Used vs. Toyota Certified Pre-Owned: What’s the Difference?

Have you been wondering, “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” You’re not alone! Many drivers in the market for a new vehicle or looking to trade in their current one have been curious about the difference between used vs CPO. There are important distinctions between both that you should know about. So take a look below for our quick guide on the difference between the two. And if you still have questions, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Toyota of Louisville and they’ll be happy to tell you everything you want to know.

Used Car Buying: What You Need to Know

Used cars can vary quite drastically when it comes to the make, model, year, and mileage. Because of these variances, and the fact that they’ve had previous owners, means they’re more affordable than new and CPO vehicles. So if you’re working on a budget for your vehicle upgrade, you don’t need to worry! You have plenty of options so we know we’ll find one that suits you and your budget just right.

Another area where used cars vary is mileage. Although it may seem like a used car with 100,000 miles is a risk you shouldn’t take, the truth is many vehicles can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular (documented) service. But keep a few things in mind while you’re shopping:

• Although OEMs don’t require that standard used cars be inspected before sale, Toyota of Louisville wants to make sure our customers get the highest value for their dollar. We hand-pick our used models. That being said, you should navigate a private sale with extra caution. Private sellers don’t have the reputation of a well-established dealership.
• You should discuss any vehicle issues that you notice — either with the dealership or private seller. If you plan to purchase the car, even though it has a few problems, that’s 100% your choice — just make sure you factor money for the repairs into your shopping budget.
• With proper care and maintenance, some vehicles can last upwards of 200,000 miles. High-mileage used cars aren’t always bad options, especially if you’re on a strict budget.

Buying a CPO Car: What You Need to Know

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles have had previous owners, but they aren’t your standard used cars. As a result, they’re thoroughly inspected pre-owned vehicles that are backed by manufacturer warranties and have passed a rigorous inspection completed by a certified technician. That makes them the gold standard of used cars and only models that meet the OEM’s CPO program standards earn the title. Some of the requirements are:

• Model year is within five years of the current model year
• Generally less than 80,000 miles, sometimes up to 100,000 miles
• A multi-point inspection
• Offered with extended warranties and/or limited powertrain warranties

Certified used cars are usually newer models with less mileage, but that doesn’t mean that’s always the case. They do typically come at a higher price than used cars, but they still sit at a more affordable price over new vehicles in Elizabethtown.

Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles at Toyota of Louisville

Take a look at our pre-owned inventory for all our Toyota certified pre-owned vehicles near New Albany and Lexington. We have a wide selection of vehicles so we have no doubt that we can match you with a car that checks off all the right boxes. When you find the one, reach out to our Louisville finance center team and they’ll help you get the purchase process started.