Is the automotive industry currently in a buyer’s or seller’s market? In a buyer’s market, supply is greater than demand, while the opposite is true in a seller’s market. Limitations throughout the industry mean there’s not a healthy supply of new vehicles, which lays the foundation for a unique market in which buyers and sellers benefit. This is especially true when you visit your Certified Pre-Owned Ford dealer. But how is this possible?
It’s a seller’s market in the sense that there’s a huge demand for vehicles across the industry. This means getting top-dollar for your trade or walking away with cash in hand to spend however you want. As the supply of used vehicles continues to grow, sellers navigate balancing supply with demand. Programs like Ford’s Blue Advantage play a huge role in this.
Ford rolls out the red carpet to give you the confidence you need to skip the wait on the newest model. Instead, you can shop from a vast selection of Gold and Blue Certified Pre-Owned models that you can drive home today. Luckily for you, that’s only one of the many perks of Ford’s Blue Advantage.
Perk #1: More Choices
Very few automakers in the industry offer as wide of a selection of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles as Ford. Instead of limiting its Certified Pre-Owned selection to models less than six years old, Ford extends the range to the 10-year mark. Why is this important? Because the “Built Ford Tough” brand means something, every Ford is built for longevity whether it sits on the new or used lot.
Ford reserves its Gold Certification to vehicles that are less than six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles. Blue Certified vehicles are less than 10 years old and have less than 120,000 miles. Both Gold and Blue Certified vehicles are thoroughly vetted and come with unique warranty coverage that gives you confidence in your purchase and in the Ford brand. In turn, you have more choices to find the best Certified Pre-Owned Ford for your driving and budget needs, whether that means shopping for a legendary workhorse like the F-150, a family-friendly SUV like the Expedition, or a speed demon like the Mustang.
Perk #2: Thoroughly Vetted
Ford holds its Certified Pre-Owned vehicles to a higher standard. Every Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is thoroughly vetted, put through a comprehensive inspection, and reconditioned before earning its certification. Every Gold Certified vehicle must pass a 172-point inspection while Blue Certified vehicles must pass a 139-point inspection, both of which look over everything from the owner’s manual and warranty paperwork to the powertrain, air conditioner, infotainment system, and beyond. Once reconditioned, detailed, and added to the dealer’s inventory, every Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with a vehicle history report so that you know exactly what you’re getting before you sign on the dotted line.
Perk #3: Ford’s Got You Covered
While knowing what you’re getting in a vehicle is a great way to engineer confidence, Ford believes in giving customers peace of mind long after they drive off the lot. This confidence comes from Ford’s remarkable Certified Pre-Owned warranty coverage. With this coverage, your out-of-pocket expenses are often minimal when the unexpected happens.
Gold Certified vehicles come with a 12-month or 12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty and a 7-year or 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Blue Certified vehicles come with a 90-day or 4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty. The Certified Pre-Owned Powertrain Limited Warranty is extensive and covers major engine components like the cylinder block and heads, flywheel, manifold, oil pan and pump, thermostat, timing chain, and water pump. It also covers the transmission, which includes the transfer case and its internal parts, and the vehicle’s rear or front-wheel drive components like the axle shafts, bearings, and driveshaft, all of which can be costly to replace without coverage.
Perk #4: Extended Peace of Mind
Did you know that engine repair can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 or that electrical repairs can cost up to $1,500? To minimize your expenses, Ford gives you the option to extend your coverage with the Ford Protect Extended Service Plan that you can finance into the purchase price of your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The entry-level PowertrainCARE covers 29 critical engine and transmission components, while the BaseCARE covers 84 components. ExtraCARE adds high-tech components, while PremiumCARE gives you comprehensive coverage of over 1,000 components for up to 8 years or 150,000 miles.
Perk #5: Help Is Always a Call Away
When you buy a Certified Pre-Owned Ford like the Escape, Explorer, Edge, or F-150, help is always a phone call away. Every Certified Pre-Owned model comes with complimentary roadside assistance that’s available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This coverage includes towing, travel reimbursement, emergency transportation assistance, rental car reimbursement, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. When the unexpected occurs, you can always count on Ford.
Perk #6: Competitive Finance Rates at Your Fingertips
How do you plan to pay for your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle? Ford makes it easy with Ford Credit, one of the best finance programs in the industry that offers a comprehensive suite of services and exceptional customer support. Financing your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with Ford Credit gives you a variety of finance options, flexible terms, and low APRs that ensure your purchase fits your budget and finance needs. What’s truly impressive is that you have access to the Ford Credit tool in the palm of your hand, thanks to a suite of online tools that help you manage your account, pay your bill, track your payoff progress, and more from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Perk #7: A Nationwide Network of Support
Another great thing about buying a Certified Pre-Owned Ford is knowing that every Ford dealer has your back, whether you’re traveling through the Colorado mountains, exploring the Florida coast, or navigating a snowstorm in the northeast. Any Ford or Lincoln dealer throughout the United States and Canada is qualified to help when you need it most. This gives you the confidence to say “yes” to more adventures away from home.
It’s Time to Shop
“Out with the old and in with the new” has a new meaning in the automotive industry. With new vehicles trickling in at a snail’s pace, it’s a seller’s market as dealerships pay top-dollar for used vehicles that are often sold before the engine cools. This opens you to a world of possibility when it comes to your future on the road. You’re not only in control, but you have hundreds of choices right in front of you.
When you venture over to your local Certified Pre-Owned Ford dealer, you’ll see these choices for yourself as well as everything Ford’s Blue Advantage has to offer. You’ll discover that “out with the old and in with the new” is, for the first time, exciting and affordable. Considering Ford’s reputation for building innovative vehicles that are designed to stand the test of time, it makes shopping for a Certified Pre-Owned Ford a wise investment that proves its worth year after year and mile after mile.