Used vs CPO Toyota: Which Should You Choose?  

Searching for the perfect new or new-to-you vehicle across KC? Look no further than this car-shopping guide, specifically designed for folks trying to decide between a used or a certified pre-owned vehicle. There are pros and cons to purchasing both types of used vehicles, so we compiled this list to make car shopping a more enjoyable experience:

Toyota CPO Basics

First, let’s define what sets a Toyota-certified pre-owned vehicle apart from a traditional used vehicle. A Toyota Certified vehicle is guaranteed to meet the following criteria:

ü  Quality Assurance Inspection

ü  CARFAX® Vehicle History Report

ü  Limited Comprehensive Warranty: 12-months/12,000-mile

o   $0 deductible for repair or replacement of covered components

o   This warranty also provides drivers travel protection and substitute transportation

ü  Silver or Gold Certified Vehicle Warranties

ü  Limited Powertrain Warranty

ü  24-Hour Roadside Assistance: 7-year/100,000-mile

ü  Hybrid-related repairs? Covered. Plus, Toyota’s CPO hybrid warranties are transferable at no cost for added resale value. Score!

ü  Got a Certified Toyota with a fuel cell? We’ve got you covered there, too.

With endless benefits for owners, it’s no wonder certified used vehicles are flying off our car lot. For more details on the specific advantages of CPOs, check out the official Toyota Certified site. Keep reading for even more tips and tricks for car shoppers looking at CPOs and used vehicles alike.

Toyota CPO Pros and Cons

Toyota CPO Perks:

·        Toyota-Backed Warranty: Our certified pre-owned vehicles come with an unbeatable Toyota Guarantee Warranty. Sadly, many CPOs from other car manufacturers don’t come with a manufacturer-backed guarantee, meaning you could be left arguing with a dealership about actually covering the cost of a specific claim as it was outlined in your CPO warranty. Long story short: Some other car makes have weaker CPO warranties, which can potentially cause a headache when attempting to make a warranty claim, or worse yet, can leave you with the bill. Plus, CPOs come standard with a Limited Powertrain Warranty and a 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Comprehensive Warranty.

·        Lower Cost of Maintenance: Since CPOs must be just a few years old or newer, it’s safe to anticipate there being less intense maintenance on the car. Similarly, Toyota’s CPO warranties are like no other. So, you can sit back and enjoy your new-to-you car with the same peace of mind as purchasing a new one.

·        Like-New Feel: Certified pre-owned cars are known for the like-new sensation they bring to drivers. Enjoy the cost savings of a used car with the luxuries of a new car with a CPO!

·        Certified Pre-Owned Inspection: The CPO inspection is the truest differentiator between used and certified pre-owned. CPOs are required to undergo a rigorous checklist before being able to be labeled with the prestigious Toyota Certified Used title. If the car’s marked as a CPO, you can rest assured that a warranty-backed guarantee will be there to protect you.

Now that you’ve got a better grasp on some of the many benefits of driving a Certified Toyota, peek at some of the potential hiccups that can be encountered along the way:

Some Toyota CPO Drawbacks:

Though Certified Toyotas are an incredible value for drivers, there are certain disadvantages to choosing the CPO route. It’s up to you as a consumer to decide if the pros outweigh the cons. Below, we detail some common downsides to purchasing a CPO:

·        Trumped by New Vehicle Warranties: The only vehicles with better warranties than CPOs are the all-new, fresh off the off-the-line Toyota vehicles. But not to worry, because when you shop with Molle, you qualify for the incredible MVP Program.

·        Higher Upfront Costs: In addition to undergoing Toyota’s thorough inspection, CPOs tend to have fewer miles, higher overall quality, and a cleaner CARFAX than used cars, so naturally, they often come with slightly higher price tags. However, according to Kelley Blue Book, it’s estimated that the price for a certified pre-owned car is about 1.8% higher than that of a noncertified pre-owned vehicle. Coupled with the fact for the first 12 months of ownership, maintenance for CPOs is fully covered by the Limited Comprehensive Warranty detailed above. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the lifestyle of the individual driver.

·        Less Selection: Since the bar for certified pre-owned vehicles is so high, there are naturally fewer available on the lot than traditional used cars. Though this might narrow your selection by a tad, the value you receive from a CPO vehicle is unlike any other and is sure to meet even your wildest expectations. 

Used Vehicle Pros and Cons

Used vehicles: Whether you see your used car driving experiences with love or despise them from a one-off encounter with a lemon in your past, you’ve absolutely driven one. And, more likely than not, you’ve probably driven a few. However, it’s worth mentioning that used car driver protections have come a long way since you or I likely bought our first used cars.

Often, frankly, used cars are perfectly suitable for the average automotive shopper. But don’t let us sway you, instead, let this pros and cons list we made sway you instead: 

Used Vehicle Perks:

·        More Options: There are hundreds of used vehicle options for sale at our family of Molle dealerships across Kansas City, from Blue Springs to Shawnee and beyond. Snag the used Toyota Tacoma you’ve been eyeing or the used Toyota RAV4 with an exclusive Limited-Edition nameplate today on one of our enormous used car lots.

·        Lower Upfront Costs: Used cars often cost less cash overall and upfront compared to purchasing a CPO. For the extremely budget-conscious used car shopper, this distinction in pricing could make all the difference. Cha-ching!

·        Specific Request Friendly: For folks searching for a specific trim, a limited-edition model, or a model that’s no longer in production, traditional used vehicles are going to be your best bet. Since there’s a significantly higher volume of used cars than CPOs, you’re infinitely more likely to spot your all-time fave, like a sporty and spry Supra or a roomy 3-row used Toyota Highlander.

·        Easier to Negotiate: Since used cars don’t have to go through the same painstakingly thorough inspection as certified vehicles, there’s often more wiggle room on pricing. The Toyota certification process is a long one, and that can add some extra dollars to a CPO’s labeled value. Try to use this flexibility to your advantage if you decide to negotiate when purchasing a traditional used vehicle!

·        The Real MVP, The Molle Vehicle Protection Program: With the Molle Vehicle Protection Program, your used vehicle qualifies for up to $2,000 of coverage for the first six months or 6,000 miles for various automotive necessities. Covering key auto essentials from cooling systems to transmission troubles, the MVP Program might just be the best part of buying used at Molle. 

Used Vehicle Drawbacks:

Many of the drawbacks of owning or purchasing a used car are well-known, but below, we’ve listed some more unique aspects of used car ownership that can be pivotal when purchasing:

·        Weaker Warranties: Though many used vehicles still come with warranties, often, they pale in comparison to the warranties of certified pre-owned vehicles. Toyota CPO drivers pay $0 deductibles for the first 12 months for all covered maintenance and service components. Luckily, you can invest in the MVP Program to skip all the maintenance headaches for the first six months or 6,000 miles. Score!

·        Possible Unforeseen Issues: Since used vehicles aren’t required to go through the CPO certification process, used vehicles can be more likely than certified vehicles to have an unanticipated issue. Fortunately, drivers of used Toyotas from Molle can have peace of mind knowing that all Toyota used vehicles must also meet a high standard to be sold on our used car lot in KC.

·        Higher Interest: Though used cars often come with a lower price tag overall, they often come with higher interest rates on average compared to certified pre-owned cars or new vehicles. Depending on a variety of factors, despite having a higher interest rate, a used car may still end up saving you money over a CPO. Ultimately, determining the best deal comes down to the specific elements of the vehicle, such as rarity, overall condition, accident history, mileage, and more.

And if you’re struggling to come to a decision, rest assured that our sales professionals can point you in the right direction at Molle Toyota, located right here in KCMO. 

Whatever You Drive, Drive a Molle

If you still need more used vs CPO clarification, our experienced staff at Molle Toyota would be happy to provide you with even more info. Contact a member of our staff at 816-678-0593 or in person at 601 West 103^rd St. It’s our goal as your go-to Toyota dealership to get you in the driver’s seat of your dream car fast.