Pre-Owned vs Used - What's the Difference?

[Kohn]

What's the difference between "pre-owned" and "used" car? They sound the same thing to me. Yet, these luxury cars are so fond of calling their used cars as pre-owned. Is that word simply a marketing ploy? Or are there technical differences indeed?

 

[Guy]

Maybe those who had the luxury cars actually paid them off and did "own" them, making them "pre-owned", which gives it a much higher status than just "used". (I'm just kidding---I'm pretty sure they mean the same thing.:smile

 

[Kohn]

The word "used car" is a no-no for luxury cars, I understand. But seeing that there is a market for such cars, they devise something ingenious. Someone just told me that "pre-owned" cars have warranties. Can someone validate this?

 

[Marvin]

"Certified" used cars have gone through an extensive certified mechanic's inspection, and they come with warranties, if I'm not mistaken. Is that what you're thinking of?

 

[Kohn]

Hi Marvin, yes that's what I meant. If thorough inspection is indeed what they do, and they stand by the quality of their inspection by providing warranties, then I guess the coining of an alternative word for "used car" would be justifiable. The question would be, how exactly do they conduct the inspection? Just curious.