If you’re looking for an affordable vehicle in the Pasadena area, you may be debating between buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) or used vehicle. But, what is the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles anyway? The team at Subaru of Glendale has put together this guide comparing CPO vs. used vehicles to help you make an informed decision so that you can answer the question, “Should I buy CPO or used,” for yourself!

CPO vs. Used: Used Car Considerations

Used cars have been owned previously, and vary considerably in make, model, year, mileage, and more. This makes them an overall more affordable option than CPO vehicles. And while you take some risks if you buy a high-mileage used vehicle, the truth is many vehicles can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular (documented) service. To ensure that you have a good experience if you chose to buy used, keep the following in mind:

• Private sellers can be a higher risk when used car shopping. However, the team at Subaru of Glendale inspects our used vehicles. What’s more, we have customer testimonials that showcase the trustworthiness of our team!
• You should discuss any vehicle issues that you notice — either with the dealership or private seller. If you decide to purchase a vehicle with issues, you want to calculate the repairs into the price. 
• Some vehicles can last upwards of 200,000 miles with proper care. High-mileage used cars aren’t always bad options, especially if they’ve been well-maintained. 

CPO vs. Used: CPO Car Considerations

While certified pre-owned vehicles have had previous owners, they go through extra steps and come with added protections that set them apart from your standard used vehicle. For starters, CPO vehicles have been thoroughly inspected and have passed a rigorous inspection completed by a certified technician. They are also backed by manufacturer warranties! When it comes to the Subaru Certified Pre-Owned Program, they meet the following requirements:

• Pass 152-point inspection
• Come backed with a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage
• Includes a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
• And more!

Should I Buy CPO or Used?

So, now that you know the difference between a used and certified pre-owned vehicle, which is right for you? It depends. If you have a larger budget and want the peace of mind of additional warranty protection, then a certified pre-owned vehicle may be your best bet. If you’re on a tighter budget or aren’t as concerned about warranty coverage, then a used vehicle may be a smarter choice. 

Find Pre-Owned Vehicles Today at Subaru of Glendale!

No matter if you’re interested in used or CPO vehicles, you can find what you’re looking for in the inventory at Subaru of Glendale. We even offer used vehicles priced under $20k! Look through our inventory today, and then make your way to our dealership near Los Angeles and North Hollywood for a test drive.