The Critical Difference Between CPO and Used Cars That Every Buyer Should Know

Embarking on a mission to find the best and most reliable used car takes many buyers down a rabbit hole. It starts with a google search and ends with hours scrolling random classified sites and sending messages to sketchy craigslist sellers. We suggest a different strategy: start with certified pre-owned vehicles. Before you do, though, it’s important to understand how certified pre-owned (CPO) differs from a typically used inventory.

CPO is a distinction given to used cars, trucks, and SUVs that meet specific criteria for age and mileage and pass rigorous bumper-to-bumper inspections. The criteria is mandated by the factory, which is important because it means that quality is consistent, as are the minimum standards required for CPO certification. Also, CPO vehicles are only found on authorized dealers’ lots.

Newton Nissan of Gallatin offers a large inventory of CPO vehicles for discerning buyers, but before you decide to go the CPO route, it’s important to compare and contrast the difference. Doing so helps you decide if the pros (quality guarantee, longer warranty, etc.) outweigh the cons (more costly, high demand, low supply). Follow our comprehensive CPO vs. used vehicles comparison guide below to make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget.

The Ins and Outs of CPO Certification

To fully understand the advantages of buying a CPO vehicle, it’s important to learn about the certification process itself. Used Nissan vehicles must be less than six years old and have under 80,000 miles on the odometer to even earn consideration for certification. From there, they must pass a rigorous 167-point inspection and come with a clean title.

That’s a lot to unpack, so we’ll take it step-by-step. First, the inspection: what exactly is a “point?” The term refers to a specific marker that helps an authorized technician determine whether the vehicle is in top condition. For example, all candidate CPO used Nissans are checked for excess wear and tear. If, for example, the interior is worn or a substantial mechanical deficiency is discovered, the vehicle will not qualify for certification.

Since the inspection is conducted by an authorized Nissan technician, you can bet no stone is left unturned. From the infotainment system to the wiper blades, every inch is examined, including conducting a road test to ensure the vehicle is top quality. It’s a weeding out process that eliminates questionable vehicles, leaving only the cream of the crop.

The certification process also includes a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, which provides information on previous owners, the vehicle’s service history, and any accidents or excessive damage. That last part is key because severely damaged vehicles (e.g., flood or hail damage) are often assigned salvage titles. A salvage title tells us that an insurance company considers the vehicle totaled. Salvage title Nissan vehicles are not eligible for CPO certification.

CPO vs. Used

Aside from additional inspection and mileage/age criteria, how else are CPO Nissan vehicles different from typical used models? CPO Nissans come with extra buyer perks, including a 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and complimentary roadside assistance. In short, buying CPO means added peace of mind with factory-backed warranty coverage.

Used vehicles sometimes come with factory warranty coverage that transfers from the previous owner, but the only way to add coverage is to purchase an extended warranty. CPO Nissans give you extra powertrain coverage for free. That means the most expensive components: the engine, transmission, and drivetrain are covered. Older used vehicles, or those with higher mileage, won’t come with any factory coverage.

Nissan CPO vehicles also come with a 3-Year Buyback Guarantee, courtesy of CARFAX. Because CARFAX compiles such detailed data on every CPO Nissan, it stands by the quality promise. The guarantee protects CPO Nissan buyers from errors on the CARFAX report, a promise that contributes even more to buyer confidence and further closes the risk gap. Buyers and dealers have come to rely on the accuracy of a CARFAX report because of the company’s guarantee.

Now, just because a used car isn’t classified as a CPO doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality choice. The trade-off for buying a CPO is these vehicles tend to cost a little more. It makes sense since they’ve been more carefully inspected and reconditioned, so they’re like-new. Newton Nissan’s used inventory includes high-quality options at every age and mileage level, so buyers can find great choices at every price point.

Shopping for Your Used or CPO Vehicle

Now that you understand the difference between CPO and traditional used vehicles, what’s the best way to move forward? It’s always a good idea to settle on a budget. From there, you can begin searching for both types of vehicles and see what fits. Some CPO cars might fall in your price point, but you might find they lack the options you want or are base model trims.

Let’s say you have less than $22,000 to spend on a used vehicle. It’s hard to find a CPO Nissan under that price point, but you can find entry models like the Sentra and the Versa. For the same $21,000, you can choose either a newer Sentra S with factory warranty coverage and less than 30k miles or an older Frontier crew cab pickup with six figures on the odometer and no warranty.

Here’s the easiest way to decide between a CPO vehicle and a used vehicle: after determining your max budget, think about your lifestyle and personal tastes. If you commute to work every day and value low maintenance and newer technology, you’re probably a candidate for CPO ownership. If you’re committed to a specific body style, such as a pickup truck, and age and mileage are less important, you should lean toward a used vehicle for more variety.

With the same $20,000, you can end up with a like-new subcompact CPO Nissan Sentra sedan or an older Frontier pickup truck with high mileage. Looking at your options from this perspective might help you decide. Many CPO models are lease returns, so they tend to show less wear. Some even retain that coveted new car smell! Consider your appetite for risk and willingness to compromise on body style to guarantee quality.

What To Expect After Your Purchase

As you move toward making a decision, know that the quality of your ownership experience hinges on where and how often you receive scheduled maintenance. Visiting our authorized service facility and trusting your vehicle to a factory-trained Nissan technician is the surest way to guarantee years of problem-free ownership, regardless of whether you buy used or CPO.

Regular maintenance is critical for maintaining mechanical soundness. Oil changes, tire rotations, and the like aren’t optional, and when you bring your vehicle here to Newton Nissan of Gallatin, you’re always getting genuine factory replacement parts. That’s important since an older model needs regular care to stay in top condition.

Vehicle ownership comes in many forms, from brand new cars fresh off the assembly line to classic, well-loved older Nissans just waiting for their next happy owner. CPO Nissans offer buyers a practical compromise between new and used models. The added warranty coverage and age/mileage restrictions truly make these vehicles the next best thing to buying new.

Skip the depreciation you’ll experience when you drive a new vehicle off the lot and focus your search on a CPO Nissan. For buyers who don’t quite fit the CPO mold, don’t worry! Your specific needs might be better met in a used vehicle with slightly more mileage. Just because the vehicle didn’t qualify for CPO status doesn’t mean it’s not high quality. After all, when you see the Nissan badge on any vehicle, you’ll know you’re buying one of the most trusted automotive brands around.