Used vs Certified Pre-Owned: What Is the Difference?

The short answer: a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a used vehicle that has passed a manufacturer's inspection and is backed by that manufacturer's certified program. A standard used vehicle has no such program. CPO programs usually cost more up front in exchange for added coverage and a documented inspection, but the details differ by brand and by program.

Used vs Certified Pre-Owned

Factor	Standard used	Certified pre-owned
Who sets the standard	The selling dealership	The vehicle manufacturer's program
Eligibility	Any used vehicle	Limited to vehicles that meet age, mileage and condition requirements
Inspection	Varies by dealer	Multi-point inspection defined by the program
Added coverage	Remaining factory warranty, if any, or none	Program coverage, with terms that differ by brand
Price	Usually lower	Usually higher than a comparable non-certified vehicle

What to Confirm Before You Buy a CPO Vehicle

Do not assume every certified program is the same. Ask the store for the written program terms for the exact vehicle and check: what the coverage includes and excludes, how long it lasts and from what starting point, whether it is transferable, what deductibles apply, and which inspection report applies to this specific vehicle.

When a Standard Used Vehicle Makes Sense

If you want the lowest purchase price, are comfortable having an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, or are shopping an older or higher-mileage model that would not qualify for certification, a standard used vehicle can be the right fit. Review the vehicle history report and read our used car checklist.

Shop Certified and Used Inventory

Browse certified pre-owned vehicles and all used vehicles across Dial Auto Group, or see current certified pre-owned specials. Certified availability differs by store and brand.

Keep Researching

Shop at the Right Dial Location

Dial Auto Group has five Chicago dealerships. Each brand is sold at specific stores, so start with the store that carries the vehicle you want.

Dealership	Brands	Address	Shop
Dial Chevy of Chicago	Chevrolet	6603 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636	New \| Used
Dial Nissan of Chicago	Nissan	7410 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636	New \| Used
INFINITI of Chicago	INFINITI	2711 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616	New \| Used
Dial Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicago	Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram	7340 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636	New \| Used
Jeep of Chicago	Jeep	5950 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60659	New \| Used

See all Dial Auto Group locations or search new and used inventory across the group.

Last reviewed October 2026 by Dial Auto Group. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Vehicle features, availability and pricing vary by model and dealership; confirm details with the store.