Used Vs. Certified Pre-Owned Cars: Compare Inspection, Warranty & More

If you're shopping for a high-quality late-model vehicle in Scottsdale, AZ, we recommend first knowing the difference between certified pre-owned vs. used cars. While many dealerships, such as Certified Benz & Beemer, have an inventory of each category, the two selections may seem quite similar at first glance. So, how does a certified vs. used cars comparison work, and which option is the best choice for your lifestyle? Review our guide to learn more!

Pre-owned vs. Certified Pre-Owned: Key Differences

Certified models typically have a higher overall price than their standard contemporaries.
While pre-owned models are inspected for their condition, certified models undergo a more intensive inspection to ensure their quality.
In most cases, a certified car, truck, or SUV will be in better condition than a standard used model, primarily due to mileage and age restrictions.
The benefits and perks of a certified model vastly outpace those of a used vehicle, offering additional coverage and a satisfaction guarantee.
One of the upsides is a two-year/100,000-mile warranty that maintains your peace of mind through every mile.¹

Price

Generally, a certified model will seem like it costs more than its non-certified equivalent; for instance, a 2024 C-Class from our certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles will have a minor price increase when compared to a 2024 C-Class that did not reach that certification.

This is due to several factors, but the most prevalent is its condition. As we'll discuss in future sections, a significant certified pre-owned vs. pre-owned vehicle difference is overall value.

Inspection

That value is granted to the vehicle after an extensive inspection process. For instance, let's examine our pre-owned BMW vehicles and verify if one is certified as ready. We have an extensive list of components – from the exhaust to the engine – that the BMW car, truck, or SUV must satisfy before it rolls into our certified inventory.

Condition

Used vs. certified pre-owned condition quality is mostly quite obvious. While our team carefully maintains used models, a certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV is a different story. These vehicles are almost universally newer, with lower mileage on the odometer, which are all signs of a high-quality condition.

Benefits & Perks

Purchasing a used vehicle from our lot is an excellent investment for a low-depreciation car. Since each transaction comes with a detailed vehicle history report and the CBB Advantage (coat paint and window tint protection, and a loyalty discount), the certified pre-owned vs. used benefits are night and day.

As you shop our luxury used cars for sale and come across a certified model, you'll notice that it comes with additional perks. At Certified Benz & Beemer, that means you'll receive a three-day period where you can bring your model back to our store if it doesn't meet your standards.

Warranty

One of the most critical differences between our certified pre-owned vs. used models is their warranty coverage. While pre-owned vehicles are carefully maintained, certified models get standard warranty protection.

We provide an extensive two-year/100,000-mile warranty that's backed by AllState to keep you secure behind the wheel¹ – a perk that's exclusive to our Certified Benz & Beemer. We can also give extensions of up to five years, at a significantly improved price than you'll find from official dealerships.¹ If you want information on what your vehicle's warranty will cover, please contact our dealership in Scottsdale, AZ.

Used Pros & Cons

Pros

Typically lower depreciation
Usually a lower price
Fewer forms, documents, and paperwork

Cons

No innate warranty coverage
Less access to Certified Benz & Beemer extended warranties.
No satisfaction-guaranteed grace period
Less of an intensive inspection process

Certified Pre-Owned Pros & Cons

Pros

Two-year/100,000-mile standard warranty¹
Certified warranty extension options
Three-day satisfaction-guaranteed trade-back period
More extensive inspection process with forms

Cons

Higher rate of depreciation due to relative newness
Usually a higher price
Benefits package requires additional explanation and forms

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Pre-Owned If: You're not interested in the warranty or return period for any certified model in Scottsdale, AZ. You trust our mechanics to keep every used model to your high standards, and you want to take advantage of the lower cost for these luxury models.
Choose Certified Pre-Owned If: You prefer to have the two-year/100,000-mile warranty coverage provided by AllState.¹ You're interested in investing even further in your model through our Certified Benz & Beemer warranty packages. Maybe you want the three-day guarantee to allow you to trade it in if you don't like it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Luxury Vehicles

What does "CPO" stand for?

"CPO" stands for "Certified Pre-Owned," a special type of used vehicle that has passed specific tests to earn additional benefits. If a car is Certified Pre-Owned, the dealership has determined that it has surpassed a certain age, quality, and mileage threshold and deserves additional benefits on top of the exceptional driving experience it provides – often including warranty extensions, exchange periods, and more.

How do cars become certified?

A car becomes certified when it's traded into an official dealership and inspected by a licensed mechanic. Depending on the brand, the model undergoes an over 100-point inspection to ensure it's up to certified standards. If it passes the examination and meets all age and mileage requirements, the vehicle is then eligible to receive the benefits of a certified pre-owned program.

What is the difference between refurbished and pre-owned?

The main difference between refurbished and pre-owned vehicles is the condition in which the vehicle comes to our shop. A refurbished model means that a technician needs to maintain, repair, and test the model for optimized safety and performance. A pre-owned model may have been cleaned and had slight repairs done, but never to the same extent that a refurbished vehicle requires.

Are certified pre-owned cars worth it?

Certified pre-owned cars can be worth it, depending on how much you value peace of mind. Compared to standard used or pre-owned models, a certified vehicle tends to be somewhat more costly. However, an additional warranty extension, three-day exchange period, and a more intensive pre-purchase inspection can be helpful for drivers who need reassurance about the quality of their pre-owned vehicle.

What does a certified pre-owned warranty cover?

A certified pre-owned warranty may differ depending on your model. However, in most cases, the warranty will cover bumper-to-bumper repairs for the majority of incidents, as long as the fault is not determined to be your own. For more specific information on what your certified pre-owned model is covered for, please contact one of our representatives and receive the brand's handbook.

Is pre-owned the same as used?

Yes, "pre-owned" is a term that commonly replaces "used" at dealerships. In most cases, a location can use these two designations interchangeably. However, if a model is "certified" pre-owned or used, it comes with additional benefits that standard models may not have. If your local dealership offers "pre-owned" and "used" models, be sure to discuss the possible differences with a representative.

What are the risks of buying CPO?

Buying CPO is inherently less risky than purchasing a standard used model, thanks to a more intensive examination process and longer warranty period. The primary risks of purchasing CPO include not being aware of the limitations of your coverage, roadside assistance, or temporary subscription services. Before dedicating yourself to the purchase of a certified model, ensure you understand your benefits (including the limitations of your coverage).

About The Author

Certified Benz & Beemer is a family-owned, independent dealership and one of Arizona’s leading destinations for pre-owned luxury vehicles, serving Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix area for more than 20 years. The team hand-selects vehicles from trusted sources throughout the Southwest and puts each vehicle through a thorough inspection and reconditioning process before it is offered for sale. With a focus on quality, transparency, and a zero-pressure approach, Certified Benz & Beemer is committed to providing a comfortable, knowledgeable, and rewarding experience for every luxury car buyer.

What Our Happy Customers Say About Our Used & CPO Vehicles

Doug Schorr

09-15-2024

Highly recommend buying your next car from Certified Benz & Beemer! This was my first out of state car purchase and first time buying a BMW and my sales guy Naeem "Que" Sadeque was super helpful, knowledgeable, and patient with my wide variety of questions. Que walked me through the remote buying process, shared a variety of photos and videos of the car I was looking at and made this a simple easy process. He kept me up to date with everything happening to the vehicle and as it shipped kept me informed.

¹Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.