concern a used vehicle can still be a reliable alternative. 

Explore CPO vs. Used With Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati

Hitting the roads of Sharonville and Indian Hill in style can be more affordable with the used and certified pre-owned models found at Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati. We even offer luxury cars under $25,000! Shop with us today using Express Purchase!