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

When shopping for a vehicle, many buyers explore the pre-owned market to save money — but not all used cars are created equal. At our Toyota dealership, we offer both traditional used vehicles and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Toyotas. While both options are more affordable than buying new, a certified pre-owned vehicle comes with added benefits that provide extra confidence and peace of mind. So, what’s the real difference between a used car and a CPO Toyota?

A Certified Pre-Owned Toyota goes through a rigorous inspection process before it earns its certification. Each CPO vehicle must pass a 160-point quality assurance inspection by Toyota-trained technicians. Only vehicles less than 6 years old and with fewer than 85,000 miles are eligible. Once certified, they come with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and 1 year of roadside assistance. Essentially, it’s the closest thing to buying new — at a lower price.

A traditional used vehicle, on the other hand, doesn’t go through this factory-backed certification process. While we still thoroughly inspect all used vehicles before they go on our lot, they may not meet the strict standards required for certification. Used vehicles typically come with fewer protections and may or may not have remaining warranty coverage, depending on their age and mileage. However, they’re often priced more affordably and offer a wider variety of makes and models.

So which is right for you? If you want added assurance, warranty coverage, and a newer vehicle with low mileage, a Certified Pre-Owned Toyota is an excellent choice. If you’re looking to spend less upfront and don’t mind fewer extras, a traditional used vehicle might better suit your needs. Either way, our team is here to help you find the best value — and make sure you drive away with total confidence.