The Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned Cars
If you’re buying a used car in the UAE, you may see two distinct phrases used to describe them - ‘used car’ or ‘certified pre-owned car’. So what’s the difference between the two? And does it really matter?
At Al-Futtaim Automall, all of our pre-owned cars are certified, so you have the peace of mind that you're buying a reliable and safe vehicle. However, we thought that we'd give you a more detailed explanation as to what certified pre-owned or CPO actually means and why you should always look for that label when you're buying a used car.
The definition of a used car
A 'used car' is technically any vehicle that has had at least one previous owner and is being sold without undergoing any kind of major inspection by a professional technician. Bear in mind that this can include cars sold at used car showrooms and private sales – the key difference is that the vehicle has not been inspected before being offered for sale.
Why does this matter?
It matters because the car is ‘bought as seen’ which means there may be no way to know if there are serious underlying issues with the vehicle, and once you’ve bought the car, there is no redress should you discover it’s been sold with faulty suspension or electrical issues, for example. It may look in good condition, but has the engine suffered damage through lack of lubrication? Is there severe rust underneath that freshly painted surface? Are the brakes worn to a dangerous level? All of these could be hidden and the first you know about them is when the brakes fail in an emergency.
This is not to say that every used car is dangerous or in poor condition, but without a thorough inspection, there is no way of knowing if there are any potential issues or problems that need to be addressed.
The definition of a certified pre-owned car
A certified pre-owned car has been subject to a series of checks carried out by a professional and qualified technician. These checks take into account all of the major systems of the vehicle, from brakes and suspension to electrical and mechanical elements. At Al-Futtaim Automall, our expert and highly experienced technicians put every used car for sale through a thorough 99-point inspection. No pre-owned car is offered for sale until it passes every aspect of the inspection, right down to the glove box light.
A certified pre-owned car also comes with a dealership warranty, usually for a year. However, at Al-Futtaim Automall, we offer our customers the option to extend that warranty for up to three years for an additional fee.
Why does it matter?
The simple answer is peace of mind. When you buy a certified pre-owned car, you know that it’s been examined from top to bottom before being offered for sale by a dealer. You know that it’s not only safe to drive, but that it is in the best condition possible and represents fair and accurate value for money and ensures you don’t end up paying the market value for a rust bucket!
It's also part of the car's 'provenance' so should you come to sell it, the next buyer will know that it has been inspected at least once in its lifetime. That makes it a more valuable asset and a better investment than an 'unknown' used car.
At Al-Futtaim Automall, we know it’s not just about buying and selling used cars – it’s about customer care and the quality of the buying experience. We want you to feel that you can buy with confidence, which is why all used cars at Al-Futtaim Automall are certified pre-owned vehicles. Contact our friendly team if you have any questions, and book a test.