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Certified Pre Owned Ford: Certification Standards and Inspection Highlights
When you are in the market for a certified pre owned Ford you are looking for a used vehicle that offers the peace of mind of a new car or truck at a lower price. A used Ford may only be made a certified vehicle by a franchised Ford dealership, so you can rest assured that any repairs required by the certification process are completed by a competent technician. Whether you are in the market for a truck like an Explorer, F150, Escape or Expedition or a car like a Mustang or Taurus, the Ford certification offers peace of mind including a comprehensive 169-point vehicle inspection, roadside assistance, vehicle history report, a powertrain warranty and a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Your certified Ford includes 24 hour roadside assistance for up to six years or 100,000 miles from the vehicle’s original purchase date when new. The powertrain warranty also provides six years or 100,000 miles of coverage to protect your engine, transmission and drive axle. All certified pre owned Ford vehicles also offer a three month or 3,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that may be extended by purchasing an extended service plan. Be sure to contact a dealership via CarsDirect or Ford Certified Pre-Owned to find local vehicles and warranty offers in your area. Before a vehicle can become a Ford certified pre owned vehicle it must undergo a comprehensive inspection and reconditioning process that is highlighted below.
- Vehicle History: All VIN numbers on the vehicle must match. The vehicle history report must be clean and any scheduled maintenance must be completed.
- Road Test: Test vehicle for proper idle, levels of engine noise, transmission operation and noise, drive axle operation, smooth clutch operation, normal steering function, body and suspension quality, brake and ABS operation, cruise control function, gauge operation and wind noise.
- Vehicle Exterior: Check for evidence of major body damage and body panel misalignment. All parts of the exterior must be free of cracks and damage. Exterior lights are also tested for function and lens clarity, being replaced as needed.
- Vehicle Interior: Check for air bag condition, steering wheel function, audio system function and climate system operation. Ensure that interior amenities work properly and are free of damage. The carpet and trim must be free of stains, damage and odors. If necessary, the vehicle must undergo a thorough shampooing. The upholstery is also checked for stains, wear and cracks. If equipped, the moonroof must function and drain correctly.
- Underhood: Under the hood, the technician will check fluids, including changing the oil. The engine will be checked for leaks and overall condition. If timing belt maintenance is needed, it must be completed. The cooling system is also checked for leaks and overall protection.
- Underbody: The vehicle is checked for frame and exhaust damage as well as leaks from the engine and transmission. All wheels and tires must be in good shape, and tires must have at least 50% tread life remaining.
After this comprehensive inspection is completed, a vehicle is eligible to be a Ford certified pre owned vehicle. By purchasing a vehicle that is comprehensively inspected and backed by the manufacturer, you can buy with confidence and save thousands over getting a new vehicle.
