Should I Buy a New, Used, or Certified Pre-Owned Car?

Each solution to car-buying has its pros and cons.

Christian Wardlaw | 

Aug 5, 2021 | 1 min read

Capital One

When the time comes to buy a car, you generally have three choices:

1. You can buy new.
2. You can buy used.
3. Or you can buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO).

Each of these solutions to car-buying has its pros and cons, and is dependent on each vehicle buyer’s unique set of circumstances. For some people, paying the premium for a new car is worth the added peace-of-mind that comes with original ownership.

For others, saving as much money as possible is paramount, and the risk associated with buying a used car is worth the potential reward if it turns out to be a trouble-free bargain.

As a compromise between the two, CPO vehicles promise near-new condition and factory-backed quality with potentially substantial savings in comparison to a new version of the same make and model.

Regardless of the path you choose to vehicle ownership, awareness and understanding of the risks and benefits is critical to making the right decision for you.

Use the following checklist to help weigh your options with buying a new, used, or CPO car.

New

Used

CPO

Christian Wardlaw

My first word was “car.” That’s what I’m told, anyway. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. I’m a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but I’m also most interested in the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. Anybody can tell you that a sports car is fast. What you need to know is whether or not you should buy that new SUV, and why. My life purpose is to help you make that decision.