Buying a preowned Chevrolet in Washington involves tough choices, especially between certified preowned and used vehicles. But what’s the difference between certified preowned vs. used Chevys? This guide, compiled by us at Titus-Will Chevrolet in Tacoma, explains everything from warranties to prices and what you can expect when buying a preowned Chevy in 2025.
What Does Certified Preowned Mean?
New modern car on road near sidewalk under shiny sky by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License
Certified preowned, or CPO, vehicles are used vehicles that have passed a series of manufacturer-specified tests, and the Chevrolet Certified Preowned program sets a high standard for the quality of its used cars. Certified preowned Chevrolet vehicles go through a rigorous 172-point inspection by certified Chevrolet technicians who check everything from engine performance to radio function. Cars must be under 6 years old, have fewer than 80,000 miles, and have a clean title. Safety recalls are repaired, and you’ll receive a CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
Besides factory coverage, certified preowned Chevys come with a six-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty from the original service date and a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty. This covers major components such as the engine, transmission, and electrical system.
During the powertrain warranty period, you’ll get 24/7 roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. There’s a scheduled maintenance program that includes visits every two years or 24,000 miles, as well as a three-month SiriusXM trial. The certified preowned warranty transfers free to new owners, potentially increasing resale value.
What Defines a Regular Used Chevy Vehicle?
Used Chevys from dealerships, small lots, and private owners don’t receive a detailed manufacturer-specific inspection. Good dealers perform multipoint checks and repair obvious problems, typically spending about $1,000 on each used car. You’ll have more choice of age, condition, and price in regular used car inventories.
Your buying source influences safety and experience. Dealerships charge around 12% more than private sales due to overheads, but do offer legal protection. Private sellers price cars 10%–15% lower, but many admitted to selling them with major mechanical issues.
There’s minimal protection with used cars, and they’re often sold as-is with no warranty, putting repair costs on you. Some dealer-used cars include short-term limited warranties or remaining factory coverage, but these don’t match certified preowned benefits. Regular used cars are suitable for car-savvy or budget-conscious buyers.
Key Differences: Certified Preowned vs. Used Chevys
Money matters go beyond just the sticker price — let’s see why Certified preowned vehicles are worth it. The average cost of a certified preowned vehicle is around $30,650, which is about 4.1% more expensive than non-certified ones that average around $29,444. Certified Chevrolets often qualify for better loan rates, including a 0% annual percentage rate for buyers with good credit. That’s significant since used car loans averaged 12.01% in the second quarter of 2024, while new loans averaged 6.84%.
The quality check process shows the largest difference between used and certified preowned Chevrolets. To recap, certified preowned vehicles pass robust inspections and come with an AutoCheck or CARFAX report. Dealerships typically conduct basic once-overs on used cars, which may overlook potential problems, whereas private sellers usually sell their vehicles as-is.
Backup plans differ between the two. Certified preowned includes a vehicle exchange program for the first three days or 150 miles, as well as warranty coverage, roadside help, and maintenance programs for ongoing support. Regular used cars don’t offer this protection, though the lower pricing might offset some risk if you’re comfortable with minimal coverage.
Pros and Cons: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
The benefits of certified preowned vehicles justify their pricing. According to a Consumer Reports study, they had roughly 14% fewer problems than other used cars in a survey of over 300,000 vehicles from 2000 to 2023. The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox scored 90/100 for reliability.
Non-certified used vehicles are suitable for budget-conscious buyers. You’ll save money upfront, and you’ll often find a wider range of options. This allows you to search for specific used models, colors, or features that may not be available in certified preowned pools.
Finding the Right Chevy: Where To Shop and What To Look For
Your shopping plan should consider whether you want a certified preowned or a used car. Certified preowned Chevrolet dealerships offer all-in-one car selection, financing, and documentation in a secure setting with consumer protections. Popular certified preowned Chevrolets include the Silverado 1500, Trax, Traverse, Equinox, Tahoe, and Suburban. First-time drivers often choose the Colorado, Trailblazer, Malibu, or Bolt EV. Used car dealerships, small lots, or private sellers provide diverse pricing, selection, and buyer protection.
Certified preowned negotiation differs from used car negotiation. Certified preowned prices tend to be solid because of their standard quality and warranty, but check Cars.com, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book to avoid overpaying. Know your budget, do your research, and be ready to leave if you’re not happy with the deal. Non-certified used cars are more flexible on price, especially with private sellers who need quick cash. Small businesses often have lower overheads and can offer good deals and personalized service.
Regardless of your approach, a thorough inspection of the car is crucial. Inspect cars during daylight in busy areas, and bring a flashlight, notebook, camera, paper towel for oil checks, and a small magnet to test steel panels. Check for body damage, panel gaps, tire wear, fluid levels, and working lights. Test-drive it at highway and town speeds, listening for weird noises. Even with certified preowned cars’ thorough inspections, checking it yourself ensures it meets your expectations.
Choose the Right Chevrolet in 2025 for Your Needs
As we’ve seen, choosing between certified preowned and non-certified used Chevys means balancing budget against security. First-time buyers, those concerned about warranty transfer for resale, and those willing to pay extra for factory backing will benefit the most from certified preowned vehicles. With Tacoma’s rainy winters and mountain driving, 14%-15% fewer problems plus an extensive warranty will put your mind at ease.
A used car makes sense if you know vehicles, want to save 10%-15% off dealer prices, or want more options. Lower upfront costs can be a great deal when combined with mechanical skills or a trusted mechanic for prepurchase checks. It comes down to risk tolerance, car knowledge, and long-term plans.
Make Your Final Decision at Titus-Will Chevrolet in Tacoma
If you’ve done your homework, now’s the time to inspect and test-drive your choice before buying. At Titus-Will, you can arrange to test-drive any car you’re considering, there’s no rush. Whether you want certified preowned security or used car savings, we’re here to help. So, contact us online today to arrange a test-drive, and remember to ask our team about financing options for your new, used Chevy.
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