Used or Certified Pre-Owned: Which is Better for Me?

Car shopping can be stressful enough on its own, let alone adding on the stress of deciding between a certified used car and a traditional used car. If you’ve never encountered a CPO before, it’s possible that the differences seem a bit unclear.  

What Qualifies a Used Car to be a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle? 

Both used and certified pre-owned vehicles have had previous owners, but only CPOs are required to meet the rigorous standards put forward by the powerhouse that is GMC. Below, we outline those expectations: 

Requirements to be a Certified Pre-Owned GMC, Chevy, or Buick: 

• Must be a Chevrolet, Buick, or GMC vehicle. 

• Be within 6 model years.  

• Be within a maximum of 75,000 miles.  

• Any current recalls must be fully handled before a certified GM car can hit the sales floor.  

• Though this means you may not have any immediate recall concerns, it’s always wise to keep an eye on the current recall status of any vehicle via the NHTSA’s recall webpage. 

• Free CARFAX® (or comparable) Vehicle History Report for assurance that you’re getting the ride you want, inside and out. 

• And most importantly, certified pre-owned cars must pass GM’s famously thorough 172-point inspection checklist.

If a car checks all the above criteria, only then can it be marked a CPO vehicle and sold as such. But what are the benefits to buying a certified pre-owned vehicle versus a normal used vehicle?

What Else Makes GM’s CPO Program Different than Traditional Used Vehicles? 

Ironically, many used cars for sale on our used car lot in Columbia also meet many of the standards set forth by GMC’s certified pre-owned program. However, purchasing a certified pre-owned GMC has many more benefits than just a shiny paint job and low mileage. Let’s dive into some of the many benefits to buying a certified used model below: 

Benefits to Buying a CPO Vehicle: 

• 3-Day/150-mile Exchange Policy can help ease the decision paralysis of even the most paranoid used car shopper. Take it from us! 

• Two Factory Backed Warranties:  

• 6-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty 

• Includes: 24-Hour Roadside Assistance* at no additional cost 

• 12-month/12,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty 

• $0 Deductible and Transferable 

• Eligible vehicles will receive 1 month of Premium Plan Coverage 

• Includes: OnStar Safety & Security Plan and Connected Vehicle Plan for added peace of mind 

• Free SiriusXM Radio Trial for jamming to crystal clear tunes. 

*Limitations may apply. 

And just like there’s benefits to driving a CPO, there’s benefits to driving a conventional used vehicle as well. Keep reading to see exactly what those benefits are!  

Benefits to Buying a Conventional Used Car: 

Though certified vehicles come at an incredible value for drivers, there are some specific disadvantages to going down the CPO route. Ultimately, it’s up to you as a driver to decide if the pros outweigh the cons. Below, we detail some common upsides to purchasing a non-certified used vehicle: 

• Wide Selection: Used cars are so commonplace nowadays that our lots are often overflowing with options. From used cars under $10K to 2024 models with just a handful of miles on them, your dream used car could very well be sitting on our lot near Blythewood.  

• Lower Upfront Costs: Used cars often cost less cash overall and upfront when compared to purchasing a CPO. For the extremely budget conscious used car shopper, this distinction in price could make all the difference. 

• Easier to Negotiate: Since used cars don’t have to go through the same painstakingly thorough inspection as certified vehicles, there’s often more wiggle room for pricing. GM’s CPO certification process is a long one, and all that time can tack on some extra dollars to a CPO’s price tag. When shopping for a used vehicle, this flexibility in pricing can be very desirable. 

• Specific Requests Welcome: Since there’s more used vehicles on our used car lot than CPOs, your likelihood of scoring a rare, limited edition, or out-of-production trim or model are much higher when shopping for a traditional used vehicle rather than a certified pre-owned vehicle. Now remember, any requests you may have about a potential vehicle are welcome at our dealership in Columbia.  

Shop Smart with Jim Hudson Buick GMC near Dentsville 

At Jim Hudson Buick GMC, we understand that you have several options when it comes to used car lots in Columbia, SC, and we proudly prove why we’re the best option by offering top-tier customer service alongside our unbeatable used car prices. For information on how to calculate an auto loan, stop by our showroom today at 4035 Kaiser Hill Road or give us a call at (803) 462-4475 during normal business hours. We can’t wait to get you into the driver’s seat of a dreamy new-to-you car at a price you won’t want to miss!