We'd all love to own a new vehicle, but sometimes, budgetary constraints present formidable obstacles, leading us to consider pre-owned. But this doesn't mean one can't own a vehicle in nearly new condition, and for less than the cost of new, with an extended limited warranty and, often, new-car perks to sweeten the deal. Certified pre-owned, or CPO, vehicles make this possible. But what's the difference between CPO and standard pre-owned?
It all starts with manufacturers and dealers, who multipoint-inspect recent-model trade-ins and vehicles coming off of leases, often with low mileage, for potential CPO status. Though there's no industry standard for CPO qualification, as manufacturers evaluate age, mileage, warranty add-ons and other amenities differently, these vehicles usually showcase tip-top shape for pre-owned status. Perhaps most compellingly, should a vehicle certify, its typical 12-to-24-month CPO warranty will usually cover hardware that needs fixing, meaning the manufacturer will repair it. Talk about the new-car experience!
However, it still pays to do the right kind of research to find the vehicle features and benefits that best suit your needs. Websites such as Autotrader.com and KBB.com contain a wealth of model information knowledge, along with vehicle ratings, comparisons and reviews. So take notes! And take your findings with you when it's time to visit a dealer. You should have on hand a vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); a Vehicle History Report from CARFAX; your credit report (if you're thinking of financing through a dealer); loan pre-approval information; price, insurance and extended warranty quotes; and pricing information for your trade-in, if you're looking to make one. Be sure to record your experience, too, when it's time for dealer vehicle inspection or to take a test drive.
We know you'll have questions about CPO status; you'll be looking for further advice, or you'll just want to explore your options, and we at BMW of Monterey are here to help. We proudly stock a top-of-the-line selection of certified pre-owned vehicles. Stop by and see us today here in Seaside, CA, just a short drive from the San Jose, Salinas, Santa Cruz or Monterey areas.