Certified Pre-Owned BMW San Luis Obispo

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

Many car shoppers take advantage of the benefits that come with buying a used car. You can get a better model used than if you had bought it new. And when you buy a used vehicle, someone else takes the hit in depreciation that new-car buyers experience. But there are some drawbacks to buying a used car because you don’t know quite what you’re getting. If you buy the wrong car from the wrong dealership, you could end up paying more money in repairs than you saved by buying a used car. This is the reason dealers offer certified pre-owned cars (also known as CPO cars).

When you buy a BMW Certified vehicle from BMW of SLO, it takes the guesswork out of buying a used BMW. Although certified pre-owned cars cost more than used vehicles, it may save you money in the long run. We’ll explain the difference between used and certified pre-owned cars so you can decide which is best for your needs.

While many car dealerships sell used cars by brands other than their own, dealers only sell certified CPO vehicles of the same brand. CPO cars have to meet specific requirements. They must be recent models with low mileage. For example, BMW Certified vehicles must be under four years old, with no more than 60,000 miles on the odometer. Cars that don’t qualify for the CPO program can still be sold as used vehicles. Other considerations that would prevent a car from being accepted as a CPO model include mechanical issues or major damage.

Certified Pre-Owned BMW Sets Rigourous Standards

Certified pre-owned vehicles must be reconditioned to bring them up to standards. This may include paint repair, body work, interior repair, brake repair and new tires. The vehicle must then pass a thorough inspection. Once a car passes, it can be accepted as a CPO model.

Another difference between used cars and CPO cars is the warranty. Used cars don’t usually come with a warranty, while CPO cars are covered by a factory-backed warranty. For example, the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty provides coverage for one year/unlimited miles after the original limited warranty expires.

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BMW Certified pre-Owned Has A BMW Backed Warranty

Because certified pre-owned vehicles are backed by a manufacturer warranty, buyers can get warranty service at any of the brand’s dealerships, which is good news for anyone who travels frequently. Owners of non-CPO cars must pay for all repairs because these cars don’t come with factory warranties.

In addition to the warranty, CPO vehicles may come with many other bonuses that aren’t included with used cars. BMW provides CPO buyers with roadside assistance, loaner vehicles and more.

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BMW of SLO is located at 1251 Calle Joaquin in San Luis Obispo. Head out to our dealership, and discover our BMW Certified models. Or browse our CPO inventory on our website. Call our sales department to schedule a test drive or if you have questions about the BMW Certified Program.

Visit our website for our hours of operation and directions to our dealership. We look forward to seeing you soon!