Used or Certified Pre-Owned: What’s Better for You?

When you’re shopping for a used car, the ultimate question will pop up: What’s better between pre-owned vs. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)? After all, both vehicles help you get behind the wheel of a legendary cruiser—but the way you purchase the car and the protections you receive vary heavily. Specifically, Certified Pre-Owned cars often come with new-car-like warranties and perks to bring extra peace of mind—and that’s only the start of the benefits these vehicles bring to you. For more info, stick with us today as we take a deeper look at CPO models. Also, visit us at Mercedes-Benz of Augusta near Evans to test drive your favorite pre-owned vehicles to help find the ultimate upgrade to your adventures and commutes.

So…What Exactly Is Certified Pre-Owned?

When you buy a CPO vehicle, you’re buying a previously owned vehicle—however, unlike generic used cars, CPO Mercedes-Benz models must come with low mileage and pass stringent inspections, making them feel more like a gently used cruiser. To also go along with near-like-new conditions are the benefits you’ll receive, like warranties and coverage backed by Mercedes-Benz to help ensure we ride with you—even long after your purchase.

Remember that only a Mercedes-Benz dealership can sell you a Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz model—not a generic third-party car lot. This means when shopping for a car, you’ll work with specialists who can help you find a CPO model with all the features you care about and with the specs that are suited to your driving needs.

What Qualifies a Ride for CPO Status?

To help you avoid investing in a lemon, each Mercedes-Benz vehicle must pass an ultra-strict inspection to gain CPO status. Specifically, the vehicle must be newer than six years old, have an odometer reading of fewer than 75,000 miles, received service according to schedule, and contain a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report to help you see the cruiser rides with a clean title.

Next, the model must pass a 165+ point inspection—performed by certified experts in a Mercedes-Benz service center. The specific checklist the technicians look for includes inspecting the condition of engine components like fuel filters and spark plugs to making sure your interior electrical systems work (i.e. checking that your heated seats work on-demand). Even for your appearance, the exterior is checked for dings, dents, and scratches, while the interior must have wood and chrome trims intact without any cabin moisture or odors—all to help ensure you receive a quality ride.

Perks Galore: Why Opt for a Certified Pre-Owned Model

Unlike casual pre-owned vehicles, CPO Mercedes-Benz models each come with a Limited Warranty, which covers engine components, powertrain parts, suspension, climate controls, audio and navigation systems, and much more. You can also opt for the CPO Extended Limited Warranty, which offers two more years after the initial CPO Limited Warranty expires, offering you plenty more coverage.

Even after the warranties, you’ll still receive perks like 24/7 Roadside Assistance complimentary. So, when you’re stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or you need fuel, just give this service a call, and an expert will arrive with nearly any help you’ll need. When you break down on your next trip (more than 100 miles away from home) Mercedes-Benz will reimburse your travel expenses up to $300 for the first three days, helping ensure you can still look forward to ample fun. Also, are you not sure if you’ll love your vehicle? Each CPO model comes with a 7-day/500-mile exchange period to help ensure you find the ultimate cruiser for your driving needs.

Because you’re shopping from Mercedes-Benz models from recent model years, you’ll find some of the world’s most premium cruisers appear in our inventory. Sometimes it’s an A-Class for refined urban cruising—while other times, you’ll even find world-class supercars like the AMG® GT. However, because these are used models, they won’t sit in our inventory forever—so make your move when you see the car you’re looking for before someone else picks up your dream ride.

The Ultimate Vehicle Awaits: Visit Us Near Aiken

Ready to get behind the wheel of an epic used vehicle? Stop by Mercedes-Benz of Augusta today to test drive your favorite models from our pre-owned and CPO inventory. While you’re here, we’ll also assist in any way possible, whether it’s helping you explore warranties or finding you the vehicle of your dreams—it’s only the start of how we help as your local Mercedes-Benz dealer in Augusta, Georgia.