What To Know When Shopping for Used Cars

There’s a reason used cars are a big part of our inventory here at Cook Chrysler Dodge RAM in Aberdeen, MD: They’re a great option if you need a new vehicle. 
When looking at cars, you’ll find two different choices: used and Certified Pre-Owned. Today we’ll breakdown the what you need to know when shopping for either.

Why Buy a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

A CPO vehicle is as close as you can get to a new vehicle, without having to pay the price of a something that’s brand new. In order to qualify as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, a vehicle has to be five model years or newer, have under 75,000 miles, no frame damage, and a clean title. 

In addition, it also has to pass a 125-point inspection that includes maintenance standards, mechanical standards, and appearance standards.

If you decide to go with a CPO vehicle, you’ll receive two warranties. The first is a seven-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. The other is a three-year/3,000 mile maximum care warranty. Also included is 24-hour towing and roadside assistance.

Why Buy a Used Car

Because the standards for CPO vehicles are so strict, there aren’t an excess of vehicles that qualify for the status. If you’re looking for a particular year, model, or specific features, you’ll find a larger inventory in the used-car area of our Chrysler dealership in Aberdeen, MD.

A lower price is also a good reason to opt for a used car, instead of a CPO vehicle, and may fit more easily into your budget. And while you won’t have any new warranties, you may be able to find an auto with some of the original warranty remaining.

Also, keep in mind that a vehicle that does not pass the 125-point inspection required to become a CPO vehicle, may have actually passed 100 or more of those points, still making it a good-quality vehicle. Go ahead and schedule a test drive for a used Dodge Challenger!

One more thing to know when shopping for a new-to-you vehicle? Cook Chrysler Dodge RAM has specials on used cars!