New vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac: Which Should you Buy?

When the time comes to find a new ride, you’ve got seemingly endless options for what to choose. There are literally hundreds of different models and thousands of trims and option packages on the market right now. 

But before you narrow all that down, you’ll have to make a big decision first: Are you buying new or used? And what about certified-pre-owned, are those different from used cars? Which one is the best deal? Which one is most dependable? It’s enough to intimidate even the savviest car shopper in the Destin, FL area. 

No worries, because we’re here to demystify it for you. Here’s a rundown of each one so you can decide which is best for you. 

New Cars 

Pros of Buying a New Car 

• Very little chance of problems: Because it’s a brand-new vehicle fresh off the factory floor, the chances of running into any mechanical issues are extremely low. 

• Best warranty: Even if you do encounter some unforeseen problem with your new car, it’ll almost certainly be covered by your new vehicle warranty, so you won’t have to pay a dime out of pocket. You’ll also be able to make use of roadside assistance and courtesy loaner vehicles if you need to. 

• Latest features: One of the most often-cited reasons that our customers buy new cars is that it allows them to enjoy the most up-to-date infotainment, comfort, and safety features. Not only does it make driving safer and more enjoyable, but you also get to show it off. 

• Low APR on loans: Because new cars are worth more and tend to have higher payments, lenders can offset the cost by offering lower interest. New cars are also seen as a less risky investment by banks and lenders. 

Cons of Buying a New Car 

• Expensive to buy: It’s no big secret that a new car is going to cost a fair bit more than a vehicle that’s even a couple years older. However, this can be compensated for somewhat by lower interest rates. 

• Higher insurance costs: New cars are worth more, and thus typically cost a bit more to insure. 

• Steep depreciation: New vehicles lose a sizeable chunk of their book value within the first year of being driven, so you may lose out if you plan to turn around and sell it within the first couple of years (instead, you may consider leasing a new Cadillac). 

Used Cars 

Pros of Used Cars 

• Extremely affordable: As a general rule of thumb, the older a vehicle is and the more miles it has, the lower the price tag will be. This is one of the main benefits of buying a used car, especially if you’re on an extremely tight budget or you’re looking for a first car for your teenager. 

• Low depreciation: After a few years in service, a car’s rate of depreciation levels off to a steady pace. This means that they lose less value year-to-year, so if you buy a used car, you may be able to turn around and sell it for roughly the same price, as long as it’s well taken care of. 

• Cheap to insure: As new cars are more expensive to get insurance for, used cars will cost significantly less per year. 

• Can still be great quality: Just because it’s used doesn’t mean it’s a beater. There are thousands upon thousands of reliable, quality used cars on the market, and they can be an incredible investment (we should know, we have plenty). 

Cons of Used Cars 

• Potential for mechanical issues: Unfortunately, the longer a car is on the road, the more wear and tear will accumulate and cause components to fail. There’s just no way around it. 

• Dated features and tech: If you’re all about having the nicest touch screen display with wireless Apple CarPlay, or the most recent driver assistance technologies, an older model may leave you dissatisfied. 

• Potential for high interest loans: When you finance a used car, you may find that the APR is higher than it would be on a new model. 

Certified Pre-Owned Cars 

Pros of Certified Pre-Owned Cars 

• Lightly used: A car must be under a certain year and mileage cap to qualify for just about any CPO program. All Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned cars are only a few years old at the most, and have under 50,000 miles, which means they still have a lot of life left in them. 

• Manufacturer-backed quality: Cadillac CPO cars must undergo a rigorous 172-point inspection to qualify for the program. This inspection is carried out by certified technicians who know the car inside out and upside down, so it’s a near-guarantee that the car will be as close to new condition as possible. 

• Solid warranty: Cadillac offers an a 1-year/unlimited-mile limited warranty for their certified pre-owned cars, and that’s on top of the original 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which carries over to any subsequent owners. 

• Costs less than a new car: Essentially, a CPO program allows you to get a like-new car without paying new car prices. For less money, you can still bask in some of the finest luxury features found in brand-new models. 

Cons of Certified Pre-owned Cars 

• More expensive than other pre-owned cars: Compared to a run-of-the-mill used car, a certified pre-owned vehicle will cost a premium because of its relative newness and the extra labor that goes into certifying it. 

• Inventory may be scarce: Luxury CPO SUVs and cars are consistently in high demand, so it may take some luck to find what you’re looking for if you have your heart set on a specific model or trim. 

Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac for Sale Near Niceville, FL 

Now that you know all the ins and outs of new, used, and certified pre-owned cars, you’re ready to make an informed decision the next time you decide to go car shopping. 

If you’re curious about the other benefits of shopping at Step One Cadillac Fort Walton Beach, check out our website, where we have special offers on new Cadillacs for sale near you. Contact us online or give us a call at (850) 344-1496 to learn more or set up a test drive.