Tips for Buying a Certified Pre-owned Ford: What To Look for

Buying a used vehicle can be downright scary, as you try to balance quality, reliability, and finances all at once. That’s where Ford certified preowned (CPO) vehicles come in. They offer Brewster-area buyers peace of mind with thorough inspections and solid warranty coverage. Best of all, Ford offers CPO designations specifically tailored for different cars, including electric vehicles (EVs). This guide walks you through things to check when buying a used car and offers practical tips that’ll help you drive away with confidence in your CPO Ford purchase.

What Makes Ford CPO Vehicles Different From Regular Used Cars?

While most automakers offer some sort of CPO program, Ford Blue Advantage is more comprehensive than most. Ford CPO vehicles meet a variety of strict requirements in terms of age, mileage, and condition, and they come with extensive warranties and other perks. Ford even offers three separate CPO tiers for different needs and budgets:

• Gold Certified: To qualify, vehicles must be under 6 years old, have fewer than 80,000 miles, and pass a stringent 172-point inspection. Buyers receive 22,000 FordPass Rewards Points plus full warranty coverage, including 12-month/12,000-mile limited coverage and 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection.
• Blue Certified: This tier includes vehicles that are up to 10 years old, have under 150,000 miles, and pass a 139-point inspection. Blue Certified buyers get 11,000 FordPass Rewards Points, a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, plus perks such as a complimentary SiriusXM trial.
• EV Certified: This tier is for fully electric models that meet the same age and mileage requirements as Gold Certified and pass a 127-point inspection. Buyers get 22,000 FordPass Rewards Points, a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, and an 8-year/100,000-mile BaseCARE EV Limited Warranty.

Inspection Process

Ford CPO inspections check the overall health and condition of a vehicle, including its engine performance, transmission, brakes, electrical systems, safety features, belts, fluids, interior controls, and paint quality. Electric model inspections focus on battery health, charging systems, and software. Technicians will fix any noted issues — using genuine Ford parts — before certification.

Additional Benefits

Ford CPO vehicles include up to 5 years or 60,000 miles of 24/7 roadside assistance that covers towing, jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout help. You’ll also earn FordPass Rewards Points upon program enrollment and get a free CARFAX vehicle history report. Finally, you’ll get a 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee, which means you have up to 1,000 miles or two weeks (whichever comes first) to make sure you’re satisfied with your new ride.

How To Evaluate CPO Vehicles

While CPO vehicles already undergo extensive quality inspections and come with dealer-backed guarantees, it’s always a good idea to confirm all of this information yourself. Let’s take a look at how to evaluate a used car yourself.

Verify the Vehicle’s CPO Status

The dealership should automatically provide you with official CPO documentation, but you should always review it carefully to verify the vehicle’s certification status. Look for completed inspection checklists, warranty details with effective dates, and certification documents signed by authorized techs confirming that the model passed inspection and that genuine Ford parts were used for repairs (if applicable). It’s also helpful to cross-check documents: Confirm that the VIN matches across the title, inspection report, warranty paperwork, and certification documents, and make sure the odometer reading matches the vehicle history report.

Each Ford CPO vehicle comes with a free CARFAX report showing past ownership, accident history, and service records. Take advantage of this and review it carefully, making sure the title is clean with no history of salvage, flooding, or frame damage. The vehicle shouldn’t have ever been used as a rental, taxi, or police car. It’s also a good idea to compare this report with the CPO inspection results to catch inconsistencies. If you notice any red flags, ask how concerning incidents were addressed during certification.

Inspect and Test-Drive the CPO Vehicle

It’s essential to inspect and test-drive a CPO vehicle before purchase. This lets you get a feel for how the car rides and allows you to confirm the vehicle’s condition for yourself. Here are some tips on how to inspect a used car before buying:

• Prior accident indicators or poorly done repairs: Uneven panel gaps, wavy surfaces, mismatched paint, dents, or scratches can all indicate prior damage that wasn’t properly fixed.
• Significant wear and tear: Rust around wheel wells and door edges could mean structural damage, and uneven tire wear patterns can result from alignment issues.
• Damaged interior parts: Look for torn upholstery or cracked plastics, and make sure that warning lights, seatbelts, seat adjustments, the entertainment system, climate controls, power features, and charging ports all function properly.
• Odd sounds or vibrations: Skip the music on your test-drive — listen for clunks, grinding, or whines that could indicate engine and transmission issues. 
• Sluggish steering or braking: Make sure the car starts easily, idles quietly, and responds to the throttle and the brakes without hesitation, at both city and highway speeds.

Understanding CPO Pricing and Financing

Shopping used is a great way to save money — there’s no doubt that a used vehicle is less expensive than a brand-new model. CPO vehicles do cost more than standard used cars due to the inspections and repairs they undergo, but this higher upfront price often leads to long-term savings through fewer repairs, increased warranty coverage, and better resale value.

Plus, if you shop with us at Brewster Ford, our finance team will work with you to get the best deal possible. We partner with a variety of lenders to make sure we can offer competitive rates, and we’ll make sure any applicable specials or discounts are applied to your purchase.

Discover Quality and Value at Brewster Ford

Ford CPO vehicles make sense for Brewster drivers who prioritize reliability and peace of mind. From premium low-mileage vehicles to budget options, there’s a perfect-for-you CPO Ford just waiting to be discovered. Drop by to see our CPO inventory at Brewster Ford, or contact us to schedule a visit. Our experienced staff can walk you through CPO options, answer your questions, and help you find the ideal fit. Let us be your trusted local resource for CPO purchases.

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