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

At San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we get a lot of questions about what the difference between used and certified pre-owned is. Not all used cars are certified pre-owned. That title belongs to the upper tier of like-new pre-owned vehicles that can pass the rigorous testing mandated by CDJR. When you want a like-new vehicle for driving in Lemon Grove, but you want a used car price, compare CPO vs. used. Keep reading to learn more about the CPO meaning from San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. 

CPO Meaning

The CPO meaning is pretty simple: it’s a pre-owned vehicle that’s been verified to be as close to factory condition as possible. This isn’t based just on what El Cajon drivers think, but on these criteria from Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM:

• All CDJR certified pre-owned vehicles are less than 5 model years old, under 75,000 miles, have sustained no frame damage, and have a clean title. If aftermarket accessories were added, they have to be compliant with the inspection.
• Vehicle must pass a stringent 125-point inspection. 
• Carfax® Vehicle History Report is included

The difference here between CPO vs. used is that, while the service department at San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inspects every used car for safety and quality, only like-new cars have passed the 125-point inspection. The other difference in CPO vs. used is that the manufacturer offers a wealth of warranty coverage for certified vehicles that includes: 

• 7-year/100,000-mile warranty from the vehicle’s in-service date
• 3-month/30,000-mile Maximum Care Warranty starting on the date of CPO sale
• Options to upgrade to extended warranty plans
• Towing/roadside assistance
• Rental car allowance
• 3-month SiriusXM® subscription

Regular used cars don’t receive this kind of support during their time on La Jolla streets. The CPO meaning gives you an extra layer of protection, and validation that your vehicle is as close to new as possible while the price remains lower. 

Shop for Pre-Owned Vehicles at San Diego Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Now that we’ve answered, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?”, take the time to decide which is the best option for the way you drive in San Diego. Then, take a look at our pre-owned vehicle specials. In addition to saving money compared to the new car price, our specials can provide additional savings to you!