With stringent research and a thorough selection process, purchasing trusty used cars in the New Orleans area and elsewhere can be as good a deal as buying a new one. While buying such cars is already well and good in itself, certified pre-owned or CPO cars offer a lot more benefits.
CPO cars are quite common at reputable dealerships like Baldwin Subaru that are known for quality used cars around New Orleans. CPO cars, among other things, have undergone a special inspection process that adhere to specific standards (often set by the cars' manufacturer itself). These cars come from a variety of sources, including lease programs, trade-ins, and auctions.
CPO vehicles are essentially "leveled-up" versions of typical used cars. They are considered the better alternatives to their counterparts that do not necessarily come with warranties or a manufacturer's seal of approval that proves overall roadworthiness. Almost all car manufacturers have CPO programs, including luxury brands like Bentley, Maserati, and even Porsche. CPO cars are specifically intended to give a little more breathing room to car buyers who don't want to splurge on a brand-new car.
For a vehicle to be certified, it must be within a specific age range (not more than five or six years old) and have traveled less than a specified mileage (between 50,000 and 100,000). Once a vehicle is chosen, it is put through a stringent inspection that covers almost everything due for repair or replacement. Once the car meets the standards set by either the manufacturer or the dealer, it is then labeled as certified.
CPO cars are sought after for several reasons. While certification standards vary greatly among manufacturers and dealers, the main idea is that these pre-owned cars are of the best condition possible. Basically, buyers are spared from the usual worries involved in buying used cars-i.e. potential hidden defects, etc. Thanks to the multi-point inspection and reconditioning process, which typically assesses the condition of hundreds of different components at a time, CPO cars remain in satisfactory condition.
Another perk of buying CPO vehicles is the warranty coverage that also comes with additional benefits. For instance, some CPO programs offer warranties that cover a specified number of components for a pre-determined amount of time-say, a year-or miles. At times, CPO programs also offer 24-hour roadside assistance. Apart from that, CPO cars typically come with low-interest financing, which enable for lower monthly payments. All in all, a CPO vehicle is probably the best used car one could buy today.
(Source: Understanding Certified Pre-Owned Cars, About.com)
