Examining the Effectiveness of Ford’s Certified Pre-Owned Program

For many years, shopping for a vehicle was considered one of two options. Either you paid the total price for a brand-new vehicle to have all the advantages of something with no wear and tear, or you took a chance on buying a used vehicle that may or may not be up to par with expectations of quality. This is why the recent advent of various CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) programs has been beneficial. Some might say it’s a better way of buying used, but in actuality, it combines the best attributes of each.

CPO vehicles tend to have manufacturer-backed warranty coverage and have been through rigorous inspections to ensure their sustainability. With limited mileage and a recent manufacturing date, there’s also an assurance that the wear and tear is limited, making them ideal choices for a lower upfront cost. Each manufacturer has its own program set in place, and Ford leads that way in being one of the most customer-friendly choices for drivers. Here at DePaula Ford, we hold ourselves to a high level of quality, and the CPO Fords for sale on our lot are also. Today, we’ll be examining the benefits of Ford’s CPO program and how it stacks up against the similar program offered by Chevy.

Prerequisites

A common factor that ties the various CPO programs together is that there are prerequisites and requirements for these vehicles to be labeled as CPOs. Ford and Chevy both have strict guidelines that their offerings must adhere to in this regard. For instance, Chevy’s program, which adheres to the boundaries set by General Motors, states that a vehicle must be no older than six years and have no more than 75,000 miles. Their vehicles are placed through a 172-point inspection, all faults are repaired, and the vehicle is reconditioned before it goes up for sale. To enforce quality assurance and transparency, all vehicles must also have a clean history presented to any potential buyer as a CARFAX report.

While these are all admirable guidelines, shopping for a vehicle has never been a one-size-fits-all experience. Drivers come from all walks of life and have different financial situations and comprehensive needs. As such, Ford’s program is a three-tiered structure that allows drivers to choose the quality and potential price of their vehicles.

Ford Blue Certified

The first tier of Ford’s program, Blue Certified, has a unique advantage over Chevy, as any make or model can receive this certification, allowing drivers to choose from vehicles that are either a part of or outside of the Ford fleet. The prerequisites for the Blue program are also much more broad, allowing for more options to choose from. The Blue Certified guidelines state that a vehicle must be no older than ten model years and have less than 150,000 miles traveled.

Ford EV Certified

As further proof of Ford catering to the needs of different drivers, their EV Certified program is specifically formulated for drivers looking to bypass the pump while saving on their vehicles’ upfront costs. The guidelines are stricter than those of the Blue program, which speaks to Ford’s dedication to quality.

Before certification, all Ford EVs, which are all strictly electric and don’t include PHEVs and HEVs, must have fewer than 80,000 miles of travel and have been produced less than six years before certification. By placing EVs in their own program, Ford ensures a higher level of quality due to the vast differences in design between them and their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Ford Gold Certified

For drivers who want the highest levels of quality in CPO vehicles, Ford also offers a top-tier certification process for its Gold program. Much like their EV program, all vehicles are under six years old and have less than 80,000 miles of travel. Only Ford vehicles can receive the gold certification, including a 172-point inspection.

Warranty Coverage

As previously mentioned, vehicles that are part of CPO programs usually come with manufacturer-backed warranty coverage to ensure higher quality assurance. Chevy and Ford are no exception to this and have unique programs in place to adhere to customer expectations. Chevy has a single coverage package covering all CPO vehicles, with little room for variety, like the prerequisites that their CPO fleet must adhere to. This includes a Powertrain Limited Warranty covering the first six years/100,000 miles and a Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty lasting 12 years/12,000 miles. The Powertrain Warranty includes 24/7 roadside assistance and covers the first two maintenance visits.

Ford’s coverage varies depending on which level you choose regarding your CPO. Drivers who choose a vehicle from the Blue Certified program receive coverage through a comprehensive 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty. A 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee is also included, and Ford also provides 24/7 roadside assistance that lasts for 7 years/100,000 miles from the moment of sale.

Drivers who have FordPass will also receive 11,000 redeemable points towards repairs. The Ford Certified EV program is also beneficial and comprehensive in the items it chooses to cover. First off, a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, which covers the drive train, electrical components, and safety systems, is included. Drivers will also have the additional advantage of Ford’s BaseCARE EV Limited Warranty. This covers the vehicle’s battery and transmission for a period of 8 years/100,000 miles.

Vehicles that are a part of Ford’s Gold Certified Program are given some of the best warranty coverage, which is more expensive than what’s offered by Chevy. Gold-certified vehicles come with a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty covering the powertrains, drivetrain, electrical components, and HVAC system. Even more remarkable is Ford’s Powertrain Limited Warranty, which matches Chevy’s 100,000-mile guarantee but extends coverage to seven years instead of Chevy’s six. Drivers will also receive 22,000 FordPass points that can be redeemed for repairs whenever necessary.

A Final Verdict

The CPO program offered by Chevy is expansive and affords their customers the peace of mind that accompanies any major purchase. As mentioned, the program is a one-size-fits-all approach, which might appeal to some drivers but won’t be ideal for all. The fact that their program caters strictly to their brand alone is worth considering. The fact that Ford has a program that includes vehicles from outside of their fleet, specifically formulated for EVs, and a top-tier level for those who want as much assurance as possible makes their program one of the best in the industry.

Add Value to Your Daily Drive With a Ford Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

The days when drivers had to choose between lower costs or elevated quality are long over with. Ford’s CPO program is among the best, allowing you to get a vehicle of exceptional quality while minimizing costs. Grasping hold of quality at an agreeable cost is all part of the experience when you come and visit DePaula Ford with a vast selection of offerings from all three tiers of the CPO program offered by Ford. Aside from this, we also have a sales team who can help you choose which program serves you best, as well as financing and maintenance if you need it. Whatever you’re looking for in a CPO vehicle, we’re determined to help you get behind the wheel.