Nov 17, 2023
silver Mazda3 sedan parked at Bountiful Mazda in Bountiful, UT

When you’re in the market for your next vehicle, one of the questions you’ll have to answer is whether you want a new vehicle or a certified pre-owned (CPO) one. The latter is a special type of used vehicle that’s a popular alternative to the newest models. Below, we’ll highlight the key differences between new and CPO Mazda vehicles to help you decide which one is right for you.

What Is a CPO Vehicle?

A CPO vehicle is a type of used vehicle that’s available at Mazda dealerships. CPO vehicles offer some significant benefits compared to new vehicles, which may make them a better choice for you. To become a CPO, a used vehicle must meet several conditions, which separate it from other used vehicles. 

What Are the Requirements for CPO Vehicles?

silver Mazda3 sedan parked at Bountiful Mazda in Bountiful, UT

To become a CPO, a used vehicle at a Mazda dealership must meet certain requirements. This is to ensure that only the highest-quality used vehicles become certified. For example, the used vehicle’s model year must be less than 6 years old. By requiring relatively new vehicles for the CPO program, Mazda makes sure that all vehicles in the program have many of the latest technologies and features while also being in great condition.

Along these same lines, the used vehicle must also have less than 80,000 miles. All vehicles accumulate wear and tear as they gain more miles. By setting a maximum on the amount of mileage, Mazda helps to ensure that there isn’t too much wear on any of its CPO vehicles.

The third major requirement is that the vehicle must have a clean vehicle history report. If the used vehicle has a history of accidents or significant damage, it won’t be eligible for the CPO program. This allows you to buy CPO vehicles with confidence, knowing there are no hidden underlying issues.

Finally, only after these initial requirements are met will the vehicle undergo a thorough inspection. A certified Mazda technician will perform a 160-point inspection, which covers all the key areas including the engine, transmission, and brakes as well as the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. If the technician discovers any issues during this inspection process, they must be repaired before the vehicle becomes a CPO. 

Benefits of a CPO Vehicle

Choosing to get a CPO Mazda instead of a new Mazda can come with a few great benefits. For starters, because CPOs are used vehicles, this typically makes them more affordable than new models. If you like the newest Mazda models but want to save some money, a CPO is a great compromise, as they’re still relatively new but at a lower price.

In addition, the Mazda CPO Program also comes with some additional perks. For starters, every Mazda CPO comes backed by the remaining portion of its original three-year/36,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty. Then, there’s also the limited vehicle warranty, which provides protection for an additional 12 months/12,000 miles. Between these two warranty protections, you can purchase a CPO with confidence knowing you’re financially secure if something goes wrong.

Another great benefit of the Mazda CPO program is the included 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. With this program, you can get free services such as battery jump starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, towing to the nearest Mazda dealership, or help getting into your locked car. The complimentary roadside assistance lasts the duration of the seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and ensures that you’re never alone while you’re on the road.

And finally, just as an added bonus, if your vehicle is equipped with satellite radio capabilities, you’ll get a free three-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM All Access package. With this package, you can enjoy more than 150 radio channels covering music, news, sports, and more — all commercial-free. If you decide you like the package, you can then sign up for a subscription after your trial ends.

Benefits of a New Vehicle

Just as there are benefits of getting a CPO over a new vehicle, there are also some advantages to choosing a new vehicle. For starters, new vehicles have the latest technology innovations available. While CPO requirements ensure that its vehicles are relatively new, they aren’t necessarily the newest models available. With technology improving each year, there can be some significant differences between a new model and one made just a few years ago.

Next, new vehicles have no wear and tear yet. Once again, CPO requirements aim to limit the amount of wear on all models, but that doesn’t mean there is zero wear. Getting a new vehicle means you’re less likely to need repairs any time soon, which can help you save on maintenance expenses.

Finally, you’ll often find more specials and deals available for new vehicles. Here at Bountiful Mazda, we regularly offer cash-back deals and special lease offers on our newest models. This can make new models more affordable and even bring the price closer to that of CPO vehicles.

Which Is Right for You?

There are some great benefits to both new and CPO vehicles, but which one is right for you? If you’re someone who is operating on a smaller budget, you may prefer to explore our CPO options, as they’re typically more affordable. These are all high-quality vehicles available at a lower price compared to the newer models. However, if you want the latest that Mazda has to offer, or if you want to take advantage of one of our incentives, check out our new Mazda models.

Learn More at Bountiful Mazda

To learn more about both new and CPO Mazda vehicles, please visit Bountiful Mazda. We’re a local Mazda dealership in Bountiful, Utah, that aims to help all our customers find the right vehicle for their needs. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about the CPO program or our latest new vehicles. To schedule a visit to our dealership or to ask us any questions, please contact us today.