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Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

When deciding upon your next used vehicle, there’s a choice to be made between a basic used vehicle or opting for a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle instead. At Arlington Toyota, we’ve written a used vs. certified pre-owned vehicle guide for our friends and neighbors near and around Palatine, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

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Used Vehicles

When you choose a traditional used vehicle from a lot, you’re going to experience a variety of benefits with some disadvantages. A used vehicle is going to generally be much lower in terms of cost compared to a CPO, which makes them an easier fit into your current lifestyle.

Not only that, but a general used vehicle covers a lot of territory. You’re likely to find an inexhaustive inventory of different makes, models, and conditions. This results in the incredible variety you’ll find on offer, as most previously owned vehicles are usually labeled used once they arrive at the dealership.

What complicates a decision to purchase a used vehicle is that it requires due diligence on your part. There is no guarantee of quality with a used vehicle outside of what you’re able to dig up, either from a vehicle history report (which isn’t always available) or your own close self-inspection. Warranties can be an issue as well, with some used vehicles lacking them, unless offered by the dealership.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

If you decide on a CPO vehicle, you’ll experience a higher price point than a used vehicle. However, what you get in return is worth it. Some dealerships market their own certified vehicles, but we work with the manufacturer so that we have offerings from the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles program. This means our CPO vehicles offer a better deal.

To get certified through this program, a vehicle must be newer than 6 model years old, have less than 85,000 miles on the odometer, successfully pass through an extensive 160-point quality assurance inspection, and then have clean results on a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™. An additional part of the process that’s worth noting is that the vehicle is also reconditioned to Toyota exacting standards by factory-trained technicians.

Benefits arrive in the form of two great warranties. The first you’ll encounter is a 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Comprehensive Warranty. While the second is a 7-year/100,00-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty. Adding to these is that upon the point of purchase, you’ll receive one year of complimentary Roadside Assistance. There are even more benefits to the Toyota Certified Program, and we welcome you to inquire further with members of our team.

What’s Best for You?

While they have their differences, both types of vehicles can be beneficial to you. Used vehicles give you a wider sense of variety in make and mode; you’re more likely to see the model you most want on offer often. The low entry point makes them a nice fit into your budget and current lifestyle.

Certified pre-owned vehicles are great for drivers looking to invest. While it is still a used vehicle, a CPO has been through the works to ensure it is a safe and high-quality ride. The beneficial warranties only reaffirm this is a long-term vehicle and will get you where you need to be.

Schedule a Test Drive Today!

Now that our friends and neighbors near and around Palatine, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, IL, have read our used vs. certified pre-owned vehicle guide, let’s ride together. After you’ve browsed and found your used vehicle, contact the team at Arlington Toyota today!