What is the Difference Between Certified Pre-Owned and Used Cars?

2022 Cadillac XT5 interior dash
 

Are the in the market for a vehicle around Chapel Hill and want to know the difference between certified pre-owned and used? Well, you’re not alone, as this is a common question we get at Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint. Let the helpful people at our dealership help you decide which one is best for you in our certified pre-owned vs. used comparison below! For more information, feel free to contact us anytime!

 

 

What You Need to Know About Used Car Buying

When comparing certified pre-owned vs. used cars, there is a significant difference between both. Used cars are vehicles that have been previously owned and vary when it comes to make, model, year, and mileage. Due to this, they are usually more affordable than a CPO vehicle.

One of the main differences between certified pre-owned and used vehicles is the mileage. Many might be wary of buying a vehicle with 100,000 miles or more, however, modern vehicles can last hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care. Keep the following tips in mind when shopping for a used vehicle:

  • OEMs don’t require traditional used cars to be inspected, however, the experts at Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint take care of the customer, and will inspect all used vehicles prior to sale.
  • If you notice any issues with the vehicle initially, you should bring this up to the dealer or a private seller if you so choose. You can purchase the vehicle, even if there are a few issues, however, it’s important to factor this into the price.
  • Modern vehicles can last more than 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. If you’re on a strict budget, a higher mileage used car can be a great option.

What You Need to Know About Buying a CPO Car

A certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a car that had a previous owner, however, they have been thoroughly inspected as required by the manufacturer. They even include comprehensive warranties and other perks to take advantage of. They must meet the standards set by the OEM to be considered CPO. Let’s check out some of the requirements for a Cadillac CPO model below:

  • 172-point quality inspection
  • Less than 48 months old
  • Fewer than 50,000 miles
  • 4-year/50,000 mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty (from original in-service date)
  • 1-year/unlimited-mile Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty when the original coverage expires
  • 24/7 roadside assistance

CPO vehicles are newer model years with lower mileage, however, they are more expensive than traditional used cars. If you want the latest features without the new car price, considering a CPO vehicle around Raleigh is a viable option.

Browse Used Vehicles at Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint Today!

Now that you know the difference between buying certified pre-owned vs. used around Durham, come check out our used vehicle inventory today! Be sure to meet with our finance center to discuss buying options and get more car-buying tips, and take advantage of our used vehicle specials to save big near Cary!

 

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$799.00 Dealer Administrative Fee included in advertised price. All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered.

All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.


Additional Disclaimers:

*0.9% APR for 72 months. Monthly payment is $14.27 for every $1,000 financed. Example down payment is 11.4% for 2026 and 2027 OPTIQ, and 13.2% for 2026 and 2027 VISTIQ. Must finance through Cadillac Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Must be a current owner of a 2012 model year or newer or a current lessee of a 2021 model year or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volvo, Porsche, Tesla, Genesis, Polestar, or Rivian for at least 30 days prior to the new vehicle sale. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance through Cadillac Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with leases and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*0.9% APR for 72 months. Monthly payment is $14.27 for every $1,000 financed. Example down payment is 11.4% for 2026 and 2027 OPTIQ, and 13.2% for 2026 and 2027 VISTIQ. Must finance through Cadillac Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. **Must be a current owner of a 2012 model year or newer or a current lessee of a 2021 model year or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volvo, Porsche, Tesla, Genesis, Polestar, or Rivian for at least 30 days prior to the new vehicle sale. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26. ***Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance through Cadillac Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with leases and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/31/26.

*Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between August 1, 2026 and August 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by August 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

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