Drivers in the market for a used Ford vehicle may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on to learn about the specifics of the Ford CPO program.
Ford Certified Pre-Owned cars are always under six years old, have less than 80,000 miles, and come complete with a seven-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
Inspection
In order to ensure that all Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are safe to drive, Ford subjects all CPO vehicles to a 172-point inspection that includes the following procedures and areas:
- Vehicle History
- Road Test
- Vehicle Diagnostics
- Under-hood Inspection
- Hybrid or Electric Vehicle Component Check
- Under-body Inspection
- Convenience Maintenance
- Exterior and Interior Condition and Detailing
Warranty
Ford CPO vehicles come with a limited warranty, which covers repairs or replacements of major powertrain components for seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. These components are covered by the warranty:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Rear-wheel and Front-wheel Drive
- Steering Components
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Climate Control
- Electrical Systems
- Technology Components
- Factory-installed Audio System
- Emissions Components
- Safety Systems
The warranty also includes certain benefits including:
A complete CARFAX vehicle history report including the service record.
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A 24-hour roadside assistance program that offers emergency services and security services including:
- Towing assistance up to $100
- Travel expense reimbursement of up to $500 for breakdowns more than 100 miles from home
- Rental car reimbursement up to $30/day for five days
- Fuel delivery up to two gallons
- Flat tire change
- Battery jump start
- Lockout assistance up to $50
Pricing
Purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Ford vehicle instead of a used vehicle can make a minimal difference in the price at most dealerships. The bottom line will usually be around 11% higher than a regular “used” vehicle.
For example, at the time of this article in April 2016, a used 2012 Ford Focus Sedan has a Kelley Blue Book value of $9,651 the same vehicle in the Ford CPO program is priced around $10,751.
Compare Ford to Other Certified Pre-Owned Car Programs
Whether you decide to go with a CPO car, it's always wise to have an independent certified mechanic inspect any used car before buying it. Certified Pre-Owned does not mean the car is in perfect condition, and any used car can come with serious issues that aren't apparent to an untrained eye. If you're in the market to buy a used car, schedule a pre-purchase inspection for total peace of mind.
