Should You Buy a New or Certified Pre-Owned Chevy in 2026?

The good news about buying a car in 2026 is that you have more information available to you than you ever have. You also have more options to choose from than ever before as well, but it might vary from person to person whether that’s good news or bad. Whatever is important to you when purchasing a vehicle, you can make sure a specific make or model covers those wants and needs through automotive research by shopping online — like you’re probably doing right now.

 

One of the first research questions you might be considering — is whether you should buy a new Chevy vehicle this year, or perhaps a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Chevy instead. There’s no wrong answer, as either option offers strong value, modern features and the long-term dependability that comes with owning a Chevrolet vehicle. But your budget and priorities can impact which choice might be the right one for you. Today we’re going to help you figure out which Chevy status is right for you.

One of the biggest benefits of buying a new vehicle rather than a CPO is that you’ll receive the peace of mind that comes with receiving a full factory warranty. You’ll also get the latest technologies and safety features available from the brand, plus some other advantages. Check out the list below for all the details:

1. Full manufacturer’s warranty; every new Chevrolet vehicle comes standard with multiple types of warranty coverage:
   • 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
   • 5‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty
   • Emission control systems warranty
   • Roadside assistance & courtesy transportation
   • Corrosion & rust-through protection
2. Latest features and tech; the Chevy brand is constantly expanding its suite of advanced driver assistance systems, not to mention other technological aspects of the vehicle. Here are some examples of the latest features:
   • Automatic emergency braking
   • Lane-keeping assist
   • Adaptive cruise control
   • Enhanced infotainment systems; featuring larger screens, improved connectivity
   • Most up-to-date powertrains; featuring improved fuel efficiency, expanded hybrid/electric options
3. Customization options; there are many different aspects of the vehicle that you can customize if ordering a new Chevy vehicle to your specifications, but buying pre-owned you’re stuck with what’s available. Buying new lets you customize things like:
   • Trim level
   • Configurations; like bed length, cab style, etc.
   • Exterior & interior color options
   • Available packages
   • Factory-installed accessories
4. Lower maintenance costs; since it’s new, there’s a much lower risk of needing surprise services and extra maintenance — but this comes as a trade-off for one of the biggest downsides to buying new, which is the higher upfront cost.

While buying new has its obvious advantages, there are plenty of benefits to buying a Certified Pre-Owned Chevy vehicle as well, especially in comparison to buying an ordinary used vehicle. Cost is the most obvious advantage compared to buying new, but there is plenty to get excited about:

1. Rigorous inspection & reconditioning; in order to be labeled as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle by the manufacturer, a Chevy has to meet certain requirements and undergo certain inspections:
   • Vehicle must belong to a model year within six years of the current
   • Vehicle must have fewer than 75,000 miles
   • Vehicle must pass 172-point inspection covering mechanical, safety, cosmetic, etc.
   • Any necessary reconditioning must be done using factory-approved parts
2. Robust extended warranty; much like a new model has its factory warranties, every Chevy CPO comes with its own extended warranty coverage:
   • 12‑month/12,000‑mile bumper‑to‑bumper limited warranty
   • 6‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain limited warranty
   • Roadside assistance & courtesy transportation
   • Two scheduled maintenance visits covered; oil & filter change, tire rotation, multi-point inspection
3. Lower purchase price; even though the vehicles are still relatively “new,” they often cost significantly less than actual new models. This makes them appealing for budget-conscious buyers who still want modern features and the protection of a warranty.
4. Slower depreciation; when you buy a new vehicle it begins depreciating the second you drive it off the lot, and depreciation remains steep throughout the first few years. Buying a CPO Chevy often bypasses a lot of the depreciation, helping preserve more of its value over time.