Pre-Owned VS. Toyota Certified Pre-Owned

June 15, 2021

The thrill of buying a car, even if it’s a used one, is almost unmatched. It is an amazing feeling, especially when you land your favourite one at a bargain. However, behind this buzz is a great deal of effort, especially if you are purchasing a used one. You need to factor in a lot, not to mention the cloud of uncertainty before sealing the deal.

It is not uncommon to start questioning whether you’re making the right decision by going for a regular used or a Toyota certified pre-owned car. First of all, almost every new buyer has been caught in this situation, so you’re not alone. Secondly, the key to identifying the right choice lies in understanding both options well.

In this guide, we walk you through everything you should know about pre-owned and Toyota certified pre-owned (CPO) cars.

Pre-Owned or Used Cars

Pre-owned cars are carefully selected cars that have previously been used for a short while [typically not more than five years] and are being sold at a fraction of their initial cost. The majority of these usually have one or two past retail owners, but a few may have more. These cars get approved for sale by dealers or current owners after mechanical inspection and historical checks.

Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program

This program is run by Toyota, as the name suggests, and offers the best used cars that the automaker has approved. Being one of the most trusted brands in the Australian and global market, there are hardly any concerns about what you get.

Unlike general pre-owned cars, Toyota CPO cars come with assurance from the Japanese brand and are the closest thing to a new Toyota car.  Here’s what more you get in addition to slashed prices when you buy under this program:

• 12 months of Toyota Roadside Assist
• Balance of new car warranty or statutory warranty depending on your vehicles age
• Guaranteed future value via Toyota Financial services*
• Extensive 90 point inspection
• Balance of capped price servicing program

Vehicles under this program are subject to an extensive background check as well as a full inspection by the company technician. They also come with full service history and are tuned to meet the automaker’s standards. Car owners buying from this category also enjoy other boons under the Service Advantage umbrella.

The Positive Side of Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

There are several advantages of going with brand CPO cars. Some of these include:

• Genuine parts in the event replacements need to be done. This usually applies for the first couple of months after buying the vehicle.
• Thorough inspection from a qualified company personnel to check for parts that need to be fixed or replaced and systems that should be upgraded.
• Roadside assistance for both major and minor issues.

To sum it up, the backing of the automaker gives you peace of mind when buying CPO cars.

Final thoughts

If you have set your mind on buying a used car, we recommend going for one that the brand has approved. Though it may cost more, you will be assured that it checks all the right boxes and meets the automaker’s standards. On top of that, you’ll get to reap an array of benefits that include roadside assistance and flexible financing deals.