What is the Difference Between Used & Certified Pre-Owned?

At Kalispell Ford, you’ll find a wide selection of pre-owned cars and certified pre-owned vehicles. If you’re shopping for a used car, you might be curious if there’s a difference between a standard used car and a certified pre-owned car. There is definitely a difference! Certified pre-owned cars have previous owners, but not all used cars can be “certified used.” Read on to learn more about CPO vs. used vehicles. 

CPO vs. Used

What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned? Unlike CPO cars, standard used cars aren’t required to meet specific requirements set by the manufacturer. They don’t have any mileage or age restrictions but aren’t covered by warranties, trip interruption coverage, and other protections. 

Only authorized dealers can sell CPO vehicles. For example, the certified pre-owned cars at our dealership are Ford vehicles because we specialize in Ford. Used can be sold by anyone, including private sellers. 

What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean? 

The expectations for certified pre-owned cars vary, depending on the manufacturer. In the context of a CPO Ford, a used car can earn one of two “certified” distinctions: Blue and Gold. Gold vehicles are up to six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles. Blue vehicles are up to 10 years old and have fewer than 120,000 miles. Blue and Gold Certified vehicles offer the following coverages and benefits: 

Blue Certified Ford CPO:

• 139-point multi-point inspection completed by certified technicians 
• 90-day or 4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage 
• 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee 
• 90-day Complimentary 24/7 Roadside Assistance 
• 11,000 FordPass™ Rewards Points 
• CARFAX® Vehicle History 
• 3-month SiriusXM® Satellite Radio All Access Trial Subscription 
• Reconditioning performed with Ford-authorized parts 
• Available 12-month or 12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage 
• Available 7-year or 10,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty Coverage 

Gold Certified Ford CPO: 

• 172-point multi-point inspection completed by certified technicians 
• 12-month or 12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage 
• 7-year or 10,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty Coverage 
• 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee 
• 7-year Complimentary 24/7 Roadside Assistance 
• 22,000 FordPass™ Rewards Points 
• CARFAX® Vehicle History 
• 3-month SiriusXM® Satellite Radio All Acces Trial Subscription 
• Reconditioning performed with Ford-authorized parts 

Compare CPO vs. Used Cars at Kalispell Ford!

Explore the wide pre-owned selection at Kalispell Ford to decide whether a standard used or certified pre-owned car is right for you. Contact us online or call us at (406) 755-3673 to schedule a test drive with one of our used or CPO vehicles. In the meantime, browse our car-buying tips hub to learn more about used cars, and then check out pre-owned vehicle specials for opportunities to save.