Is a Ford Blue Advantage Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle for You?

It wasn’t too long ago that shoppers didn’t have a ton of choices when it came to buying a car. If you were looking for a vehicle, you would go down to a dealership, see what they had, and choose either a new or used model. These days, however, there is another category that gives you even more vehicles to pick from: Certified Pre-Owned. Once you have decided to buy a used Ford for sale near Colonie, the next obvious question is, should you go with a regular used model or one that is part of the Ford Blue Advantage program? This guide looks at what each offers so you can figure out which pre-owned option best fits your needs and gives you confidence in the vehicle you’re buying.

Why Consider a Used Ford?

Going with any Ford model is an excellent choice for many reasons. All of their vehicles are built to be tough and durable and hold up well for years. Plus, whether you choose a sedan, SUV, or truck, it will be roomy, fuel-efficient, and come with advanced tech and safety systems, and this is true both for new and used vehicles.

The biggest reason to purchase an older model is that you get to save a lot of money. Not only does this benefit you financially right away, but also over time. This is because, with financing, you only need to supply a small percentage for the down payment. With a less expensive car, you won’t have to borrow as much money, which means there will be less to pay back. In addition, your monthly payments can be very reasonable, and you may also be able to completely pay off your vehicle in a shorter timeframe.

Another reason to consider a used Ford is due to the depreciation factor. New cars can lose a lot of value fairly quickly, as much as 40% in their first four years. Buying an older car will help you avoid this stark depreciation.

Why Buy a Certified Pre-Owned Ford From the Ford Blue Advantage Program?

Your other option with a used vehicle, a Certified Pre-Owned Ford, offers numerous advantages, and there are two different levels of certification.

Blue Certified

All Blue Certified Ford models can’t be older than ten years or have more than 150,000 miles. Their VIN number is checked in order to get a vehicle history report and to determine if there are any recalls. If necessary, a recall repair or replacement will be conducted. Cars with the Blue Certified title have to pass a 139-point inspection in which all major components are looked at thoroughly by expert technicians. If something doesn’t pass strict safety or quality guidelines, it will be repaired, reconditioned, or replaced. In addition, these vehicles are taken out for a road test to gauge the performance of the engine, steering, and braking system.

For extra peace of mind, all Blue Certified Fords come with a Comprehensive Limited Warranty good for 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first. For the duration of this warranty, drivers will have access to 24-hour emergency roadside assistance for things like a flat tire, dead battery, or if they are locked out of their vehicle.

Gold Certified

Gold Certified Ford vehicles can’t be older than six years or have more than 80,000 miles on their odometers. They also undergo a background check, and their history reports are scrutinized, but the inspection is a little more rigorous. Technicians closely examine 172 points, as well as perform a comprehensive road test. If anything isn’t working as it should, this will be addressed. Once the vehicle passes all tests, it is brought into the shop for a complete detailing of the exterior and interior, underbody, and components under the hood.

A Gold Certified Ford comes with a 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty and a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty. While the powertrain warranty still applies, drivers will have access to roadside assistance whenever they need it. For covered repairs, this includes free towing to an authorized Ford service center. Drivers can also get reimbursements for travel or rental car expenses while their vehicle is being worked on.

EV Certified

If you are interested in an older electric vehicle, you will be glad to know that you can also get a Certified Ford EV. Like those in the Gold category, these can’t be older than six years or have more than 80,000 miles. They have to pass a 127-point inspection and include EV-specific warranty coverage and roadside assistance.

Take Advantage of Our DePaula Pre-Owned Promise

At DePaula Ford, we understand that used cars often have a negative connotation. While the industry has changed quite a bit over the last several decades, there are still many shoppers who associate older models with poor quality, or they may think that dealerships are just trying to pawn off bad autos on unsuspecting customers. This is why we strive to give our customers great assurances with the vehicles they buy, and this is what the DePaula Promise is all about. Every vehicle we sell has been thoroughly inspected by certified technicians and restored to a like-new condition in our state-of-the-art reconditioning center. If a car doesn’t meet our high standards, we won’t put it out for sale.

We prioritize transparency with everything we do, which is why we make CARFAX vehicle history reports and our own internal history reports available for free. All of our used cars also get a Comprehensive Limited Warranty good for 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first. Buying a vehicle—and particularly a pre-owned one—can be pretty stressful, but our goal is to make you feel great about your purchase and give you total satisfaction.

We’re Here to Take Care of All Your Service Needs

Another way we aim to make you happy about buying a used Ford from our dealership is by letting you know that we can help keep your car in excellent condition for as long as they own it. Our technicians are highly trained and know exactly how to care for your vehicle, no matter the make, trim, or year. From our service center, you can get any routine maintenance you need, including oil changes, tire rotations, battery tests, and multi-point inspections. If you ever need a repair or something is wearing out and has to be replaced, we can handle that as well. Plus, through our parts department, you can get any genuine components or accessories for your vehicle. And if it requires an installation, our dedicated team will be here to help.

We’ll Help You Find the Pre-Owned Ford You’re Looking For

Are you ready to buy a used or Certified Pre-Owned Ford? Whatever you are looking for, DePaula Ford has it. Check out our pre-owned inventory to see everything in stock right here on our website. Once you have picked out some vehicles that have piqued your interest, contact us to schedule a few test drives. Not sure exactly what you want? Feel free to come down to speak to our team in person. Our team knows everything about the Ford lineup and can give you all the information you need. You will also be able to talk to a financing professional who can help you get pre-approved for a loan. Finding your next pre-owned vehicle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you partner with DePaula Ford, we’ll help you every step of the way and help you discover a used Ford vehicle that meets your needs and budget.