What’s the Difference: Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned VW

Volkswagen fans in Kansas City often ask us which is better: a used vehicle, or a Certified Pre-Owned VW. The truth is, both have their own distinct advantages, and choosing the right one comes down to a few different factors, including your budget and the specific vehicle you’re after.

At Molle Volkswagen of Kansas City, we pride ourselves on always steering our customers in the right direction by giving clear, trusted advice. That’s why we’ve decided to do a quick rundown of the benefits of used vs. Certified Pre-Owned cars so you can make the best decision when you visit your local VW dealership. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen Benefits

Like many automakers, Volkswagen has their own unique Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, which is designed to give shoppers more confidence that the used car they’re buying is top quality. In order to qualify as a VW CPO vehicle, the car must undergo a rigorous inspection by trained Volkswagen technicians, and the program comes with several additional benefits not included in your average used car purchase.

•	Manufacturer-backed inspection: To receive Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned status, all vehicles must undergo a 100+ point dealer inspection, which covers mechanical elements like the engine, transmission, steering, and brakes, as well as any scheduled maintenance items. If the vehicle doesn’t pass a thorough inspection, it cannot become a CPO car.
•	Extended warranties: All Certified VWs come with a model-specific limited warranty. The age and mileage terms depend on the year and powertrain, but regardless, the comprehensive warranty covers most repairs and affords extra peace of mind. All models also come with 2 years or 24,000 miles of complimentary roadside assistance.
•	Additional Benefits: Other perks include a free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ and a three-month SiriusXM® Platinum Plan trial.
•	Later models with lower mileage: As of this writing, the oldest vehicles that qualify for the VW CPO program are the 2019 model year. Generally speaking, most Certified vehicles will be even newer than that, which means they’re less likely to have developed any underlying mechanical issues.
•	Lower cost than new cars: It’s no secret that new cars are often the most expensive, and they also tend to depreciate faster than used vehicles. A Certified Pre-Owned car can be a fantastic happy medium between cost and reliability.
•	Potential lower financing rates: New cars usually have the lowest APR for a car loan, and the more miles a vehicle has, the more interest rates tend to go up. If you’re looking for a used car with low interest, CPO can be a great way to go.

Benefits of Buying a Used Volkswagen

We all know what a used car is—it’s any vehicle that’s been previously owned or leased, which means it’ll have some degree of wear and tear. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad investment. In fact, used cars can give you the most bang for your buck, as long as you’re willing to do some research.

•	More affordable than CPO: Because Certified Pre-Owned cars are usually newer and require more work on the dealership’s part, they may be pricier than a comparable model that hasn’t been certified. It’s not uncommon to find a used car in the four-figure price range, which can be perfect for first-time buyers or shoppers on a tight budget. Dealerships also regularly run used car specials.
•	Lower rate of depreciation: Vehicles tend to experience the steepest loss of value in the first couple of years. After that, the rate of depreciation slows significantly, and for this reason, many shoppers consider them a safer investment.
•	More inventory to choose from: Since most used cars don’t qualify for certification, even larger dealerships like ours tend to keep very few on the lot. This can make it difficult to find a CPO model you want, whereas that same dealer might have hundreds of used cars for sale at any given time.
•	Often just as dependable: Just because a car lacks CPO status, it doesn’t mean it’s not a quality vehicle. For instance, you can often find one-owner vehicles that are just as reliable as anything certified. For added assurance, you can also have a used car inspected by an independent mechanic.

Shop Used VW Models near Leawood, KS

Ready to discover for yourself what makes a Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen worth it? Visit our dealership located at 808 W 103rd Street in Kansas City, MO and take a test drive today. You can also set up an appointment with our sales team by contacting us online or calling us at 816-941-9500.

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