Used Vs. Certified Volvo Cars: The Difference

When comparing used vs. certified pre-owned Volvo cars, keep in mind that "used" is a broader category than "certified pre-owned." Used Volvo cars offer a wider and more affordable selection, while certified pre-owned vehicles have an extra air of prestige and are guaranteed to come with warranty coverage. Our team at O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville would be happy to walk you through candidates from both categories that align with your needs.

Used Volvo Cars: The Care We Give Our Selection

As a general rule, the depth of quality assurance and available warranty coverage of used Volvo cars for sale is determined by individual dealerships. O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville ensures our used-car selection is ready to inspire confidence with an inspection by our expert technicians, a complimentary CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™, and available third-party warranty coverage. Other dealers, however, may not be so thorough.

So, we see the advantage of price and selection on the "used" side of the used vs. certified pre-owned Volvo cars comparison. That said, some drivers find that the additional peace of mind offered by certified pre-owned (CPO) Volvo vehicles is worth the extra cost. The latter essentially creates an ideal halfway point between our new and used car selections.

Certified Pre-Owned Volvo Cars: How Are They Certified?

To be elevated into our selection of certified pre-owned Volvo cars for sale, a given vehicle can have no more than 80,000 miles logged on the odometer. It must also have a clean title (i.e., one certified by a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™). When deciding between certified pre-owned vs. used models, this is worth considering.

For a Volvo vehicle to be certified, it has to pass an inspection that covers over 170 points on a factory-provided checklist. This inspection goes deeper than one may expect; it considers aspects ranging from prior maintenance and tire tread depth to mechanical components and interior trim. The next steps are reconditioning and road-testing the vehicle to the same high standards.

This process aims to ensure each certified pre-owned vehicle is in like-new condition – Volvo Cars as a brand sets the standard here. When you purchase a CPO Volvo automobile, you get additional peace of mind.

Volvo Certified Pre-Owned Financing & Warranty Coverage

You can finance a used or certified pre-owned Volvo vehicle. When you work with the O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville team to purchase a pre-owned car, we'll do our utmost to secure you the low-rate financing plan you've always wanted.

One important difference between buying a used car vs. certified pre-owned model is the warranty coverage included with a certified Volvo vehicle. Any car belonging to this most prestigious category earns a 12-month factory-backed warranty with no mileage cap.¹ It's fully transferable – and upgradable to five years.² If a CPO vehicle is still covered by the initial four-year or 50,000-mile (whichever comes first) warranty,² then the CPO warranty will kick in after this runs its course.¹

There's no deductible on warranty-covered repairs. You'll enjoy top-tier Volvo service and complimentary, round-the-clock roadside assistance. With further benefits like a one-year Volvo Cars App subscription³ and Roadside Assistance,⁴ a certified pre-owned Volvo vehicle is ready for the road ahead.

Used vs. Certified Vehicles: Find Both at O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville

The differences between used vs. certified pre-owned Volvo cars are clear. Our used Volvo inventory has more choice and affordability, while certified pre-owned models are held to higher standards and include powerful factory-backed benefits. Whichever you choose, you'll find a reputable selection and top-notch customer service at O'Steen Volvo Cars of Jacksonville; visit us today to explore both sides of the story.

FAQ About Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned Volvo Cars

What is the difference between used vs. certified Volvo cars?

The main difference between used vs. certified pre-owned Volvo cars is that certified pre-owned Volvo models are certified through strict manufacturer standards, while used models are held to the standards of individual dealerships. Used Volvo cars can be more affordable and offer more choices, while certified pre-owned Volvo cars will provide stronger warranty coverage and quality guarantees.

What does "certified" mean on a car?

Certified pre-owned cars are held to higher standards than used vehicles. Certified by Volvo models must be relatively young vehicles that have been driven less than 80,000 miles. Their history is thoroughly evaluated. They are inspected on 170+ points, and any areas found wanting are thoroughly addressed. When purchased, these vehicles come with the remainder of their New Vehicle Limited Warranty plus a CPO extension.¹

What is considered high mileage for a Volvo vehicle?

Many Volvo vehicles can last 200,000 miles or more when properly maintained. We consider a high-mileage Volvo vehicle to be one with 100,000 miles logged. However, with many Americans driving 12,000-15,000 miles annually, you could use a 100,000-mile vehicle for an additional six years or more. A CPO Volvo vehicle must have under 80,000 miles logged, increasing your potential time together.

¹Warranty is valid for 12 months/unlimited mileage after the expiration of 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle Basic Warranty, or 12 months from your Certified by Volvo purchase date, whichever occurs later. Mileage is unlimited.

²Warranties listed on this webpage shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

³Standard connectivity is available in model year 2015.5 and newer vehicles. The Volvo Cars App is included for initial 1-year for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and included for initial 4-years for new vehicles (model years 2018 and newer). The Volvo Cars app is available for your smartphone, iPad, and wearables such as Apple Watch and Android Wear with voice control.

⁴New Volvo vehicles include complimentary Volvo Roadside Assistance for 4 years. Certified By Volvo vehicles include complimentary Volvo Roadside Assistance for 5 years.