There are several benefits to buying a used vehicle vs. a new one, such as a lower price and more availability. However, if you've started shopping for a vehicle, you may have noticed that some vehicles are “certified pre-owned.” These vehicles differ from used vehicles, and it's important to know the differences before you decide on what to get. Below, we'll explain the key differences between a certified pre-owned vehicle and a used vehicle, along with what you can expect from the INFINITI certified pre-owned program.
What Is a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?
A certified pre-owned vehicle has been thoroughly inspected against a checklist provided by the manufacturer. For a used vehicle to become certified, it must meet certain requirements related to its age and condition. Many dealerships now offer certified pre-owned vehicles alongside other used vehicles, giving consumers more options when it comes time to buy.
Some common requirements for a vehicle to be eligible for certification include:
- Manufactured within the past few years.
- Driven under a certain number of miles.
- Has no history of major accidents or damage.
When you purchase a vehicle under the INFINITI certified pre-owned program, you also get several other benefits, including:
- Up to six years unlimited mileage warranty.
- Emergency Roadside Assistance.
- Complimentary First Year Basic Maintenance.
- Comprehensive, 167-point inspection.
- CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™.
- CARFAX® three-year Buyback Guarantee.
- Available INFINITI Elite™ Extended Protection Program.
- Complimentary Service Courtesy Vehicle.
The Differences Between Certified Pre-Owned and Used Vehicles
There are a few key differences between certified pre-owned vehicles and used vehicles. These include:
Price
One of the first differences you'll notice is the price of the vehicle. Certified pre-owned vehicles are generally more expensive than used ones. This is because certified pre-owned vehicles are typically newer and certified to be in great shape. If you were to compare two similar cars, one certified pre-owned and the other used, the certified pre-owned vehicle would likely have a higher price tag.
Reliability
Certified pre-owned vehicles are generally more reliable as well. This is because they're newer vehicles with less mileage. In addition, certified pre-owned vehicles go through a thorough inspection, which ensures the integrity of their internal machinery. While most dealerships inspect all their used vehicles before selling them to consumers, you get an extra level of security by going with a certified pre-owned vehicle that's gone through a more rigorous inspection.
Availability
If you want to explore more options, you should consider going with a used vehicle rather than a certified pre-owned one. Due to the strict eligibility requirements for certified pre-owned vehicles, many cars don't meet the standards. Therefore, there are simply more used vehicles available than certified pre-owned ones.
In addition, since certified pre-owned vehicles provide better reliability, they're often in higher demand. So, even if your local dealership sells certified pre-owned vehicles, they may not stay there long before another customer buys them. Finally, all certified pre-owned vehicles were manufactured within the past few years. If you want to explore options outside of that limited time frame, then you'll need to find a used vehicle.
Protections
Certified pre-owned vehicles come with some additional protection compared to used vehicles. For example, certified pre-owned INFINITI vehicles come with extended warranties. These warranties can protect your vehicle if a severe mechanical failure occurs. By getting a certified pre-owned vehicle, you give yourself more financial protection in the event something happens to it after you buy it. It's a good idea to explore the details of any warranty on a certified pre-owned vehicle you're considering so you know exactly what it covers.
Besides the warranties, certified pre-owned INFINITI vehicles also come with other protections. For instance, there's a year of free basic maintenance and emergency roadside assistance. These perks can help keep your vehicle in even better shape and protect you when you're out on the road.
Which Type of Pre-Owned Vehicle Is Right for You?
While certified pre-owned vehicles and used vehicles are very similar, there are a few key differences. These differences likely make one option better for you than the other. If you're looking for a vehicle on a tighter budget or planning to upgrade to another vehicle in a few years, you may prefer a used vehicle. Used vehicles are typically more affordable, and since you're planning on upgrading in a few years, you don't need to worry about the vehicle's long-term health.
On the other hand, if you plan on driving your next vehicle for a while, you may want to explore certified pre-owned vehicles. These vehicles are not only newer and have less mileage on them, but they've gone through an extensive inspection process. You'll also get a vehicle with many of the latest technology innovations, such as better entertainment and safety features. This makes certified pre-owned vehicles great investments and provides buyers with some peace of mind, knowing the vehicle is in great shape.
Get Your Next Pre-Owned INFINITI at INFINITI of Tallahassee
Whether you're looking for a certified pre-owned or used vehicle, INFINITI of Tallahassee is here to assist you if you're in the Tallahassee area. We have a wide range of used vehicles for sale along with many certified pre-owned INFINITI vehicles for you to consider. Our expert sales staff can help answer any questions about our vehicles and help you decide whether you should go with a used vehicle or a certified pre-owned one.
To get started, please browse through our current used inventory or explore our certified pre-owned options. You can also value your trade-in directly on our website to give you a better idea of your final sale price. Finally, once you're ready, please contact us to schedule an appointment with our dealership. Once you arrive, we can set you up with a test drive of any vehicle that interests you and help you through the car-buying process. Thank you for considering INFINITI of Tallahassee, and we look forward to assisting you.
