New vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned: Which Hyundai Is Right for You?
Shopping for your next vehicle can bring up a big question: Should you buy new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned?
It just depends on what works best for you. A new Hyundai can give you the latest technology, features, and full new-vehicle coverage. A used vehicle might offer significant savings and fit better in your budget. A Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle can give you many of the advantages of buying used while adding additional inspections, warranty coverage, and peace of mind.
If you’re shopping for a vehicle in the Stark area, understanding the differences between new vs. used vs. certified pre-owned vehicles can help you make a smarter decision.
Here’s what you should know before you start shopping.
New vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned at a Glance
| New Hyundai… | Used Vehicle | Hyundai Certified Used | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest model year | ✓ | Sometimes | Usually newer |
| Lower purchase price | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Vehicle history available | Varies | ✓ CARFAX report | |
| Comprehensive inspection | ✓ | Varies | ✓ 173-point inspection* |
| Manufacturer-backed coverage | ✓ | Varies | ✓ |
| Potentially lower depreciation | ✓ | ✓ | |
| More affordable monthly payment.. | Often | Often | |
| Added peace of mind | ✓ | Depends on vehicle.. | ✓ |
*EV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles may be subject to a different number of inspection points.
The right choice depends on your budget, priorities, desired features, and how long you plan to keep your vehicle.
Why Buy a New Hyundai?
For some shoppers, buying new is the simplest choice.
A new Hyundai gives you access to the latest model year, newest technology, current safety features, and the ability to choose the exact trim, color, and options you want.
New vehicles also come with the benefit of being the first owner. You know the vehicle’s history from day one, and you don’t have to wonder how the previous owner maintained it.
A new Hyundai can be especially appealing if you:
- Want the newest technology and features
- Plan to keep your vehicle for many years
- Want to choose a specific trim or configuration
- Prefer knowing the vehicle’s complete history
- Want the protection of new-vehicle warranty coverage
- Are interested in the newest Hyundai SUVs, sedans, hybrids, or EVs
However, buying new isn’t necessarily the best financial choice for every shopper.
New vehicles generally cost more upfront, and depreciation can have a larger impact during the first few years of ownership. That’s one reason it’s worth comparing a new Hyundai with a recent used or Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai before making a decision.
Why Buy a Used Car?
Buying used can be an excellent way to stretch your automotive budget.
Instead of paying the price of a brand-new vehicle, you may be able to find a previous-model-year vehicle with many of the features you’re looking for at a lower price.
Depending on the vehicle, buying used may help you:
- Spend less upfront
- Lower your monthly payment
- Get more features for your budget
- Avoid some of the initial depreciation associated with a new vehicle
- Find a vehicle that might otherwise be outside your new-car budget
- Choose from a larger selection of previous model years
For example, someone shopping for a well-equipped SUV may find that a lightly used Hyundai with premium features provides more value than buying a brand-new base model.
But there is an important distinction between buying used and buying just any used vehicle.
The vehicle’s history, condition, maintenance, mileage, accident history, and remaining warranty coverage all matter.
That’s where Certified Pre-Owned vehicles can provide an appealing middle ground.
What Is a Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai?
A Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai, officially called a Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle, is a used Hyundai that meets specific requirements and passes a comprehensive certification process.
According to Hyundai, eligible Certified Used Vehicles must be six model years old or newer and have fewer than 80,000 miles. They also undergo a 173-point inspection, and each Certified Used Vehicle includes a complimentary CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
That means “certified” isn’t simply another way of saying “used.”
The vehicle has to meet Hyundai’s program requirements and pass the certification inspection before it can be marketed as a Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle.
What Does the Hyundai 173-Point Inspection Look At?
One of the biggest advantages of a Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle is the inspection process.
The current Hyundai inspection checklist covers areas including:
- Mechanical components
- Maintenance
- Tires and wheels
- Exterior condition
- Interior condition
- Road-test performance
- Vehicle history information
The inspection consists of 173 points for qualifying vehicles, although Hyundai notes that EV, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles may be subject to a different number of inspection points.
In other words, the goal is to make sure the vehicle is evaluated across mechanical, safety, appearance, and driving-related areas.
What Do Dealerships Look For When Buying Used Cars?
When a dealership considers taking a vehicle in on trade or purchasing a used vehicle, there is much more to evaluate than mileage and exterior appearance.
A thorough used-vehicle evaluation can include looking at:
Vehicle History
A vehicle history report can help identify important information about a vehicle’s past, such as reported accidents, title history, ownership information, and other records.
For Certified Used Hyundais, Hyundai includes a complimentary CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
Mechanical Condition
Technicians and trained dealership personnel look for signs of mechanical problems and maintenance needs.
This can include evaluating major vehicle systems, checking for leaks or unusual noises, inspecting components, and determining whether maintenance or repairs are needed.
Tires and Wheels
Tires are an important part of both safety and vehicle value.
Dealerships can evaluate tread depth, tire condition, wear patterns, wheel condition, and whether the vehicle needs tires or related service.
Exterior Condition
The exterior inspection can reveal more than cosmetic imperfections.
A vehicle may be evaluated for dents, scratches, paint condition, glass condition, lighting, body panels, and other areas.
Interior Condition
The condition of the cabin matters, too.
Seats, carpeting, controls, displays, climate controls, safety equipment, electronics, and other interior components can all contribute to the overall condition of a used vehicle.
Road-Test Performance
A road test can provide information that isn’t obvious while a vehicle is parked.
Braking, steering, acceleration, transmission operation, ride quality, handling, warning lights, and unusual noises can all be evaluated while driving.
For Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles, the official 173-point inspection includes 29 road-test checks.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Used Car?
Even when you’re buying from a reputable dealership, it’s smart to do your own research.
Before purchasing a used vehicle, consider these questions:
What is the vehicle’s history?
Ask to see the vehicle history report and look for information about accidents, ownership, title status, and maintenance.
How was the vehicle maintained?
A well-maintained vehicle can be a much better choice than one with lower mileage but a questionable maintenance history.
Does the mileage make sense for the vehicle’s age?
Mileage isn’t everything, but it should be considered alongside the vehicle’s age, condition, history, and price.
How does it drive?
Take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay attention to braking, steering, acceleration, shifting, noises, vibrations, and overall comfort.
What condition are the tires and brakes in?
These are common wear items that can affect your near-term ownership costs.
What warranty coverage remains?
This is especially important when comparing a regular used vehicle with a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.
Does the vehicle fit your budget beyond the purchase price?
Consider insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration, and financing—not just the advertised price.
What Warranty Comes With a Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle?
This is one of the biggest reasons shoppers consider Certified Pre-Owned.
For qualifying Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles, Hyundai currently provides a 10-year/100,000-mile Certified Used Vehicle Powertrain Limited Warranty, measured from the vehicle’s original in-service date and zero miles. A $50 deductible per repair visit applies, subject to the warranty’s terms and limitations.
Certified Used Vehicles can also receive the remainder of Hyundai’s 5-year/60,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, when applicable based on the vehicle’s model year and mileage.
For qualifying hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, Hyundai also provides the remainder of the applicable 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid/EV battery warranty, subject to program terms.
This is an important distinction when comparing used vehicles: a used vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean buying without warranty protection.
The exact coverage on any particular vehicle can vary based on its original in-service date, mileage, model, and applicable warranty terms, so ask about the coverage for the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles Include More Than Warranty Coverage
Warranty protection is only part of the CPO program.
Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles also include benefits such as:
- 173-point inspection
- Complimentary CARFAX Vehicle History Report
- 10-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance, subject to program terms
- Rental car reimbursement of up to $35 per day for up to 10 days for qualifying covered repairs
- Travel breakdown benefits for qualifying covered breakdowns
- Additional owner benefits and available connected-service trials depending on model year and vehicle eligibility
That combination can make a Certified Used Hyundai particularly attractive to shoppers who want the value of a used vehicle without giving up all of the protections associated with buying from a manufacturer-backed program.
New vs. Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned: Which Should You Choose?
There’s no single “best” option for everyone.
Choose new if you:
- Want the newest Hyundai model
- Want the latest available features
- Want to select your exact trim and options
- Plan to keep the vehicle for a long time
- Prefer being the first owner
Choose used if you:
- Want to maximize your budget
- Are looking for a lower purchase price
- Don’t need the newest model year
- Are comfortable researching a vehicle’s history and condition
- Want access to a wider range of price points
Consider Certified Pre-Owned if you:
- Want to save money compared with buying new
- Prefer a newer, lower-mileage used vehicle
- Want additional confidence when buying used
- Want a manufacturer-backed certification process
- Want warranty protection beyond what may come with an ordinary used vehicle
- Want a CARFAX report and comprehensive inspection
Find Your Next Hyundai in Massillon, Ohio
The best vehicle is the one that fits your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
Whether you’re looking for a new Hyundai, an affordable used car, or a Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle, our team at Diehl Hyundai of Massillon can help you compare your options and find the right fit.
Rather than deciding between new and used before you shop, take a look at both. You may be surprised by how much value is available in a recent used or Certified Used Hyundai.
Ready to compare your options?
Shop Certified Used Hyundai Inventory →
Have questions about a specific vehicle, warranty coverage, trade-in value, financing, or whether a new or used Hyundai makes more sense for your budget? Contact us and let our team help you compare your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About New, Used and Certified Pre-Owned Cars
Is a Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai the same as a used car?
A Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai is a used vehicle, but not every used Hyundai is a Certified Used Vehicle. Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles must meet specific eligibility requirements and pass Hyundai’s certification inspection.
How many miles can a Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle have?
Hyundai currently states that Certified Used Vehicles must have fewer than 80,000 miles and be six model years old or newer.
What is included in a Hyundai CPO inspection?
The Hyundai Certified Used Vehicle program currently uses a 173-point inspection for qualifying vehicles. The inspection covers mechanical, maintenance, tire and wheel, exterior, interior, and road-test areas. EV, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles may have a different inspection-point count.
Do Certified Used Hyundais have a warranty?
Yes. Qualifying Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles receive applicable manufacturer-backed warranty coverage, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty from the original in-service date and zero miles, subject to the program’s terms and limitations.
Does a used Hyundai still have its original warranty?
Depending on the vehicle’s age and mileage, a Certified Used Hyundai may have remaining coverage from the original new-vehicle warranty. Hyundai states that qualifying Certified Used Vehicles receive the remainder of the 5-year/60,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, when applicable.
Is buying a used car cheaper than buying new?
A used vehicle will generally have a lower purchase price than a comparable new vehicle, although pricing varies based on model, mileage, condition, features, market conditions, and availability. A Certified Used vehicle can provide an additional value proposition by combining a used-vehicle price with certification and warranty benefits.
Should I buy a new or used Hyundai?
It depends on your priorities. New vehicles offer the latest models and features, while used vehicles can provide lower pricing and potentially more value for your budget. Certified Used Hyundais offer a middle ground with a used-vehicle price plus a manufacturer-backed certification process and additional warranty benefits.
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