Chevrolet Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Cars

November 06, 2025 · 3 min read

Have you been searching for a used Chevy vehicle lately? There’s a good chance you’ve seen the terms used, pre-owned, and certified pre-owned on dozens of vehicles at this point with wildly different prices, miles, and years on the cars. While used and pre-owned are interchangeable terms, certified pre-owned cars (aka, CPO) are unique. While there are some similarities between used and certified pre-owned cars, they offer very different benefits to drivers in and around Kewanee.

In this overview, we’ll look at all of the CPO vs. used car differences, Chevy CPO benefits, and much more so you can have all the information to make an informed decision for your next vehicle. If you’re unsure of what it means to buy a Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet, read on.

Chevrolet Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used Car Similarities

Both certified and standard pre-owned vehicles have been owned and driven by other people and will have some road under their tires, which means they’ll cost less than a new vehicle due to their age and the miles driven. Beyond these two points, there aren’t really many similarities between CPO and used cars. Used cars can be any age, have any amount of miles, and may have damage in their vehicle history. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, on the other hand, have strict requirements in this regard—read on to find out what they are.

CPO vs. Used Car Differences

Used vehicles usually undergo some form of quality inspection, but it varies from dealer to dealer, and only some dealerships go above and beyond to ensure they have the best odds to run reliably for years.

On the other hand, Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet vehicles undergo rigorous inspections, regardless of where you are in the country. In order to be considered a certified vehicle, Chevy cars, trucks, and SUVs must pass a 172-point manufacturer’s inspection, covering:

The age of the vehicle, as it needs to be six years old or newer

75,000 miles or less on the odometer

Must have a clean vehicle history

Have no major accidents or damages in its history

All components are in good condition or have been replaced with genuine Chevy parts

And more

Every inch, every bolt, and every fiber of Chevrolet vehicles are pored over to ensure they meet Chevy’s and GM’s high standards to become certified. If they don’t live up to these inspections, then they are simply considered used or pre-owned vehicle. Nothing wrong with that, but the ones that do pass offer a wealth of benefits to drivers.

Chevy CPO Benefits

If you decide to buy a Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet, you’re going to take advantage of a few benefits that standard pre-owned cars don’t offer. For one, you have peace of mind when purchasing a CPO Chevy because they’vebeen thoroughly vetted to guarantee quality, and they have fewer miles driven, which means the odds of a major repair in the future are lower than if you purchased a standard used vehicle. Speaking of peace of mind, CPO Chevy vehicles also come with an additional warranty for one year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

CPO Chevy vehicles may also come with complementary maintenance for the first two years of ownership and roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown. Lastly, since the bulk of the vehicle’s depreciation takes place during the first few years of ownership, you’ll save big when you buy a certified pre-owned Chevy compared to a new vehicle, though it will carry a slightly higher price tag compared to a standard used vehicle. However, for all of the benefits you receive, it’s well worth it.

Shop CPO Chevy Vehicles in Kewanee

While purchasing a new car is always an investment, you can make your money go further and drive more confidently when you choose a CPO Chevy. However, if you want even greater savings, our used vehicle lineup at Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC Kewanee will serve you well. We inspect every vehicle to ensure dependability, whether it carries the certified tag or not.

Head down to our dealership today to explore our lineup of pre-owned and CPO vehicles to find the perfect fit for your needs, budget, and peace of mind. Contact us today to get started or to ask any questions about CPO Chevy benefits.

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Sep 19, 2025 in Chevy Certified Vehicles

What Are Chevy Certified Used Vehicles?

When you’re looking for a pre-owned vehicle, you’ll likely run across the term “Chevy Certified.” While Chevy certified vehicles have become more popular over the years, it still isn’t a widely understood term. Why do certified cars cost more than other used Chevy vehicles? Is it worth it to pay more for a certified pre-owned car? In this guide, we’ll go over what makes a Chevy certified vehicle, Chevy certified pre-owned benefits, and why you should consider one for your next vehicle. Read on to learn all about the certified program. What Does Chevy Certified Pre-Owned Mean? A Chevy certified car, truck, or SUV is a vehicle that has undergone a 172-point inspection from certified Chevy technicians to ensure it’s of the highest quality to earn the certified designation. The inspection covers the basics, including: Oil status Brake inspection Battery life Tire condition The engine Transmission And much more Beyond the basics, in order for a Chevy vehicle to be certified, our team will look into the overall history and condition of the car, with points including: Accident reports Recalls Warranty Aftermarket parts and modifications Safety features Auto glass condition Body damage And beyond This comprehensive inspection guarantees the vehicle hasn’t been in any major accidents or had serious repairs performed throughout the vehicle’s life. The vehicle must also pass three major points: The vehicle must be less than six (6) years old, have 75,000 or fewer miles driven, and have a clean title. Only after all of these and the above conditions are met can the vehicle be designated Chevy certified. Chevy Certified Pre-Owned Benefits Chevy certified vehicles are the middle point between a new Chevy vehicle and a pre-owned Chevy vehicle. The first benefit is the lower price than new vehicles, but still coming with more recently updated and enhanced features, safety tech, and amenities than pre-owned vehicles. You can also rest assured that certified pre-owned vehicles have been thoroughly inspected and vetted to ensure their quality. Adding to the peace of mind benefit is coverage through CPO warranties. Every certified Chevy is covered by a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty and a 6-year powertrain warranty. If anything should happen to your vehicle, your warranty will protect you. Additional Chevy certified pre-owned benefits include: 24/7 roadside assistance A scheduled maintenance program A 3-month Sirius XM subscription And more Is It Worth It to Pay More for a Certified Pre-Owned Car? Consider that many standard pre-owned and used cars do not have any form of included coverage at the time of purchase. Also, while there will usually be more pre-owned vehicles to choose from, you need to browse a larger selection to find one that has lower mileage, a cheaper price tag, and the features you want or need. Used vehicles don’t undergo as thorough an inspection as CPO cars, trucks, and SUVs, so there may be issues lying in wait that will creep up sooner, especially for a vehicle with higher mileage. With certified Chevy vehicles, all of those unknowns are removed. Certified Chevy vehicles are guaranteed to be newer, have fewer miles driven, and therefore longer lifespans, especially when proper maintenance is followed, for only a slightly higher price. Is it worth it to pay more for a certified pre-owned car? For a newer and less worn-in vehicle that comes with a warranty, we’d say it’s a resounding yes. Test Drive a Certified Chevy in Kewanee, IL Curious to see if certified Chevy vehicles really deliver on the benefits we’ve listed? Head down to Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC Kewanee and explore our vast lineup of Chevy certified pre-owned vehicles to see why they’re a worthy investment and how you can reap their benefits. Contact us today to schedule a test drive!

Oct 10, 2025 in Chevrolet Equinox

2026 Chevy Equinox Review

The Chevy Equinox has carved out a respectable niche over the last few years as a fun and reliable SUV. Whether you’re a smaller family or someone who likes a bit more room for yourself or your passengers, the Equinox reigns supreme. As 2026 draws closer, we have a new year’s model on our hands, delivering some updates to ensure the household name of Equinox maintains its reputation. Let’s take a look at the 2026 Chevy Equinox and discover what’s waiting for you. Read on to see why you should consider it for your next vehicle. 2026 Chevy Equinox Specs Regardless of the 2026 Equinox trim, you’ll have control over a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 175 horsepower. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive versions come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Whether you choose FWD or AWD, you’ll have a comfortable and responsive ride on the highway or on backroads. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2026 Chevy Equinox performs impressively. It’s important to note that the FWD models will have slightly better MPG than the AWD models, but not so much that you should forgo more agile handling and the chance to head out for mild off-roading. Check out the full 2026 Chevy Equinox specs: Engine: Turbo 1.5L, four-cylinder Horsepower: 175 Torque: 203 pound-feet FWD models: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) AWD models: eight-speed automatic Fuel Economy: FWD: 26 city, 28 highway AWD: 24 city, 29 highway Towing Capacity: Max 1,500 lbs. 2026 Chevy Equinox Interior and Tech As mentioned, the Chevy Equinox is perfect for smaller families or solo drivers who want a bit more space. No matter your copilots, there’s room for five passengers with a roomy 104.3 cubic feet of passenger volume. The Equinox interior is simple yet stately, with bold lines and striking design. If you’re planning any big trips, you’re sure to love the 63.5 maximum cubic feet of storage. For extra comfort, there are available heated front seats and synthetic leather upholstery. When it comes to tech, the 2026 Equinox is forward-thinking. The gauges are in a digital display, and the infotainment system comes in at a whopping 11.3” across all trims. It comes with Google built-in, which gives you control over the Google Play Store, maps, and more, and you’ll also have a Wi-Fi hotspot at your control. 2026 Chevy Equinox Safety Chevy vehicles are designed to protect you, and they always perform well in safety testing. It’s no shock that the 2026 Chevy Equinox safety rating is well regarded, having been awarded a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Safety features include: Automatic emergency braking Lane keep assist Forward collision alert Blind spot monitoring Rear cross-traffic alert Available 360-degree camera And more 2026 Chevy Equinox Price For all of the power and features you get with the 2026 Chevy Equinox, it comes in at an attractive and affordable price. The entry-level LT trim starts at $32,495 MSRP, while the fully loaded Equinox ACTIV or RS (depending on whether you want a city model or an off-road adventure machine) clocks in at $37,395 MSRP. You always have the option of picking the features and packages you can’t live without. Test Drive the 2026 Chevy Equinox Today Interested in the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox? Head down to Ed Morse Chevy GMC to explore our lineup of new Chevy vehicles. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect Chevy SUV for your needs. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a test drive of the 2026 Equinox.

Jun 12, 2025 in Kewanee Chevrolet Dealer

Let’s Compare 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Trims

The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is here, and it comes in 10 different available trims. While they do share some similarities, such as their dimensions, each one also comes with its own unique features that make it stand out from the others. As such, one of these trims may fit your needs better than the others. But how do you know which one will work for you? Well, let’s answer some common questions about the differences between these Silverado trims. We’ll examine a few different categories of differences to help you understand how the trims stack up against each other. Then you can determine which Chevy Silverado trim you prefer. FAQs About Major Differences in Chevy Silverado Trims How Much Does Each Silverado Trim Cost? Of course, as with any range of trims, the Silverado trims all start at different price points. Here’s the range of 2025 Silverado starting MSRPs: Chevrolet Silverado WT: $37,000 Chevrolet Silverado Custom: $43,600 Chevrolet Silverado LT: $48,100 Chevrolet Silverado RST: $51,500 Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss: $51,800 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ: $57,700 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss: $58,800 Chevrolet Silverado High Country: $62,700 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2: $70,000 Chevrolet Silverado EV: $73,100 As you can see, the starting prices for the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500’s trims are spread across a range of $26,100. This is important to know if you’re purchasing a new truck on a budget. If your budget is tighter, you may want to stick to the lower trims, but it really all depends on what you can reasonably spend. Which Silverado Trim Has Super Cruise? The top-spec 2025 Silverado 1500 High Country comes with an available Super Cruise steering wheel option. Currently, this is the only Silverado trim with the Super Cruise option. Which Silverado Trim is Best for Off-Roading? A couple of the Silverado trims are tailor made for off-roading, and they are the Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss, and the ZR2. How are they made for off-roading? They have the following features that are designed to take on all kinds of terrain: Chevrolet Silverado Custom Trail Boss: 2-inch factory suspension lift and Z71 Off-Road Package Autotrac 2-speed transfer case, automatic locking rear differential, and skid plates Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss: 2-inch factory suspension lift with Z71 Off-Road Package Autotrac 2-speed transfer case and automatic locking rear differential Chevrolet Silverado ZR2: Multimatic DSSV dampers and front and rear E-lockers Off-road cut front bumper and large underbody aluminum skid plates Available Bison Package All these features greatly enhance the Silverado’s capabilities so you can tackle any outdoor adventure. Which Silverado Trim Has the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 Engine? This engine isn’t standard on any of the Silverado trims, but it is an available engine option on the following trims: Silverado LT Trail Boss Silverado LTZ Silverado High Country Silverado ZR2 What Types of Drivetrains Do the Silverado Trims Have? Many Silverado trims come standard with rear-wheel drive, and these are often ideal for activities like towing and hauling. However, they can all be upgraded to four-wheel drive. Some Silverado 1500 trims, like the ZR2, come standard with a four-wheel drive powertrain. This is the case because 4WD powertrains are extremely useful for off-roading and driving through all kinds of weather and precipitation. Which Silverado Trim is Best? This question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. The Silverado trim that’s best for your needs may not fit someone else’s needs. It’s best to go over each trim’s specs and features to determine which trim will work for you. Our Silverado truck experts at our Chevy dealership in Kewanee can help walk you through the specific features of each to determine which ones will suit your needs. Contact us or stop by our showroom to find the perfect truck for you. Find Your New Chevy Silverado in Kewanee, IL If you’re interested in purchasing a Chevrolet Silverado in Kewanee, check out our new Chevy inventory today to find a trim and model that you like. You can also check out our new vehicle special offers for deals that can make your Silverado purchase more affordable. If you have questions, contact us online or at 877-590-8427 to get your answers and start the purchase process.