Which Is Best for You: Ford Certified or Used?

This is a great question and one that we have customers ask us all the time because it’s a major decision to make when looking at different used trucks for sale. And yet, the answer is not as simple as you (and we) may want it to be because it completely depends on your situation and what will work best given that. There is no clear, simple answer for every driver; of course, that’s also why there are so many options available, which makes it easier for us to find you the perfect ride with everything you’ve been looking for. The best way to answer this question, then, is to take a look at what Ford Certified vehicles offer compared to standard pre-owned or used models. Then, you can use that information to decide which kind of vehicle is right for you as you explore your used Ford truck options.

The Ford Blue Advantage Program

The first thing we should talk about is what we mean when we say “Ford Certified” or refer to Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicles (CPO). Every car company has its own CPO options and for Ford it is the Ford Blue Advantage program, which provides you with opportunities to get fantastic pre-owned vehicles in the best condition possible. These are models that have been gently used and well maintained, then inspected to ensure they are in great shape so you can drive them with total confidence.

Along with these requirements that help ensure Ford Blue Advantage vehicles run well, you also get certain protections and warranty coverage on them to give you even greater peace of mind. While most manufacturers have a single CPO program, Ford Blue Advantage actually consists of two different options: Gold Certified and Blue Certified used vehicles. This means you have far more options available when you look at used Ford models and try to decide what will work best for you. Don’t get overwhelmed, though, because we’ll dig into the details of both programs so you’ll know exactly what each one has to offer.

Ford Gold Certified Used Vehicles

If you want a used vehicle in the best condition possible and with the most protection for your purchase, then a Ford Gold Certified model is where you want to start. These are the best of the best and have to meet the most rigorous standards for quality to ensure they are in fantastic condition. For starters, to even be considered for certification, a vehicle must be less than six years old, and it cannot have more than 80,000 miles on it. Older models or those with more use are immediately disqualified for Gold Certified status.

If a vehicle meets these first two requirements, then it has to go through an extensive 172-point inspection process to ensure it is in fantastic shape. This process starts with simple things like a VIN inspection, making sure any applicable service recalls have been performed, and checking a Vehicle History Report. From there, just about every part of the vehicle is inspected, including the engine and fluids, electrical system, exterior condition, and interior. There’s even a road test included to make sure that the car runs well, all else considered. Once a vehicle passes this inspection, then it can be offered as a Gold Certified model.

Not only are Gold Certified Ford vehicles in fantastic condition, but they also come with excellent protection and more offers for you to enjoy. Every Gold Certified Ford comes with a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, plus a seven-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty to provide you with total peace of mind while you drive it. You get 24-hour Roadside Assistance throughout the duration of this warranty coverage, and there’s even a 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee on your purchase if you change your mind about it after you drive away. All of this makes these vehicles among the best used models on the market.

Ford Blue Certified Used Vehicles

If you want some protection on your pre-owned vehicle but are not worried about getting as much as the Gold Certified program offers, then consider a Ford Blue Advantage Blue Certified vehicle. This is a great middle-ground between Gold Certified and standard used cars, starting with a 139-point vehicle inspection. You can see this is not quite as thorough as the one for Gold Certified models, but it still gives you peace of mind from knowing that your ride is in great shape. We should also mention that a vehicle must be less than 10 years old and cannot have more than 150,000 miles on it to be considered for Blue Certified status.

The advantages of a Blue Certified model are impressive, even if they are not quite as significant as what you get with a Gold Certified vehicle. Every Ford Blue Certified used car, truck, or SUV comes with a 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty along with the same 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee. This gives you excellent peace of mind about your used car and the knowledge that if you change your mind after you drive away, you have up to two weeks to return it and choose a different model that better meets your needs. Because of the slightly less rigid standards, you will typically find more Blue Certified models available, and these cars tend to cost less than those that are Gold Certified, so keep that in mind.

Standard Used Ford Trucks

Finally, we have all other pre-owned Ford vehicles that do not meet the requirements of these two Ford Blue Advantage programs or that have not gone through the certification process. There are many reasons a used Ford might not be offered as Gold or Blue Certified, including its age, mileage, or if a dealership doesn’t want to take the time to thoroughly inspect it. These vehicles can come from a wide range of model years and do not necessarily have to go through an inspection before being sold, so keep that in mind. Here at Loganville Ford, we still ensure our used vehicles are in great shape, which is why it pays to shop at a dealership that always looks out for you.

Used Ford trucks do not come with additional warranty coverage beyond anything that might remain of their original new-vehicle warranty that can transfer to you when you buy it. Similarly, they do not have a money-back guarantee or any other extra features and services. The upside, however, is that these tend to be the lowest-priced models out there, and if you are looking at used Ford trucks while shopping on a tight budget, then a standard pre-owned option could be the best way to go. It just comes down to what your budget looks like and how important things like inspections and warranty coverage are to you.

Certified vs Used: Which Is Right for You?

As we said, this depends entirely on what you are looking for and what types of vehicles you can find that might meet your needs. We love being able to offer Ford Blue Advantage used trucks with the added peace of mind they offer to our customers, but we also know that they are not right for everyone. If you need a Ford F-150 to help you get your job done, but you are on a tight budget and need to keep costs down as much as possible, then a standard used model is probably going to be your best bet. On the other hand, if it fits your budget and you want the peace of mind you get from a Blue Advantage vehicle, then a Gold Certified F-150 is hard to beat. No matter what type of used truck is right for you, we can help you explore your options and make sure you get everything you are looking for.