What is the Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned?

2020 Chevrolet Camaro Pair

 

Many drivers in the Norfolk area have asked the question, “What’s the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” Here, the auto experts at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk answer the question and compare CPO vs. used so you can decide which is best for you. Read on to learn more about the difference between used and certified pre-owned vehicles, and then contact us to find your next vehicle.

 

Used Car Buying: What You Need to Know

All used cars have had previous owners, and they vary by make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Because they’ve had previous owners and potentially higher mileage, they’re more affordable than new vehicles and CPO vehicles. Many car shoppers in Virginia Beach are pleased to learn that Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk has a great selection of Budget Buys that cost under $15,000!

When it comes to the mileage vs. age of the vehicle, some people think that buying a used car with 100,000 miles is too risky. The truth is that many vehicles last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular service. Still, here are some used car pointers to keep in mind:

  • Although auto manufacturers don’t require used cars be inspected before a sale, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk carefully hand-picks our used models and has them checked over and serviced by our Certified Service experts. Private sellers can’t offer that same level of care.
  • When shopping for a used vehicle around Chesapeake, you should discuss any issues you notice with the seller. If you still want to purchase the car, that’s fine — just make sure you budget the money for needed repairs.
  • Many modern vehicles can last up to 200,000 miles or more with proper care and maintenance. High-mileage used cars aren’t always a bad choice, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Buying a CPO Car: What You Need to Know

Like used cars, certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles have also had previous owners, but they are typically much more dependable because they’ve been thoroughly inspected and have to meet strict OEM requirements. When deciding between CPO vs. used, remember that a manufacturer warranty backs CPO vehicles. That’s why they are considered the gold standard of used vehicles, and only select models meet the OEM’s CPO program standards. Certified pre-owned Chevrolet vehicles must meet the following requirements:

  • Six years old or less
  • Have a maximum of 75,000 miles
  • Have a clean title and pass a Vehicle History Report
    (free CARFAX® for Chevrolet CPO vehicles listed on gmcertified.com)

Bottom line: CPO vehicles are usually newer models with less mileage than regular used cars. They typically cost a bit more because you’re getting a higher-quality, warrantied vehicle for your Suffolk drives.

Shop for Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk

Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is the difference between used and certified pre-owned?” are you ready to browse our CPO inventory? We invite you to the dealership to find your next gently used car. We’re conveniently located in Norfolk and eager to take you for some test drives. Be sure to check out our rotating pre-owned specials to save even more on your upgrade!

 

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Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer

$899 Dealer Processing Fee included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees and electronic filing fee. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer.

All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location, and any applicable transportation charges will be disclosed upon vehicle selection.


Additional Disclaimers:


Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details. 

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T01333. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.6%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 7/7/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T01333. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 7.6%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 7/7/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T00660. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **0.9% APR for 36 months for well-qualified buyers when financed w/GM Financial. Monthly payment is $28.16 for every $1000 you finance. Average down payment is 18%. Some customers will not qualify. Take new retail delivery by 07-06-2026. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

*Offer includes all dealer discounts and OEM incentives. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Discount varies by model and stock number. Example stock #T01026. See dealer for details. Take retail delivery by 7/7/26. **Monthly payment is $18.37 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 13.3%. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 7/7/26. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between June 2, 2026 and July 31, 2026, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Excludes Hendrick Performance vehicles. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 75 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by July 31, 2026. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details. Financing available to qualified buyers. Some exclusions apply. See dealer for complete details.

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Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk 36.8553, -76.1913.