If you are worried about buying a used car, then the Ford Blue Advantage Certified Vehicles program is the one for you. This way, you can purchase a used car worry-free.
When shopping for a used car, one of the biggest challenges is knowing whether you're making a safe and reliable investment. Hidden mechanical problems, lack of warranty coverage, or poor resale value can quickly turn what seems like a bargain into an expensive headache.
That's where Ford Certified Blue Advantage Vehicles come in. This program was created to give used-car buyers peace of mind, combining the affordability of pre-owned cars with the confidence of the Ford certification process.
If you're curious about whether a Ford Blue Advantage vehicle might be right for you, let's break down the details, benefits, and reasons why this certification program stands out in today's competitive used-car market.
What Does It Mean to Be Ford Blue Certified?
Ford Blue Advantage is Ford's certified pre-owned (CPO) program, designed to assure buyers that the used car they purchase meets strict standards for quality, performance, and safety.
Instead of buying a vehicle with an unknown history, buyers get a certified model that has undergone rigorous inspection, comes with warranty coverage, and often includes extra perks like roadside assistance and digital tools to simplify ownership.
There are actually two levels of certification within the Ford Blue Advantage program:
Gold Certified Vehicles
These are vehicles that are less than 6 years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles. They must pass a 172-point inspection covering everything from powertrain to interior finishes.
They come with a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.
Blue Certified Vehicles
These vehicles are up to 10 years old with fewer than 120,000 miles. They must pass a 139-point inspection. They come with a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.
This dual-tiered approach means buyers can choose between newer models with extended coverage or slightly older vehicles at a more affordable price point.
Why is the Ford Blue Advantage Program Worth It?
Buying certified pre-owned cars offers more than just a clean title and a fresh oil change. It adds layers of protection, accountability, and support that traditional used-car sales often lack.
- Confidence in Vehicle Condition: Every vehicle is inspected by Ford-trained technicians who ensure it meets factory standards
- Warranty Coverage: Both Blue and Gold certification levels offer warranty protection, which reduces financial risk if something goes wrong
- Roadside Assistance: Coverage for flat tires, battery jump-starts, towing, and more is included
- Vehicle History Report: Every Ford Blue Advantage car comes with a free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report for transparency
- Digital Tools: Features like FordPass™ Rewards and online service scheduling make ownership smoother and more convenient
The Inspection Process: What Gets Checked?
A big part of the value of Ford Blue Advantage vehicles comes from the inspection process.
- Gold Certified Vehicles (172-point check): Includes mechanical systems (engine, transmission, brakes), safety features (airbags, lights), interior features (seats, infotainment), and cosmetic details (paint, trim
- Blue Certified Vehicles (139-point check): Covers essential mechanical, safety, and functional systems, ensuring reliability even for slightly older cars
This means when you drive off the lot, you know the car isn't just "used". It's been tested, repaired, and approved by Ford's standards. Even small imperfections are corrected before certification in the Gold Certified vehicles.
What Does a Ford Certified Warranty Cover?
There are so many ways a Ford Certified vehicle gives you peace of mind. Here are some Ford vehicle benefits to consider:
1. Extended Warranty Protection
The warranty coverage is one of the strongest benefits of the program. Gold Certified vehicles, for example, offer up to 7 years/100,000 miles of powertrain protection, which rivals warranties on many new vehicles. This makes ownership less stressful and protects your investment long-term.
2. Roadside Assistance
Every certified Ford Blue Advantage vehicle comes with roadside assistance. Whether you're dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery, or a tow situation, help is only a phone call away, day or night.
3. FordPass™ Rewards
Buyers earn FordPass™ Rewards Points with their purchase, which can be redeemed for future maintenance, parts, and service at Ford dealerships. It's an added incentive that helps you save money over time.
4. Flexible Financing Options
Ford dealerships offer financing tailored to certified vehicles, which often come with better rates than non-certified used cars. This makes ownership more accessible and cost-effective.
5. Better Resale Value
These vehicles come with warranties, verified histories, and inspections. That's why they typically hold their value better than uncertified used cars when it comes time to resell or trade in.
Comparing Ford Blue Advantage to Other Programs
Ford isn't the only automaker with a certified pre-owned program, but it does stand out. Some brands only offer one level of certification, while Ford offers two, giving buyers more flexibility in balancing age, price, and warranty coverage.
For example:
- Toyota's CPO program only certifies cars under 6 years old, while Ford's Blue Certified program extends to 10 years
- Some CPO warranties exclude perks like roadside assistance or digital ownership tools, while Ford includes them as standard
The combination of rigorous inspection, warranty flexibility, and ownership perks makes Ford Blue Advantage one of the more competitive CPO programs on the market.
Is Ford Blue Advantage Right for You?
If you're looking for a quality used Ford but want the reassurance of warranty coverage and certified quality, Ford Blue Advantage is worth considering. It's especially valuable for:
- Families who want a safe, reliable vehicle without paying new-car prices
- First-time buyers who want warranty protection and fewer unexpected costs
- Commuters who rely heavily on their cars and want to benefit from roadside assistance
- Budget-conscious shoppers who still want some of the perks of a new car
While the upfront cost of a certified vehicle may be slightly higher than a standard used car, the long-term savings on repairs and peace of mind often outweigh the difference.
What are the Drawbacks of CPO cars?
No program is perfect, and buyers should consider a few potential downsides:
- Higher Price Tag: Certified cars often cost more than non-certified used cars of the same model year
- Limited Selection: Not all vehicles on a lot may qualify for certification due to age, mileage, or condition
- Warranty Restrictions: Coverage is comprehensive but still comes with limitations; always read the fine print
That said, for many buyers, the benefits outweigh these drawbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Ford Blue Advantage?
It's Ford's certified pre-owned program, offering used vehicles that meet strict inspection standards, warranty coverage, and ownership perks like roadside assistance.
Previously, you would stress a lot if you were purchasing a used car, wondering if it's a good deal. Now with this program in place, Ford assures buyers that the vehicle they are purchasing is of high quality.
What's the Difference Between Gold Certified and Blue Certified?
Gold Certified vehicles are Ford models up to six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles and must pass a 172-point inspection. Blue Certified vehicles can be up to 10 years old with fewer than 120,000 miles and undergo a 139-point inspection.
Both come with warranty coverage, but Gold Certified offers more comprehensive benefits.
Do Ford Blue Advantage Vehicles Come With a Warranty?
Yes. Gold Certified models include a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plus a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, while Blue Certified models come with a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive warranty.
These warranties are going to be well worth the cost of the Blue Advantage program, since you know emergencies are a part of life.
Do These Vehicles Include Roadside Assistance?
Yes, both Blue and Gold Certified vehicles come with 24/7 roadside assistance for added peace of mind. This includes services like towing, flat-tire changes, jump-starts, and lockout assistance.
This means that you can go on those road trips without worrying about a thing.
Are Ford Blue Advantage Vehicles More Expensive Than Regular Used Cars?
They typically cost more than non-certified cars, but the warranties, inspections, and added benefits provide greater long-term value and reliability. This makes the program well worth it. You will be investing in your family's future.
Do Ford Blue Advantage Vehicles Come With a History Report?
Yes, every vehicle comes with a free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report for full transparency. This means you know exactly what happened with each car before putting your hard-earned money into it.
Can I Return a Ford Blue Advantage Certified Vehicle if I'm Not Satisfied?
Yes. The program includes a 14-Day/1,000-Mile Money Back Guarantee (whichever comes first). If the vehicle doesn't meet your expectations, you can return it for a full refund within that time frame.
Ford Certified Blue Advantage Program - Take Advantage of It
Ford Certified Blue Advantage Vehicles bridge the gap between new and used cars, offering a blend of affordability, quality, and reassurance. With comprehensive inspections, strong warranty protection, roadside assistance, and digital perks, this program is designed to make car ownership easier and less stressful.
If you're in the market for a used car but don't want to gamble on reliability, a Ford Blue Advantage vehicle may be the ideal choice. And the place to purchase a Ford in Milan, Tennessee, is at Steve Marsh Ford.
We have been serving the Milan area since the mid-1990s, satisfying customers with our excellent customer service and our reputation for excellence. Learn more about the Ford Blue Advantage Certified vehicles program by contacting us today.