Choosing a used vehicle rather than one that is brand-new is a great way to save money and have a ton of options as you choose from a wide range of models that have been sold over the years. The potential downside to a used vehicle, however, is that there is no way to know everything that has happened to it while it was owned and driven by someone else. A Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle eliminates a lot of that uncertainty and provides you with terrific peace of mind while still saving you money. As your Louisville Certified Pre-Owned Ford dealer, we are pleased to offer a terrific selection of models for you to choose from.
It can be tempting to go for the cheapest vehicle possible when shopping used, and while you certainly need to stick to your budget, a CPO Ford is a great value. The peace of mind that you get with a CPO vehicle cannot be beaten by any other used model, plus there are numerous other benefits for you to enjoy. Here at Town and Country Ford, we pride ourselves on our ability to work with all of our customers and ensure you get just what you need. Come visit us today to learn more, and let us show you everything we have to offer.
While most other car companies have simple CPO programs with benefits on a very limited number of vehicles, Ford offers two different vehicle certification levels. This means you have more models to choose from, giving you even more flexibility when you are shopping for a used vehicle and still want to enjoy great benefits like warranty protection and peace of mind. Understanding what each program has to offer will make it easier for you to choose the right CPO Ford with everything you need.
The Blue Certified level is for vehicles that are a bit older than a lot of other CPO models but that are still in great shape. They have to pass a thorough inspection process to ensure they meet Ford’s high standards, and they come with warranty protection just like any other CPO vehicle. With the Blue Certified options, you can save more money than with most CPO programs out there while still enjoying the peace of mind that comes with choosing a car, truck, or SUV that surpasses many other used vehicles.
If you want the highest level of quality and the best warranties in a CPO Ford, then look for a Gold Certified vehicle, which meets standards similar to CPO programs from other manufacturers. These are among the very best pre-owned vehicles on the market and include models from just the last few years, with low mileage on them. They are all inspected, of course, and have to meet the high standards set by Ford to ensure they are in excellent condition. You get more extensive warranty protection on these vehicles, so if your budget allows you to choose a Gold Certified model, then we strongly suggest it as the best overall value.
Blue Certified
Gold Certified
Please contact us if you have any questions about these different certification levels or about the details of any vehicle we offer. We are always happy to talk with our customers, answer questions, and ensure you know exactly what you are looking at with all of our models. We pride ourselves on offering the highest standard of customer service, which means putting your needs first in everything we do.
Both certification levels begin their testing with a CARFAX vehicle history report to ensure they meet our standards before their inspection to get their title as a Ford CPO. A CARFAX report is used to look further into a vehicle than just whether or not they have a clean title because having a clean title does not mean there has not been significant damage in the past. When the vehicle history report is run, we look into the VIN (vehicle identification number) and its history in its entirety, including who has owned it, accident history, if the title is branded or not, and why.
When a vehicle title is labeled "clean," it means the title has not been branded in the past. A title brand is usually the result of serious fire, flooding, or accident damage to a vehicle that rendered it uneconomical to repair properly. Other branded titles include rebuilt vehicles that once received a branded title but were rebuilt and legally roadworthy again. Junk vehicles are vehicles deemed non-repairable and can only be sold for scrap metal or parts. Vehicles branded as lemons have had repeated issues with no results from repairs.
Once we know the title is clean, we then focus on other aspects of the history. We look for previous frame damage, fire damage, and we look into the accident history. If the vehicle meets our expectations based on our findings of the full vehicle history report, it is time to move onto the inspection phase for certification.
By purchasing a Blue Certified or Gold Certified vehicle here at your Louisville Certified Pre-Owned Ford dealer, you can always expect a quality purchase because of the rigorous testing they go through for their certification status. Although the Gold Certified level puts contenders through an over-the-top 172-point inspection, Blue Certified vehicles still undergo extensive inspection and reconditioning before receiving their certification. This is because we want you to get the best value for your money, no matter what your budget or driving needs are. If a vehicle cannot pass either the Gold level inspection or the 139-point Blue level inspection, it just doesn't make the cut as one of our certified vehicles.
Each certification level inspection checklist is broken down into categories, with the Gold Certified level having a longer list for the inspectors in most of the categories. Each inspection begins with vehicle history. The Blue Certified level checks only the VIN and the vehicle history for outstanding recalls through OASIS. When it comes to the Gold level certification, the history of the scheduled maintenance on the vehicles, like checking and replenishing fluids, is also considered.
The vehicles can then be taken for a road test where they are inspected for their operation and how they sound while on the road. Both certification levels check for squeaks and rattles in the suspension and make sure the brakes, steering, remote start, gauges, and cruise control are functioning properly. The main difference between the two certification levels for this category of inspections is that the Gold level checks for six additional items like abnormal engine and transmission sound during operation.
Of course, the vehicle exterior will also receive a thorough inspection no matter which CPO Ford level you choose. The basics you will receive with the Blue Certified level is an inspection to ensure there is no exterior damage from floods, fire, or hail and that the windshield, side, and rear window glass are in acceptable condition and operational. Exterior lighting, including the trailer lamp connector, when present, will also be inspected to make sure it is fully operational. The Gold Certified level inspects the exterior beyond the basics, including six additional inspections like looking for damage on the body panels, grille, bumpers, and even the roof and roof racks.
Gold Certified vehicles again receive a much more in-depth inspection of their interiors than those who qualify for the Blue Certified level. Both levels require inspections of the airbags and safety belts as well as of the alarm and theft deterrent systems, the climate control systems, and amenities like the interior lighting, wipers, and washers to make sure they are all working properly. Both certifications also require the vehicles to be odor-free. However, Gold Certified vehicles even require their interior to be in pristine condition, including having any factory cargo nets and cargo area lighting present and functioning.
With both the Blue and the Gold Certified levels, the vehicle diagnostics, engine, and powertrain inspections are identical; and rightfully so. No matter which certification level you choose, we want to make sure you receive a safe, operational, and quality vehicle from us. This is why every Ford CPO vehicle will have a system test done to make sure there are no error codes found. The vehicles will get all fluids checked and changed, the engine thoroughly inspected for leaks, and all hoses, wiring, and lines will be inspected for damage. For electric and hybrid vehicles, they will also receive thorough inspections on their running systems, driving modes, heating, and cooling systems, as well as have their charging components tested for proper function.
When it comes to inspecting the underbody, both certification levels are very similar in their criteria. The vehicles' frames are inspected for damage. The exhaust systems are checked, an emissions control test is performed, the transmission, transaxle, differential, transfer case, and brakes are all inspected as well to ensure everything is in good working condition for you. The difference between the two lies in the tires and wheels inspections: the Gold Certified level goes beyond looking for more than normal tire wear and acceptable tread depth and even checks to see if a wheel alignment is needed.
With each Ford CPO, you are getting a vehicle that has been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned as needed to give you a model that looks, feels, and drives as new as a pre-owned car can be. What you also get is protection with your purchase through warranties. This added protection will help ease any concerns about what may happen to your vehicle once you drive off our lot. You will get Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage with both certification levels and Powertrain Limited Warranty Coverage with Gold Certified vehicles.
Gold Certified vehicles come with a 12-Month/12,000-Mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty covering more than 1,000 components. Blue Certified vehicles come with a lesser 90-Day/4,000-Mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty since they have higher mileage and are older vehicles. Both warranties are based on whichever comes first: the time or the mileage. They also both cover the engine, transmission, drive-train, steering components, brakes, suspension, technology, emissions, and systems like heating and air conditioning, safety, and even the factory audio system.
What sets the Gold Certification level above Blue is its additional 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage. With this added protection, your new pre-owned vehicle gets more coverage on the powertrain components. Some items covered under this warranty are the exhaust and intake manifolds, oil pan and pump, engine and transmission seals and gaskets, the thermostat and its housing, and even the transfer case and all of its internal parts. Any internally lubricated part in the engine and transmission is covered. For a used vehicle, that does not sound very risky at all.
For more than 100 years, Ford has been making some of the best vehicles on the road, which means you will find a lot of fantastic used Ford models out there. While they have largely moved on from sedans in their new-vehicle lineup, there are plenty of used Ford cars available. You can find great models like the Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion, and the Taurus. If you are looking for something with a bit more muscle to it, then a used Ford Mustang is a great way to save some money while getting a powerful vehicle that is a thrill to drive.
The Ford lineup includes some of the best SUVs on the road in a wide range of sizes and styles for you to choose from. The Ford EcoSport and Escape are both great options if you are looking for something small, while the Edge and Explorer are perfect if you want something midsize. If you prefer the space and power of a larger SUV, then look for a used Ford Expedition to get room for up to nine passengers.
Of course, we cannot talk about Ford without looking at their lineup of trucks. The full-size F-150 has been the bestselling truck in America for more than 40 years, which means there are more of them out there than any other pickup on the road. A used F-150 is a terrific investment due to its reliability and high level of performance. If you are looking for something smaller, then the Ranger is a terrific midsize option; on the other hand, one of the Ford Super Duty models, the F-250 or F-350, is a great choice if you need more power than the F-150 offers.
Whether you are just starting your search for your CPO Ford or you have a clear idea of what you want, we are ready to help. Our friendly and knowledgeable salespeople will always put your needs first, which means we work for you rather than having a pushy salesperson trying to sell you something you do not need. We will answer any questions you have and go over all of your CPO Ford options to ensure you find the right model.
For a lot of people, figuring out financing for their next vehicle can be a source of a lot of stress and worry. Here at Town and Country Ford, however, we work hard to eliminate all of the anxiety from the process, so you can focus on getting the car that is right for you. We will help you figure out the best way to finance your vehicle to stick to a budget, get payments you can handle, and enjoy your next car without losing any sleep.
We also want to ensure you continue to get the most from your vehicle for many years to come, which is why our certified service center and parts department are here to meet your needs. Whether you are looking for scheduled and routine service or you need more extensive repairs after a collision, we are ready to help. Even if you prefer to work on your vehicle yourself, our parts department can help you get exactly the right parts so you can get your work done and be back on the road as quickly as possible.
Finding the right CPO Ford and getting the best value for your money means choosing a dealership that you can trust. Here at Town and Country Ford, we work hard every day to earn and keep your trust with great deals, friendly and honest salespeople and help with everything you need for many years to come. Whether you are shopping for your first Ford or your tenth, you can put us to work for you and enjoy an easy and rewarding experience. Call or come visit us at Town and Country Ford today to learn more and see how simple it can be to shop for your next vehicle.
