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

Chris says his first word was "car." For as long as he can remember, he's been obsessed with them. The design. The engineering. The performance. And the purpose. He is a car enthusiast who loves to drive, but is most passionate about the cars, trucks, and SUVs that people actually buy. He began his career as the editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s, and for more than 30 years has created automotive content for CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, the New York Daily News, and others. Chris owns Speedy Daddy Media, has been contributing to Capital One Auto Navigator since 2019, and lives in California with his wife, kids, dog, and 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata.