The Ford name means something. It stands for reliability, durability, and a history of excellence. Ford has been responding to the needs of American drivers for decades, creating vehicles that you can rely on to safely transport your passengers, your equipment, your gear, and you in any road conditions. When you see the Ford name on a vehicle, you know it's a car you can trust. Still, we know that any time you buy a used vehicle, you want assurances that it's been inspected and will operate just as well as a new car. That is why we proudly carry Certified Pre-Owned Ford models and hope you look to DePaula Ford as your Certified Pre-Owned Ford dealership.
All of our Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles undergo a thorough inspection and must meet our strict standards before being sold. We carry a diverse lineup of CPO Ford vehicles, so drivers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from driving this great brand and the confidence that their used car is in top condition. This empowers drivers to enjoy a great Ford vehicle at a price that's worth getting excited about. From various models and model years to a range of body styles, including SUVs and pickups, we have many CPO Fords to choose from, so come visit us and see what we have in store.
Many drivers see that we carry both used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and ask us, "What's the difference?" While they have both had previous owners, a CPO vehicle is a cut above a traditional used car. In order for a vehicle to qualify as Certified Pre-Owned, it must meet strict quality and safety standards. This includes a comprehensive, multi-point inspection during which qualified, factory-trained technicians examine and test virtually every part of the vehicle. The examination expands from everything under the hood to features within the car, like the air conditioning and window controls. Technicians review the vehicle with a detailed checklist, and the car must get a little check mark next to each point in order to be listed as Certified Pre-Owned.
Certified Pre-Owned vehicles will typically be newer and have fewer miles on the clock than your average used car. What's more, the original manufacturer usually backs the CPO vehicles offered at dealerships. This means each car must specifically pass the manufacturer's requirements in order to be listed as Certified Pre-Owned. CPO vehicles also typically come with extended warranties––such as powertrain warranties––from the manufacturer that will be recognized at any affiliated dealership. It is worth noting that you will sometimes see a car listed as "dealer certified," which is not the same as Certified Pre-Owned. These programs use the dealer's own requirements for certifying a vehicle, and any warranties are only honored at the dealership that sold the car.
The major difference between a Certified Pre-Owned car and a used car is that you can only get a CPO vehicle from an authorized dealership. You cannot buy one from an individual seller or an independent used car dealer. So if you want the assurance that comes from a Certified Pre-Owned car, you will need to visit a dealership like DePaula Ford.
Ford has its own unique certification program that cars must undergo in order to receive its Certified Pre-Owned seal of approval. However, the Ford Blue Advantage CPO program actually has two levels: Gold Certified and Blue Certified. Let's take a look at each one.
Ford Gold Certified only includes used Ford vehicles. In order to qualify, a car must be less than six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on it. Only if a vehicle meets these qualifications is it eligible to undergo a 172-point inspection by factory-trained Ford technicians. During this inspection, our technicians will look into the VIN history, check for any open recalls, and examine the vehicle's maintenance records. They will also take the car for a road test to ensure important components, such as the steering and brakes, are working properly. Only once the car has passed this inspection will it undergo interior and exterior detailing.
Ford Blue Certified is an interesting addition to the Ford Blue Advantage CPO program because it opens up the program to other brands. That's right––Ford Blue Certified includes non-Ford vehicles. While not as comprehensive as Gold Certified, Blue Certified goes to cars that are no older than nine years and have fewer than 120,000 miles on them. Once a car passes these qualifications, it undergoes a 139-point inspection. Its VIN history, recall history, and maintenance records are all checked, and technicians take it for a test drive.
Every Ford Gold Certified vehicle comes with a bumper-to-bumper warranty lasting up to 12 months or 12,000 miles from when the vehicle was purchased. Additionally, Ford provides a seven-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty with Gold Certified vehicles. These cars also qualify for rental car reimbursement when they are being repaired and come with 24/7 roadside assistance.
Blue Certified vehicles come with a Ford-backed 90-day or 4,000-mile limited warranty. However, they do not receive the powertrain warranty provided with Gold Certified vehicles. So drivers who want that extra coverage should consider purchasing a separate powertrain warranty. Still, Blue Certified models do come with 24/7 roadside assistance.
Both levels get access to FordPass Rewards. Gold Certified models come with 22,000 introductory Rewards Points, while Blue Certified vehicles provide 11,000 points. These can be used on repairs, maintenance, and more. Gold Certified cars clearly enjoy more perks and coverage, but it is generous of Ford to extend its Blue Certified program to cars outside of the Ford family so that drivers of nearly any make or model can get that CPO peace of mind.
Sometimes, buying used can come with a lot of trepidation. But when you purchase a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from DePaula Ford, you can drive off with the peace of mind that you will get as much dealer and manufacturer support as if you'd purchased a new vehicle. Ford wants every driver to be able to afford one of its great cars and know that taking care of their vehicle won't break the bank. That is why the brand created its thorough and impressive Blue Advantage CPO program. When you buy a Gold Certified or Blue Certified vehicle, you know that it has gone through a thorough inspection and met rigorous standards before going up for sale.
While Ford continues to build new and exciting vehicles, it has also produced many reliable and beloved classics over the years. Ford believes that even drivers who opt for an older Ford deserve the same support and assurances that drivers of new cars receive. Choosing a Certified Pre-Owned Ford means you get the best of several worlds: you get the quality you can trust from the Ford brand and the coverage that is usually only seen in new vehicles, all at a great price.
At DePaula Ford, we proudly carry Certified Pre-Owned Fords and love showing drivers why there's so much to celebrate about buying a CPO model. And since both Gold Certified and Blue Certified vehicles are less than 10 years old, you can look forward to many of the same modern features you expect in newer Fords, but at a budget-friendly price. Give us a call today to find your Certified Pre-Owned car, truck, or SUV!
