Choosing your next vehicle can be wrapped in an assortment of emotions, ranging from excitement and anticipation to fear and stress. Not only is it typically a major financial investment, but it can also require a major mental investment. Even if you feel you have done your due diligence, crossing your “T’s” and dotting your “I’s” to cover all of your bases, buying a vehicle can still come with some risk––especially if it is pre-owned. The answer, of course, is skipping the uncertainties by looking for CPO Fords for sale.
When you decide on a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle, the name of the game changes, providing you with the necessary reassurances you need to make a decision based on preference rather than lack of options. Rather than sifting through fool’s gold hoping to find the real thing, why not start with gold and find the piece that is right for you? If you aren’t quite sure what a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is or which Ford SUV models to look for, then you are in the right place.
Ford has a variety of spectacular SUVs available through its CPO program. You can find smaller models like the Escape or larger options like the Expedition, each providing its own distinct benefits for families, individuals, thrill seekers, and home-bodies. Before you start your deep dive into what SUVs are available, it is important to first understand what CPO programs Ford offers and what they mean for the vehicles in question.
Strike It Rich With a Certified Pre-Owned SUV
Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are not exclusive to Ford, with many other brands offering similar programs. However, Ford’s CPO program is definitely a good one, offering the quality of a Ford backed by a factory guarantee. If you aren’t entirely sure what a CPO program is, it is fairly simple. CPO programs take pre-owned vehicles that meet specific requirements, inspect them from top to bottom, fix them, spit-shine them, and send them back out into the world with a renewed sense of life.
CPO programs are an excellent way to get a like-new vehicle but for a price tag that is a bit easier to digest. While many programs offer only one class of CPO vehicle, Ford provides several levels of pre-owned so that accessibility isn’t in question. Ford Blue Certified is the first tier of CPO vehicles, consisting of SUVs that are less than 10 years old and sport an odometer with fewer than 150,000 miles on it. Passing these requirements is the first step in becoming a Blue Certified vehicle.
If the vehicle meets the basic standards, it must then pass an extensive 139-point inspection performed by a highly-trained Ford technician. The inspection looks at everything from the tires to the sounds the vehicle makes. Any potential problems are then addressed before the SUV leaves the shop with a shiny Blue Certified label. Blue Certified vehicles come with a 90-day or 4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, along with the 14-day or 1,000-mile Money Back Guarantee that is available on all CPO Ford SUVs.
Now, if you have your heart set on gold, you are in luck because the top rung of Ford’s CPO program happens to be Ford Gold Certified. Gold Certified vehicles must be less than six years old and can’t have more than 80,000 miles on the odometer. If an SUV matches those requirements, it is then put through an even more aggressive inspection than the Blue Certified vehicles. Technicians perform a 172-point inspection, leaving no brake pad or rotor unturned.
What does the vehicle get in return for being subjected to this rather invasive inspection? It gets to claim gold status, which comes with a 12-month or 12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, plus an additional seven-year or 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. When it comes to perks, Ford Gold Certified SUVs have them in spades, making choosing a pre-owned vehicle easier than before.
The last CPO tier is one that will only grow in popularity as we turn the page on conventional combustion and move into the land of EVs. As you might guess, this tier is EV Certified, which covers Ford’s fully electric vehicle options. To qualify, a vehicle can’t be older than six years and must not have more than 80,000 miles on its counter. EVs are put through a 127-point inspection, which is comparable to the inspection for Ford Gold Certified models since EVs lack an engine with its multitude of components.
The EV Certified program covers vehicles with a 12-month or 12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, as well as an eight-year or 100,000-mile BaseCARE EV Warranty. As we leave the era of fossil fuel and enter into an electrifying era of transportation, warranties such as these are more important than ever before. Ford’s EV Certified program supports the movement toward more efficient and green transportation, making it more accessible to the everyday driver.
Freedom to “Fordge” Ahead CPO Style
We all want a vehicle that we can rely on, no matter what kind of money we shell out for it. Whether we are spending $5,000 or $50,000, we want to know that our vehicle will keep rolling for the long and difficult miles that lie ahead. However, not all of us have $50,000 to spend on a brand-new SUV, which is where CPO programs come into play. With the stamp of approval from the factory, we can enjoy a vehicle with a drop in price without experiencing a drop in confidence.
Ford has produced some pretty fantastic vehicles over the years, and many of them can be found through its CPO program. If you are looking for a quality pre-owned SUV, you are in luck because there are several Ford SUV models worth looking at. Consider the Ford Escape, a smaller entry into the SUV market. The Escape is nimble, versatile, comfortable, and offers impressive performance for its size. If you want something with sporty styling, the Ford Escape could be the CPO SUV for you.
If you want a bit more legroom, then the Ford Edge is what it is all about. The Edge mixes sporty and sleek styling with bold and aggressive features to give it a personality all its own. The Edge might not keep you on the edge of your seat with thrills and excitement, but it will keep you driving safely with a host of features designed to keep you and yours secure. Thanks to its midsize stature, it is still easy enough to maneuver but won’t give you the zip the Escape does.
The Explorer shows up to the SUV game ready for family fun and daily tasks. With three rows of seating, ample cargo space, and the expected amenities of an SUV of this size, the Explorer is ready for the road ahead. With impressive trim options available, like the King Ranch, you can get a luxury vehicle for the whole family to enjoy without dipping into their college funds. Another plus for the Explorer is the many hybrid trim options that are available––and yes, they are covered under the CPO program. You can enjoy luxury and efficiency for the whole family, putting the Explorer high on the watch list.
For an SUV that flaunts its size, consider a CPO Ford Expedition. If its size isn’t enough of an indication of what to expect, its name surely must be. Prepare yourself for an expedition into the unknown when you choose the rugged and powerful Expedition. Offering impressive towing and hauling capabilities, along with some desirable cargo space, the Expedition can handle families and those who don’t believe in packing light. Its size means a sizable price tag, so finding one through Ford’s CPO program can knock some cash off the price and add a smile to your face.
Is a CPO Ford SUV Right for You?
A CPO SUV might not be right for everyone. Some drivers may opt for a brand-new vehicle, while others might prefer to save whatever they can and go used without any extra warranties. Honestly, none of those options are bad. Whether you choose to buy new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned, it doesn’t matter as long as you choose the option that best suits your needs. In the end, if you are choosing a Ford, you know you are in good hands. So what will it be?
