Certified Pre-Owned Toyota vs Used Toyota: What’s the Difference?
Whether you’re sticking to your budget or simply looking for a great deal on your next vehicle, shopping for a used car is a decision that often your head and heart can agree on. However, it’s important to understand that not all used vehicles are created equal! There are plenty of noteworthy differences between a standard used car and a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Toyota vehicle. Not quite sure which is right for you? Interested in learning more about the key benefits and advantages of each? Ken Ganley Toyota Akron has the answers you’ve been searching for in our handy comparison guide! Discover all the perks of buying a used car or a CPO Toyota vehicle and shop with confidence.
Used vs Certified Pre-Owned - What’s the Difference?
Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles
Far from your ordinary used car, Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models offer an elevated ownership experience along with long-lasting peace of mind in the form of exclusive benefits. Every Toyota CPO vehicle must pass a rigorous Quality Assurance Inspection that scrutinizes between 136 and 160 individual categories and components. Any problems or issues will be corrected using exclusively Genuine Toyota parts that meet or exceed the original specifications of the vehicle. Then and only then will the vehicle earn its Certified Pre-Owned status. What does this mean for you as a buyer? Toyota CPO vehicles have a clean vehicle history, significantly lower mileage, and are in better overall condition than a typical used car.
Of course, we can’t forget to mention the superior warranty coverage included with the purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Toyota vehicle! Offered in different tiers of certification, the Toyota CPO warranty provides enhanced coverage for mechanical failures and defects. In addition to warranty protection, you’ll enjoy other perks including 24-hour roadside assistance, no deductible for covered repairs, fully-transferable warranty coverage to a subsequent owner, and much more.
Toyota Used Vehicles
A major difference that you’ll notice between a used car and a Certified Pre-Owned model is the price. While used vehicles still receive a basic inspection prior to being added to inventory, they lack the extensive coverage and meticulous inspection of a CPO model. As part of that trade-off, a standard used car is nearly always lower priced compared to an identical model that’s listed as a CPO. We’d also like to highlight the fact that used car shoppers can still opt for additional warranty protection for extra peace of mind.
Compared to buying new, you can’t beat the value proposition offered by a used vehicle. You’ll be shielded from the major depreciation hit that comes from driving a new car off the lot. It’s not unheard of for a new car to lose 20% of its value just on the first drive home from the dealership! Doing your research ahead of time, checking a vehicle’s history report for accidents or issues, and choosing the right model are just three ways that you can shop for your next used car with confidence.
Advantages & Disadvantages Compared
Used Vehicles |
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| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lower Price - Especially compared to a new model but also against a CPO vehicle, a standard used vehicle is the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of your next vehicle. They offer minimal depreciation impact and you can also stretch your budget to a higher trim level if you prefer. | Higher Risk, Less Protection - Due to the fact that used cars lack the elevated warranty coverage of a new or CPO model, it’s extra important that you do your research before buying. Having a certified technician inspect a used car is a great first step to take to protect yourself from potential surprises. |
| More Choices - Browsing the used market often means that you’ll have more choices to pick from. Whether that’s a different trim level or a different model altogether – there’s no substitute for the freedom of choice! | Higher Financing Rates - Used cars aren’t usually able to qualify for lower rates offered to new or CPO buyers. Since it’s harder to determine the future value of a used car, you can usually expect to receive a higher interest rate. |
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles |
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| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Warranty Coverage - Drive with confidence from knowing that the superior warranty coverage of the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned program has your back. During the warranty period, any covered repairs will be completed at no charge to you. | Higher Price - Since they offer elevated benefits and require more rigorous inspection, CPO models are typically priced higher than standard used cars. Considering the added value, you’re still getting quite a bargain compared to buying new. |
| Newer Models / Lower Mileage - Since only the best-of-the-best are eligible for the Toyota CPO program, these vehicles are both newer and have lower mileage. You’ll enjoy many years of reliable performance and exceptional value. | Less Choice - Because of the strict requirements of the program, only certain models and model years will be eligible for CPO Status. |
| Comprehensive Inspection - Going beyond the standard inspection criteria, every Toyota CPO is extensively reconditioned prior to sale. | - |
Shop Used and Certified Pre-Owned Toyota Vehicles at Ken Ganley Toyota Akron
Now that you’ve discovered all the individual benefits and advantages of shopping for your next new or CPO vehicle – Ken Ganley Toyota Akron invites you to browse through our extensive inventory of both! Priced to suit just about any budget, we’re confident that you can find the right used Toyota or CPO Toyota vehicle for your lifestyle!